Chapter 498

Isabella Sinclair had always yearned to hear those whispered affections, words that once felt as distant as starlight.

But now, Alexander Kingsley had become relentless, murmuring sweet nothings into her ear day and night until she nearly groaned in exasperation.

Yet every time he drew close, every brush of his fingers, every searing kiss, her mind erupted in sparks, leaving her powerless to resist his teasing seduction.

Love wasn’t measured in words.

It was in the way her pulse quickened, her cheeks burned, her body betrayed her resolve.

Breathless from his kisses, Isabella tangled her fingers in his tie. "Alexander, you used to be so composed. Now, you're like some—some—"

She bit her lip, censoring the crude comparison dancing on her tongue. Even if it was true, a lady had to maintain some dignity.

Alexander’s breathing was ragged, his gaze dark with hunger as he traced her neck, their foreheads touching.

"Isabella," he murmured, voice rough, "I'm your devoted hound."

Her heart stuttered. Heat flooded her cheeks as she poked his chest. "Stop that. Insulting yourself is like insulting me."

He swallowed hard, nipping at her lower lip. "Lucky for us, we've got an SUV today. Plenty of space to... play."

"I came for revenge, not to fool around in a car!"

Her face burned as she flicked his forehead, swiftly changing the subject. "Speaking of which, where’s the Fairhaven heir today? Nathaniel is practically a CEO. Wouldn’t he want to steal the spotlight from the Chambers family?"

"The Fairhavens are still dealing with the fallout from Vanessa’s mess. They’re under scrutiny. Showing up now would only stir controversy."

"Smart move," she scoffed.

Alexander nuzzled her cheek. "Nathaniel also said he hates these events. Prefers staying home wrapped around his wife."

"You’ve been wrapped around me for days," she grumbled, wriggling free. "I wake up sticky and disheveled every morning. Separate beds tonight!"

He watched her retreat with a wounded look. "Don’t be cruel, Isabella."

A knock interrupted them.

Isabella lowered the window to find Daniel Carter waiting.

"Mr. Kingsley, Mrs. Sinclair, everything’s ready inside."

"Thank you, Daniel," she nodded, then added sternly, "Stay sharp. Today is critical. The Sinclair family isn’t here. If the Chambers spot you, they’ll suspect something."

"Don’t worry," Alexander pulled her close. "I have people inside too."

Reassured, Isabella opened her laptop, fingers flying across the keys as lines of code cascaded down the screen.

Alexander watched, equal parts admiration and insecurity flickering in his gaze.

"Done." She hit enter with finality. "Now we wait for the show to begin."

He massaged her hand, ready to stand by her through hell or high water.

Inside the grand hall, tension hummed beneath the polished surface of Elmsworth’s elite.

Mr. Bartley concluded his speech to thunderous applause.

The emcee stepped forward. "Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome Congressman Edgar Gardner, who will present Elmsworth’s three-year economic vision!"

Edgar strode onto the stage, basking in the spotlight—until the screen behind him flickered.

His smile shattered.

Instead of his meticulously prepared slides, a handwritten ledger appeared—dates, amounts, names. A damning record of bribes.

Edgar swayed, blood draining from his face.

Margaret Laurent felt the world tilt beneath her.

Murmurs erupted into a roar.

"Is that—a bribery ledger?"

"Look! That’s Edgar’s signature!"

The screen changed again—photos of Edgar entering exclusive clubs, accepting lavish gifts, flanked by two women as they disappeared into a private room.

The crowd exploded. Cameras flashed like lightning.

"Mr. Gardner! Are these allegations true?"

"Did you accept bribes? Engage in illicit dealings?"

Edgar staggered back, sweat pouring down his face. "This—this is a setup! None of this is real!"

But the evidence glared back at him, undeniable.

In the chaos, Harrison Blake’s face darkened with fury.

"Find out who’s behind this!" he snarled. "This isn’t just an attack on Edgar—it’s a direct strike at the Chambers family!"

Nathaniel Whitmore gripped his phone. "We need to get you out of here. If this escalates—"

"No!" Harrison barked. "Leaving now makes us look guilty. We face this head-on."

Nathaniel’s phone buzzed. Margaret’s frantic voice crackled through. "Nathaniel! Meet me in the hallway—now!"

When he arrived, Margaret was pacing like a caged animal.

"Nathaniel, you have to save him!" she begged, clutching his arm. "If this gets out, his career is over!"

Nathaniel’s jaw clenched. "With this many witnesses? It’s already out."

Margaret’s knees buckled.

"Tell me the truth," he demanded. "Are those documents real?"

She closed her eyes and nodded.

"You let this happen?" Nathaniel hissed. "After everything the Chambers family invested in him?"

"And what about the benefits you reaped?" she shot back hysterically. "His position helped us all!"

"Enough!" Nathaniel silenced her with a glare. "I’ll contain what I can. But prepare for the worst."

Margaret’s sobs were swallowed by the rising storm.