Chapter 172

Alexander Hamilton's expression darkened instantly.

Evelyn Carter's lips curved slightly. Even the most composed man would lose his temper when his masculinity was questioned.

"Evelyn, you hate me."

"Hate is too strong a word. I'm just tired of this."

"I never intended to disturb you these past months."

"Who wants their ex-husband stalking them after divorce? Your constant presence suffocates me."

Alexander's chest heaved. "I just wanted to make sure you were okay."

"I'm fine. My parents adore me, my sister looks up to me, and my career is thriving. Stop assuming my world ended when I left you. Life goes on—work, routines, everything. I simply returned to the path I was meant to be on. Understand?"

"..."

"Done? Then I'm leaving."

He seized her wrist. "One last question."

Evelyn shook him off. "Ask."

"Why would you do that for him? You don't even love him."

She laughed coldly. "So this is what's been eating at you. Regretting those three years?"

"No! I just don't understand—"

Evelyn gave him a long look before turning to push open the storage room door.

Outside, the noise of the crowded restaurant hit them.

The modest Cantonese eatery was an unlikely choice for any celebration in the upscale city of H. Even ordinary wedding banquets would overlook this place.

The cramped dining area was divided into sections: soldiers reuniting on the left, a graduation banquet on the right, and in the distance, Auntie Lucy's birthday celebration. The space reserved for the Hamilton-Anderson engagement party was nearly swallowed by the chaos.

Through the sea of heads, Evelyn spotted Mrs. Anderson in her wheelchair while Mr. Anderson raised a glass to Margaret Hamilton with an ingratiating smile. His deference was painful to watch.

Margaret barely touched her glass to his. Maintaining basic courtesy was her limit—between mourning Grandma Hamilton, her son's shattered marriage, and the grandchild that never was.

Then she spotted Evelyn and brightened.

Evelyn gestured toward a private room.

Five minutes later, Margaret hurried inside.

"Evelyn!"

Evelyn stood with a polite smile. "Mrs. Hamilton."