Chapter 69

Morning sunlight filtered through the clouds, casting dappled patterns across Evelyn Sinclair's skirt.

She had just stepped out of her apartment complex when she spotted the familiar black Bentley.

Nathan Carter stood beside the car, his professional smile in place. "Miss Sinclair, Kingsley Group wishes to address the photo incident with you."

The tinted windows revealed nothing.

But Evelyn knew Alexander Kingsley was inside.

She took a deep breath and walked straight to the car door.

If she couldn't avoid this confrontation, she might as well face it head-on.

The door opened, revealing Alexander's sharp profile.

Evelyn's fingers hesitated for a fraction of a second.

He'd lost weight.

His already angular jawline looked even more pronounced. Those phoenix eyes inherited from Eleanor Kingsley appeared sharper against his gaunt features.

Evelyn averted her gaze and slid into the seat without a word.

"Father assigned me to handle this," Alexander's voice came from beside her. "The person responsible for leaking the photos has been dealt with."

"Thank you." Her reply was curt and distant.

Silence filled the car.

Evelyn watched the scenery blur past the window, memories surfacing.

She used to chatter endlessly, terrified of awkward pauses. Now, she preferred the quiet.

"When do you get paid?"

Alexander's sudden question shattered the stillness.

Evelyn turned to see him holding out a black card.

"Transfer half your salary here."

She laughed softly. "Is Lord Alex short on cash?"

"Fine." She took the card. "If you dare accept it, I'll dare send it."

These were the exact words she'd tossed at him carelessly outside Vincent Sullivan's home. She hadn't expected him to remember.

As she moved to tuck the card into her purse, a strong hand shoved her against the seat.

Alexander loomed over her, fury burning in his eyes.

"Is this how you speak to people now?" His voice dropped dangerously low. "Answer me, Evelyn!"

Trapped beneath him, she had no choice but to meet his gaze.

Those eyes she'd once adored now blazed with anger.

"Who are you putting on this act for?" He ground out between clenched teeth. "Is this how the Kingsleys raised you?"

Evelyn turned her face away.

So he didn't like being ignored either.

"The Kingsleys never wronged me," she said quietly.

She would always remember the family's kindness. But Alexander's wounds ran just as deep.

"Those photos the executive had," she met his eyes squarely, "where did they come from?"

Sunlight streamed through the window, drawing a bright line between them.