Chapter 976

No.1

"Five cold showers. Soaked to the bone." His hungry stare traced her face. "Pathetic, right?"

It was.

Since she left, he'd been a ghost of himself.

Returning to the Kingsleys despite knowing it wouldn't change anything. Drinking Eleanor's suspicious soup despite the warning signs. Torturing himself despite her indifference.

"Evelyn, if I could let go, I would've by now." A bitter laugh escaped him. "Why can't I?"

Because some things cling like shadows.

"Get a grip," she turned her face away. "We're in a hosp—Ah!"

No.2

Sharp teeth grazed her neck.

"Alexander!" She thrashed violently.

"Remember what I said last time?" Madness threaded his words.

"What last time?"

"That hotel during your business trip..."

Memory struck—had Roman Young not knocked when he did...

"Not here. Anything else..." She conceded ground.

No.3

"Anything?" Alexander laughed hollowly. "More empty promises?"

"Then I won't even pretend now." Fury ignited in her. "Have you forgotten our agreement? I—"

A frantic knock interrupted.

"Evelyn! Are you both in there?" Patriarch Kingsley's voice boomed.

"Must be," came Victor Eaton's reply. "They were seen entering. Alex! Open up!"

Evelyn froze.

Had they overheard everything?

No.4

Including... the agreement?

Alexander abruptly released her, straightening his collar. "Get down."

His tone had iced over completely.

Blinking, Evelyn watched him slide back under the covers before composing herself to open the door.

"Evelyn, are you alright?" Patriarch Kingsley's concern was palpable.

"I didn't..." At least everything turned out fine in the end.

Especially since Patriarch Kingsley genuinely cared for her.

No.5

"Evelyn, come with me." The old man ignored Alexander resting on the hospital bed and motioned to her. "Let me handle this for you."

"No need, Grandfather." Evelyn Sinclair took half a step back. "It's over now."

See Madeline Kingsley again? Listen to her tearful apologies?

Enough.

She'd had enough.

The resistance in Evelyn's eyes didn't escape the old man.

He sighed deeply. The girl's heart was truly wounded.

No.6

"Evelyn, family matters should stay within the family." Patriarch Kingsley glanced meaningfully at the hospital bed. "We all support you. Clear the air, then you and Alexander can move forward. We won't interfere."

Evelyn knew Eleanor Kingsley would rush to comfort her if possible.

In the Kingsley household, everyone treated her like treasure—except Madeline.

Yet this suffocating affection only made her crave freedom more.

......

Madeline sat weeping on her hospital bed. "What did I do wrong? I only cared about Evelyn's health!"

Eleanor stood nearby, exasperated.

No.7

When the tears finally slowed, she spoke. "Mother, forcing medical tests on a healthy person would anger anyone. You promised last time to stop meddling—"

"Everything's my fault! This old hag should stop interfering!" Madeline suddenly erupted. "I shouldn't care about the Kingsley bloodline!"

"Just let me die!" She made a show of climbing out of bed.

"Enough!" Patriarch Kingsley stormed in.

Mr. Kingsley hurried to support him. "Father, please be careful."

Evelyn and Alexander followed silently behind.