Chapter 275

The moment Alexander Kingsley was discharged from the hospital, the mountain of work waiting for him consumed three sleepless nights. His health remained unstable, sustained only by the IV drips and medications Isabella Sinclair had prepared. He needed to recover quickly—how else could he protect those he loved in this weakened state?

"Mr. Kingsley, it's time for your medication," Sebastian Lockwood announced, placing a tray with pills and mineral water in front of him.

Alexander barely glanced up from the documents. "Later."

Sebastian crossed his arms. "If you refuse, I'll have to inform Mrs. Sinclair immediately. She made it clear—any deviation from your treatment plan, and she's to be notified at once."

With a reluctant sigh, Alexander swallowed the bitter pills, grimacing. His fingers fumbled in the drawer for the chocolate bar Isabella had left behind—his secret comfort stash.

"What's the latest on Mrs. Sinclair?" he asked, the sweetness barely masking the medicine's aftertaste.

"Chairman Emeric's daughter, Myra, is celebrating her birthday soon. Mrs. Sinclair is overseeing the arrangements at the Windsor Estates."

Alexander's brow lifted. "The retired actress?"

"Yes! My mother adored her. She used to replicate Myra's outfits from her dramas." Sebastian sighed. "Such a shame she left the industry so abruptly."

"Why did she retire?"

"A drug scandal. Chairman Emeric cleared her name, but the damage was done." Sebastian smirked. "Though, I must say, Chairman Emeric has a way with women. Always swooping in as the savior when they're most vulnerable. No woman can resist that."

Alexander's jaw tightened.

Sebastian pressed on, undeterred. "Honestly, sir, your father handled multiple wives effortlessly. Yet here you are, struggling with just one. Maybe you should consult Chairman Emeric for advice?"

Alexander's glare could have shattered glass. "Are you suggesting I ask him how to handle his own daughter? Have you lost your mind?"

Sebastian coughed. "I'm just concerned. At this glacial pace, will I live to see you two reconcile? You saved her life, yet she hasn't visited once. Back then, she'd prepare feasts and wait at the gates for your return."

A shadow crossed Alexander's face. "It doesn't matter. No matter how she treats me now, I won't give up."

A knock interrupted them. "Mr. Kingsley, Mr. Daniel Carter is here."

"Let him in."

Daniel strolled in, humming, his white suit unbuttoned to reveal a tanned chest, a platinum chain glinting against his skin. Only he could pull off such audacious elegance.

"Looking alive, brother-in-law," Daniel drawled, collapsing onto the couch. "Seems my sister's remedies worked wonders."

Alexander's pulse jumped at brother-in-law, but his expression remained cool. "If you're going to dress like that, stay out of Imperial Entertainment. This is a workplace, not a nightclub."

Daniel blinked. "Excuse me?"

"I don't need rumors about my preferences."

Sebastian choked back laughter.

Daniel's eyes narrowed. "I'm straight as an arrow! Even if you begged, I wouldn't—"

"Enough," Alexander cut in. "What do you want?"

Daniel flourished an invitation with a smug grin. "From Isabella herself. Myra's birthday party."

Alexander's fingers twitched. "And?"

"Did you get one?"

Alexander's temper flared—always a weak spot where Isabella was concerned.

"Relax, I'm teasing." Daniel produced another crumpled invite. "This one's from your wicked stepmother. Funny coincidence—she moved her birthday to the same day. Seems she's itching for a showdown with Myra."

Alexander frowned. "Elspeth's birthday isn't this weekend."

"Exactly. She's clearly trying to upstage Myra."

"Is there history between them?"

"Not sure. But back in their acting days, Myra was always the lead. Elspeth? Perpetual second fiddle."

Alexander's gaze darkened. "Monitor Elspeth. Any moves, report to me immediately."

Meanwhile, at The Regal Palace...

Elspeth and Glynnis sifted through a sea of discarded gowns, each more extravagant than the last.

"Disgusting!" Glynnis kicked a dress aside. "These are supposed to be this season's highlights? Even a stray dog wouldn't wear them!"

Elspeth drained her wine, seething. Thanks to Isabella, her reputation had crumbled. Luxury brands now refused to lend her so much as a hairpin.

"Mom, if you can't secure a stunning gown, this plan will backfire," Glynnis fretted.

Elspeth slammed her glass down. "Who would dare laugh at me? I'm the Abernathy matriarch! Myra? Just a washed-up concubine!"

"Right, of course!"

Elspeth stood abruptly. "Contact Haron. I want one of his designs—no matter the cost."

K Windsor Hotel.