Chapter 250
The study was tense with the presence of both Isabella Sinclair and Victoria Sterling.
Nathan Prescott would never allow Alexander Kingsley to step foot inside. In his eyes, Alexander had chosen Eleanor Sinclair's side.
At this point, father and son were practically at war.
Ever since Cynthia, Alexander's birth mother, had taken her own life, their relationship had become nothing more than a hollow title.
The rift between them, now widened by Eleanor, was exactly what Isabella wanted.
Only when they were at each other’s throats could she exploit the chaos and seize control of Sinclair Holdings!
Even if Nathan was the father of this illegitimate child, what did it matter?
"I called you here to inform you of something," Nathan said coldly, tossing a freshly printed appointment letter onto the table. "I’ve decided to officially hire Sebastian Wright as the legal advisor of Sinclair Holdings, as well as the head of the legal department. This appointment will be issued first thing tomorrow morning. I’ve already signed it—your approval as CEO isn’t necessary."
Isabella and Victoria exchanged smug smiles.
"I don’t agree," Alexander replied without hesitation, his voice icy.
"I don’t need your agreement. Sebastian is a rare talent. Don’t you understand how crucial it is for a corporation to secure an exceptional lawyer?"
"Did you not hear the conversation between Eleanor and Sebastian tonight?"
Alexander's eyes darkened, his lips curling into a sneer. "He’s an ungrateful, profit-driven snake. And you want to bring him into Sinclair Holdings? Do you intend to stoop to his level?"
"You insolent brat!"
Nathan shot to his feet, his vision blurring from the sudden movement. Isabella quickly steadied him.
"Nathan, don’t get angry—it’s bad for your health!" She patted his back soothingly, though inwardly, she was gloating.
"The Sinclair family has done the Prescott family a great favor. Emeric took care of us, even placing his own brother Jason in Kingsley Enterprises. And yet, Sebastian betrays his benefactors for his own gain. Do you really think you can control someone like that? If someone offers him better terms tomorrow, do you honestly believe he’ll stay loyal to Sinclair Holdings?" Alexander struck at the heart of the matter, leaving no room for argument.
"Alexander! You’re just making excuses to protect that devil, Eleanor!"
With no outsiders around, Nathan finally lost his composure, his face red with fury. "You’re defending her. Could it be that you’ve fallen for that wretched girl?"
"What if I have?" Alexander said softly, his words deliberate.
His heart pounded as if it might burst from his chest.
Nathan froze, as if struck by lightning.
Even Isabella and Victoria were stunned.
They couldn’t tell if Alexander truly meant it or if he was just defying Nathan.
After all, the only time this man had ever been foolish was when he chose Acacia over Eleanor, the jewel of the heavens.
"Alexander! Are you asking for regret medicine now? There’s no chance!"
Nathan trembled with rage, his voice cracking. "I’m telling you—even if you’ve fallen for Eleanor, you’d better forget about it! As long as I’m alive, I will never allow you to be with that Sinclair devil! If I’d known she was Emeric’s daughter, I would never have let you marry her! Three years of your life, wasted on her deception!"
The words hit Alexander like a volley of arrows.
His eyes burned red with fury, his pupils sharp as daggers, filled with a rage that could scorch the earth.
In the next second, he grabbed the crystal ashtray from the table and hurled it to the ground.
It shattered.
"Ah!"
Nathan flinched. Isabella and Victoria screamed.
Shards of crystal flew in all directions, some slicing through Isabella’s skirt and arm. Blood seeped out, and she nearly burst into tears from fear and anger.
"Eleanor did nothing wrong. What right do you have to judge her?"
Alexander clenched his fists, his voice low and dangerous. "What was wrong with her marrying me? Where did she fail me, you, or the Prescott family in those three years? I failed her. The entire Prescott family failed her! If anyone dares to speak against her again—even if it’s you—don’t blame me for being ruthless!"
That look in his eyes—
It was the same demonic gaze he’d had years ago, standing over his mother’s bloodied corpse.
Nathan’s breath hitched, his lips trembling.
Back then, when Cynthia had jumped, a young Alexander had clung to her lifeless body, staring at his father with that same terrifying expression.
He despised it. He feared it.
And now, for Eleanor, he was willing to turn against his own blood?
Isabella and Victoria, who had hoped to revel in his humiliation, were now too terrified to breathe.
Alexander took a deep breath, his eyes closing briefly. There was nothing left to say. He turned to leave.
"Alexander!"
Nathan’s voice was hoarse, shaking with emotion. "Are you really choosing Eleanor Sinclair over your own father? Remember your name. Remember whose blood runs in your veins. Without me, you would never have risen to where you are today—never would have held power in Sinclair Holdings."
This wasn’t a new argument.
Alexander didn’t even flinch. If anything, he was annoyed.
"I made you who you are, and I can break you just as easily! Do you really think I won’t strip you of your position? Do you believe I won’t reduce you to nothing?" Nathan was hysterical.
Even Isabella, who had seen him angry many times, had rarely witnessed this level of fury.
"If that’s what you want to do, then go ahead. If you have the courage."
Alexander turned slowly, his gaze cold and unyielding. "For her, I don’t mind standing against the entire Sinclair Holdings."
As Alexander left the study, his broad shoulders sagged, his soul drained.
"Alexander."
A gentle voice called out. He lifted his tear-streaked eyes to see Reginald Kingsley standing before him.
He had been so lost in his turmoil that he hadn’t noticed the presence in the hallway.
Reginald was still in his day clothes, clearly not planning to stay the night at Windsor Estates.
"Grandfather."
His voice was rough, choked with emotion.
"I heard your conversation with your father."
Reginald sat in his wheelchair. Alexander bent down, allowing his grandfather to touch his shoulder.
"Though speaking back to your father is disrespectful, this time, I agree with you!"
Reginald chuckled, patting Alexander’s shoulder. "I don’t want Sebastian in Sinclair Holdings either. You’re right—a man who only cares about profit doesn’t belong in our company. Don’t worry. I may be retired, but I still have influence. If your father insists, I’ll step in."
"Grandfather, as CEO, this is my responsibility. You should be enjoying your retirement, not worrying about these matters." Alexander didn’t want his grandfather involved—it would be unfilial.
"Nonsense! I’m happy to help!"
Reginald grinned, studying Alexander closely. "You said you’d protect Eleanor and that you have feelings for her. Were you serious?"
Alexander hesitated, his heart pounding.
After a long pause, he swallowed hard. "I spoke out of anger. I didn’t mean it."
"Hmph. Fine. If you won’t admit it, that’s your choice!" Reginald sounded disappointed.
"Grandfather—"
"Come, take me home. It’s boring traveling alone. Keep me company!"
"Alright."
Alexander pushed the wheelchair, heading down the hallway with his grandfather.
Behind him, Reginald smiled knowingly.
Silly boy.
The words that slip out in anger are often the truest.