Chapter 427

The phone in Alexander's hand vibrated sharply. A call from Dominic.

"Mr. Kingsley! Everything's arranged! Tonight at seven, prime time—every major network will broadcast Ward's arrest. I guarantee Isabella will see it!"

"Good."

Alexander's lips curled into a satisfied smirk. "After that, monitor Isabella and the prison closely. If anything changes, contact Evelyn and me immediately."

"Understood, Mr. Kingsley!"

Dominic hesitated, then blurted out, "Congratulations on reconciling with Mrs. Sinclair, sir. Make sure you treat her like the queen she is from now on. Compensate for those lost three years!"

Before Alexander could respond, Dominic cheekily ended the call.

Alexander's brow twitched.

That little brat—daring to hang up on him?

And what was that nonsense about? Lecturing him on how to behave?

Evelyn cleared her throat, cheeks flushed. "I didn't mean to eavesdrop, but your assistant's voice is louder than a foghorn."

"I have no secrets from you. You're welcome to know everything."

Alexander's voice dropped to a husky murmur, laced with indulgence. "Next time, I'll put him on speaker so he can apologize directly to you, Mrs. Sinclair."

"Don't you dare. A little privacy is healthy!"

Evelyn's eyes sparkled with defiance. "And who's this Mrs. Sinclair you're referring to? All I have is a divorce decree—no marriage certificate in sight."

"Who else but the dazzling Ms. Ashbourne?"

Alexander captured her hand, pressing a lingering kiss to her knuckles. His gaze burned with tenderness. "If you'll have me, I'll spend a lifetime making you happy."

"Hmph. As if I care."

Evelyn's delicate fingers trembled in his grasp, her pulse fluttering wildly. Even the tips of her ears turned pink.

Alexander's eyes darkened with hunger. Mere touch wasn't enough. He claimed her lips in a searing kiss, savoring her sweetness like a man starved.

Evelyn wasn't one to lose herself to desire—yet with him, every nerve ignited. Her vision blurred, her body melted, and coherent thought evaporated.

When Alexander's hand slid beneath her dress, she gasped and grabbed his wrist. "You had Dominic leak Ward's arrest to provoke Isabella, didn't you?"

"Clever girl." His thumb traced circles on her inner thigh.

"And you're certain she'll take the bait? What if she stays calm?" Evelyn's voice hitched as his touch sent shivers up her spine.

"We cover every angle. You taught me that, Evelyn." His voice was rough velvet.

"Then let me fan the flames."

Her fingertip traced his jaw, a sly smile playing on her lips. Alexander recognized that glint—his cunning wife had another scheme.

At seven sharp, every news channel led with the shooting.

Ward's arrest dominated headlines, his face unmistakable in the footage Alexander provided.

Simultaneously, reports of an innocent maid's death sparked public outrage.

Citizens flooded forums, demanding justice.

[This Ward is a monster! Worse than an animal! He deserves the harshest punishment!]

[Finally, the media did right—exposing these beasts for the world to see!]

[That poor girl… gone so young. Heartbreaking.]

Just as public fury peaked, strategic comments surfaced like stones rippling a pond.

[Did you know Ward is Isabella's personal bodyguard? Worked for her for years. The Sinclairs knew.]

Shockwaves spread.

[Word is, he's ex-military from T country. Killed people before.]

[And Isabella whitewashed his record? Typical elite privilege.]

[The victim was her maid. Both served Isabella. Doesn't that seem… convenient?]

Speculations exploded.

[Is Isabella cursed? Everyone around her ends up dead or ruined.]

[Maybe the maid discovered Isabella's dirty secrets, so the witch ordered her silenced?]

The theories grew wilder—some absurd, others chillingly accurate.

"Ms. Ashbourne, the narrative's spreading as planned."

Jason, though still recovering, had mobilized their PR team. "Social media's alight. Isabella must be sweating bullets."

Evelyn was a maestro of public opinion. A few well-placed words, and the mob turned.

"Jason, I hate to burden you while you're healing, but you're our best strategist."

"Don't apologize." His tone softened. "I'll always have your back."

"Jason…" Evelyn's throat tightened.

Lately, her emotions ran closer to the surface. She blamed Alexander for making her soft.

"Besides, I'm bored stiff here. Nydia's cooking is turning me into a couch potato."

Evelyn smirked. "I heard she visits daily. Still bored?"

"She's feeding me into oblivion! My abs are vanishing!" His mock despair couldn't mask his happiness.

"Nydia inherited her mother's culinary genius. You're lucky."

A pause. Then Evelyn turned serious. "Once this settles and you've recovered, I'll speak to Reginald and Eleanor about you and Nydia."

"Us?!" Jason's voice cracked.

Evelyn laughed. "It's early days—you two need time. But know this: Nydia is Ashbourne royalty. They'll vet you thoroughly. I'll put in a good word."

"Ms. Ashbourne… thank you." Emotion thickened his voice.

She waved him off. "You've been loyal to our family. It's only fair. Plus, Nydia deserves happiness. I trust you'll protect her."

"I swear it. I adore her."

Evelyn smiled. "Congratulations to you and Mr. Kingsley. After everything, you've found your way back. I wish you both joy."

"We will be, Jason. All of us will." Her heart swelled with quiet hope.