Chapter 105

The voice cut through the air like a sharp blade.

She should have seen this coming.

This property belonged to the Hamilton Group. The odds of Alexander Hamilton showing up weren't zero.

But then again—why would a man like Alexander associate with someone like Simon Stapleton? It was just an ordinary wedding. Why would he bother attending?

Especially with Margaret still hospitalized.

His company was in chaos thanks to the Anderson siblings, and his mother was bedridden. He had no business being here.

Yet life loved proving her wrong.

Not only had he come—he'd brought Annabelle with him.

"Evelyn, who's this?" Natalie Stapleton eyed the impeccably dressed Alexander with curiosity.

Before Evelyn could answer, Simon rushed forward, bowing like a shrimp. "Mr. Hamilton! What an honor! This is my wife, Natalie."

Alexander's gaze remained fixed on Evelyn until Simon's introduction forced him to acknowledge Natalie with a stiff nod.

Evelyn looked different tonight.

The emerald satin gown hugged her curves, her collarbones glowing under the lights. Her updo accentuated her slender neck, and subtle makeup highlighted her striking features.

Alexander's throat moved slightly.

"Friend of the bride?" His voice was rough.

Evelyn arched a brow. "You know Simon?"

"No."

"Then why are you here?"

"Simon's my friend," Annabelle interjected, cradling her pregnant belly as she clung to Alexander's arm. "Dr. Carter, what a small world."

Evelyn smirked.

Last time, who swore to cut ties? Yet here they were, inseparable at a wedding.

"Mrs. Hamilton and I were classmates in London," Simon fawned. "Mr. Hamilton accompanied her."

The title "Mrs. Hamilton" made Alexander's jaw tighten.

"Funny coincidence—my high school friend shares her name, just spelled differently..."

The unspoken tension thickened.

Alexander's expression darkened. Evelyn watched coldly. Only Annabelle glared like a territorial animal.

"This bridesmaid is the bride's friend?" Annabelle challenged.

Natalie shook her head. "We just met today—"

"Yet she's your bridesmaid?" Annabelle turned to Alexander, her voice saccharine. "Don't you think it's odd? First that 'chance' meeting at the restaurant, now she's all dressed up at a stranger's wedding..."

Her gaze lingered pointedly on Evelyn's exposed shoulders.

"Coincidence? Or calculated?"