Chapter 213

The sales office was already bustling with activity, and their argument quickly drew more onlookers.

Evelyn felt her blood run cold.

The last time she'd been publicly humiliated like this was when that woman caused a scene outside the hospital. The video had spread throughout the medical community, forcing even the hospital director to give her leave to avoid the fallout.

The medical field was small—every doctor and nurse in H City knew each other. The prying eyes and whispered gossip had felt like needles piercing her skin.

Just when the storm had finally calmed, here he was again?

"Alexander Hamilton, did you two plan this? Take turns making my life hell?"

Alexander's brow furrowed. "It's over between us."

"I made it clear—I have a boyfriend now." Evelyn clenched her fists. "Have some dignity."

"Evelyn," he said quietly, "I know it's too late for apologies. Just tell me what I can do to start over."

"Never."

"I'll wait."

Camera shutters clicked around them.

"Isn't that the doctor from last time?"

"Yeah, that's her!"

Peter Harrison quickly stepped forward, wrapping an arm around Evelyn's shoulders. "We're not buying today. Let's go."

Only when they were in the car did Evelyn slam her fist against the seat. "He's insane!"

Peter kept his hands steady on the wheel. "Don't let him get to you."

"I'm sorry you had to see that."

Peter gave a bitter smile. "Nothing funny about it."

Evelyn leaned back, closing her eyes in exhaustion.

"Honestly, I get it," Peter murmured. "Choosing between you and her? Only an idiot would pick her."

"I just want him gone forever."

Peter's hand suddenly covered hers. "There is a way to make him give up."

Evelyn jerked her hand back, nails digging into her palm.

Peter withdrew, smiling self-deprecatingly. "Too soon."

"I'm just... not ready."

"I understand."

"And about the apartment," Evelyn took a deep breath, "you're covering the down payment and mortgage. It shouldn't just be in my name. Either it's yours, or we split it."

Peter kept his eyes on the road. "Doesn't matter now. The Hamiltons intervened—we're not getting it."

"We'll find another place."

"...Okay."

Her phone buzzed.

A friend request popped up—[Ephemeral Bloom], the profile picture a white night-blooming cereus in full bloom.