Chapter 343

"Are you Mr. Anthony Winslow, the chairman of Elysium Bank?"

Anthony's lips curved into a polite smile. "That would be me."

Adrian, standing nearby, suddenly connected the dots. His eyes widened slightly. "Mr. Winslow, are you and Noelle... related?"

Anthony's expression softened. "I'm Noelle's father."

The revelation hit Evelyn like a tidal wave. She hadn't expected the injured girl to be the daughter of Elysium Bank's powerful chairman.

"Pleasure to meet you, Mr. Winslow." Evelyn extended her hand, her posture radiating quiet confidence.

Anthony shook it firmly, admiration flickering in his gaze. "No need for formalities, Ms. Carter."

Evelyn continued smoothly, "Mr. Winslow, Noelle sustained external injuries with minor infections. The medical team has stabilized her condition, though she hasn't regained consciousness yet."

Anthony gave a measured nod. "I received a full briefing before arriving. You have my deepest gratitude for saving her, Ms. Carter."

"It was nothing, really." Evelyn waved a dismissive hand. "Now that you're here, Noelle is in excellent hands. We should be going."

"One moment." Anthony signaled to his butler, who produced a crisp check.

The butler bowed slightly. "Ms. Carter, this is a token of Mr. Winslow's appreciation."

Evelyn didn't even glance at the amount. "That's unnecessary, Mr. Winslow. Please, keep it."

Anthony's eyebrows lifted in realization. Of course—the Kingsley heiress wouldn't be swayed by money.

"My apologies," he said smoothly. "Old habits die hard."

"Perfectly understandable."

With another gesture, Anthony had the check withdrawn. "If not money, then consider this a personal favor owed. Should you ever require assistance, my resources are at your disposal."

A favor from Elysium Bank's chairman carried more weight than any check—especially for someone in Evelyn's position.

"I'll remember that," Evelyn replied with a knowing smile that pleased Anthony.

It had been years since he'd encountered someone so refreshingly direct.

"Now if you'll excuse us, Mr. Winslow."

Anthony turned to his butler. "See Ms. Carter out."

"Right this way, Ms. Carter."

Outside the hospital, Adrian's car idled at the curb. The drive back to Kingsley Manor passed in comfortable silence, the estate glowing like a beacon against the night sky.

Inside, Leonard Kingsley sat stiffly on the parlor sofa, his expression stormy despite Dominic's repeated assurances about Evelyn's safety.

"Call again," Leonard demanded. "Find out why she's not—"

The crunch of tires on gravel interrupted him. "Mr. Kingsley, Ms. Evelyn has returned."

Leonard was at the floor-to-ceiling window in an instant, watching as Adrian personally escorted his granddaughter up the walkway. The tension in his shoulders eased.

There had once been talks of uniting their families through marriage—before Evelyn's ill-fated wedding to Nathan.

Now, with the divorce finalized and no lingering bad blood between their houses... perhaps these two young people might yet—

"Finally coming to her senses," Leonard murmured.

As Evelyn stepped inside, the housekeeper informed her, "Ms. Evelyn, Mr. Kingsley is waiting in the parlor."

She shrugged off her coat with practiced ease. "Thank you."