Chapter 713

No.1

Even the Kingsley servants whispered:

[...only got where she is because of that old favor...]

[...orphan girls never amount to anything...]

[...as if she deserves Lord Alex...]

Now that she'd finally left the Kingsley mansion, even Ethan—usually so decent—had come to twist the knife.

"I had more than enough evidence against Ryan," Evelyn said coldly. "If Alexander hadn't interfered, I would've—"

"Been torn apart by online mobs!" Ethan cut in. "Lord Alex stationed security around your apartment! If not for—"

No.2

"Tell him to save his efforts."

Her voice held terrifying calm.

"This is a lawful society. The young master needn't trouble himself."

Ethan froze.

That tone...it sounded exactly like Eleanor Kingsley.

Seizing his hesitation, Evelyn slammed the door.

"Miss Sinclair!" Ethan pounded on the wood. "There's a bounty for your photos online! Lord Alex is the only reason—"

No.3

She dialed building security.

"There's a disturbance outside my unit. Please handle it."

......

Kingsley Group Headquarters.

Alexander massaged his temples.

"Lord Alex, the chairman advised you to rest." Nathan spoke cautiously.

"The evaluation reports?"

No.4

Alexander didn't look up.

Dark circles shadowed his eyes after back-to-back international meetings. Since Evelyn left, he'd practically moved into the office.

"Miss Winslow sent supper..."

"Distribute it to the night shift."

His icy tone made Nathan swallow further words.

Today's mood had been lethal—one executive misquoted a figure during the meeting and left in tears.

......

No.5

In the waiting lounge,

Isabella's red-rimmed eyes lifted hopefully.

"He..."

"Miss Winslow, please go home."

Nathan's face remained impassive.

......

Midnight silence swallowed the office whole.

No.6

Alexander stared at his monitor, finger hovering over the mouse.

One last task.

Complete it, and there'd be nothing left to do.

Return to Royal Gardens?

That empty bedroom suffocated him.

Go to the Kingsley estate?

At this hour, he'd only wake his grandparents.

No.7

His phone screen lit up.

Alexander's pupils contracted.

That familiar number froze his hand mid-air.

Hadn't Evelyn blocked him?

Why...?

The phone's ringtone pierced the silence of the room.

Evelyn Sinclair stared at the flashing name on her screen, only answering at the last possible moment.