Chapter 188

Evelyn's lips curved slightly.

"Good friend."

Those three words had once been a thorn, deeply embedded in her heart.

Now they had transformed into a sharp boomerang, flying straight toward Alexander Hamilton.

Peter Harrison continued chattering away: "We grew up together—over twenty years of friendship. From elementary school through high school, we attended the same schools. I even helped her choose her medical school application."

Alexander's expression darkened dangerously.

Evelyn seized the moment to intervene: "Mr. Hamilton is here to survey the area. He plans to turn our neighborhood into an amusement park."

Peter's eyes widened in realization. "Ah, I see. I thought—"

"Thought what?" Alexander cut in coldly.

"Nothing. I just heard from my mom that the neighborhood was being demolished. I didn’t expect it to be your project. What a coincidence."

Evelyn added softly, "Mr. Hamilton has promised to provide relocation housing in the city center. The housing issue is already resolved."

Peter brightened. "Really? That’s fantastic! My mom’s been worried about renting. Evelyn, let’s pick the same floor, yeah? Keep our families as neighbors."

"Looking to mooch meals again?" Evelyn chuckled.

"Aunt Grace’s cooking is incredible! I’ll pay for my share—even help out in the kitchen."

"Please. Mom adores it when you praise her cooking. She always packs extras for you. She’d love to have you over every day."

Peter scratched his head. "At least save me some dignity in front of Mr. Hamilton..."

"Come on. Mom’s already cooking."

"Are you sure that’s... appropriate?"

"Stop pretending to be polite. Take some for your mom too—save her the trouble."

Peter’s eyes sparkled. "Perfect! Mom hates cooking. I’m sick of instant noodles."

"Whenever Aunt Lucy doesn’t feel like cooking, just come over. The more, the merrier."

"Then I won’t hold back."

Evelyn turned to Alexander. "Mr. Hamilton, we’ll be going now. I’ll treat you to dinner another time."

She tugged Peter toward the apartment building.

Their conversation drifted back faintly:

"Wasn’t today Mr. Hamilton’s engagement party? How does he have time to survey land?"

"As long as the bride doesn’t mind."

"True. But it’s rare for exes to stay friends after divorce."

"Don’t use the word 'friend.'"

"Why not?"

"It’s misleading."

"What should I say if people ask?"

Evelyn murmured something.

Alexander didn’t catch it.

The apartment door slammed shut, sealing away the final words behind cold steel and concrete.