Chapter 187

"What more is there to say between us?"

Alexander Hamilton turned around, his gaze burning into her. "Evelyn Carter, I love you." His voice was low but firm. "I want to be with you again. I know others are pursuing you now, but I won’t give up. At least give me a fair chance to compete."

Evelyn scoffed. "What about your fiancée?"

"You know everything—my grandmother, my mother, the company. Annabelle and I ended long ago." His brows furrowed. "The only reason I agreed to the engagement is because Mrs. Lightfoot threatened to kill herself—"

"Have you considered what she’d do if she found out you’re entangled with your ex-wife?"

"That won’t happen." His voice turned hoarse. "Annabelle can’t have children. They just want me to take care of her for the rest of her life. As for who’s by my side, they’ve already accepted it."

Evelyn jerked her head up. "So what? You want me to be your dirty little secret? Or the homewrecker who ruins someone else’s marriage?"

"It’s not like that!" Alexander gripped her shoulders. "I won’t legally marry Annabelle. It’s just for show—"

"Enough!" Evelyn shoved him away. "Alexander Hamilton, you’re too arrogant! Our marriage was never about love. I never loved you! Why would you think I’d sacrifice my dignity for you?"

His pupils contracted sharply. "You never loved me? Then who? That mediocre childhood friend of yours?"

"To people like you, Peter Harrison might not seem successful. But to my parents, he’s stable, reliable—that’s enough."

"Your parents approved?" Alexander’s voice tightened. "Do you love him?"

"Does love even matter?" Her lips curled mockingly. "I didn’t love you when I married you. Peter and I are equals—similar backgrounds, similar incomes, our families have been close for years. With him, at least I’ll have stability."

Alexander suddenly looked toward the window.

The car window had been left open from his earlier smoking. Peter Harrison had returned unnoticed and stood outside, listening to every word.

His expression was complex as he glanced between Evelyn and Alexander. "Evelyn, you left your wallet in my car."

She pushed the door open. "Thank you."

"Be more careful next time." Peter’s gaze flicked meaningfully to Alexander. "If you drop it in someone else’s car, you might not get it back."

Alexander’s face darkened. He stepped out and confronted Peter. "Mr. Harrison, I presume? I’m Evelyn’s husband, Alexander Hamilton."

"Ex-husband," Evelyn corrected coldly.

Peter smiled pleasantly. "Nice to meet you, Mr. Hamilton. I’m Evelyn’s..." He paused, then added pointedly, "Dearest friend."

"Dearest friend?" Alexander narrowed his eyes.

"Yes. The very closest kind." Peter’s smile was disarmingly innocent.

Alexander’s expression turned stormy.