Chapter 676

No.1

Last week Eleanor had praised Evelyn's classical elegance while complaining modern girls were too vulgar.

This hypocritical old hag!

"Mrs. Kingsley."

Evelyn approached, only for Eleanor to seize her hands.

"Evelyn, I came after hearing disturbing rumors." Eleanor beamed. "Seeing you here reassures me."

Evelyn's throat tightened at the familiar face.

"I only came to return some things today. I'm leaving soon."

No.2

Since arriving at the Kingsleys at ten, Eleanor had treated her better than her own daughter. The kindest repayment was accepting that love.

But today, she had to disappoint her.

"Alexander and I... broke up. I ended it."

She said "I ended it"—not "I chose this."

One final act of grace for them both.

Silence swallowed the room.

Triumph flashed in Isabella's eyes. Julian lowered his gaze thoughtfully.

No.3

Eleanor paled.

Alexander's expression darkened to murderous.

He'd warned Evelyn to watch her mouth, yet she'd dropped this bombshell the moment Eleanor appeared.

Did she crave attention so badly? Even exploiting Eleanor's concern?

Ungrateful wretch.

Eleanor recovered first. "Evelyn, Alexander's been spoiled rotten. I'll discipline him properly—"

"Don't worry, Auntie," Isabella cut in sweetly. "Ms. Sinclair has such a devoted suitor in Mr. Ashford. He fought quite passionately for her earlier—"

No.4

"My issues with Alexander are personal." Julian's voice turned icy. "They don't involve Evelyn."

"Really?" Isabella smirked. "The way you brawled, I assumed—"

"Ms. Winslow—"

"Oh, it's perfectly normal!" Eleanor laughed, waving a hand. "Pretty girls always have admirers. Our Evelyn's beauty and virtue would be wasted without suitors."

Isabella's eye twitched.

Even after Alexander's disgraceful brawl, Eleanor could still praise Evelyn?

"Of course," she said acidly. "Most girls would be called sluts for less."

No.5

"Ms. Winslow," Julian said coldly, "shall I play the recording where you confess your relationship?"

Isabella faltered, shooting Alexander a wounded look.

"I only said that to humor Grandpa... The media twisted my words..." Her glare shifted to Evelyn.

This scheming woman had monopolized Alexander for years. Even dumped, she refused to leave.

"Your grandfather's ill?" Eleanor asked.

"He's recuperating abroad, thanks to Alexander arranging Dr. Xu—"

CRASH.

No.6

Evelyn's teacup shattered on the floor.

Crash—

The glass slipped from Evelyn Sinclair's fingers, shattering on the floor.

Her fingertips trembled slightly.

Dr. York...

The surgeon who was supposed to operate on Sophie also shared that surname.

The same doctor who suddenly flew abroad the night Sophie's condition turned critical, forcing Evelyn to chase after him in the rain and nearly lose her life.

No.7

"Evelyn?" Eleanor Kingsley noticed her distress and grasped her icy hands. "You've gone pale. What's wrong?"

"Pathetic acting," Alexander Kingsley remarked coldly from the sidelines. "Spare us the theatrics at home."

Eleanor shot her son a withering glare.

"Dr. York..." Evelyn stared directly at Isabella Winslow, her voice strained. "From Kingsbury General's surgical department?"

Isabella shrank closer to Alexander like a frightened rabbit.

Alexander's arm encircled her protectively.