Chapter 224

The headlights of Peter Harrison's car dimmed outside Evelyn Carter's apartment in the night.

Evelyn unbuckled her seatbelt. "I'm here."

"Wait."

She turned to look at him.

Peter reached over to smooth her collar. "Was tonight's bar visit for a work gathering?"

"Yes. A colleague's engagement party."

"That Dr. Wilson..." Peter hesitated. "The way he looks at you is... different."

Evelyn answered bluntly, "He pursued me before."

"And then?"

"There is no 'then.'" Her voice remained calm. "We both know where the boundaries are."

Peter gave a bitter smile. "His qualifications far surpass mine."

"He is exceptional."

"Then why—"

"Because I don't love him."

The car fell into sudden silence.

Peter's voice was barely above a whisper. "You don't love me either."

Evelyn didn't respond.

Streetlight filtered through the window, casting fragmented shadows across his face.

She truly couldn't define her feelings for Peter. He wasn't the most dazzling presence, but he offered her the most stable life. No traces of Alexander Hamilton. No shadows of Annabelle Taylor. Her parents approved. Her younger sister was happy.

A perfect harbor.

"Go on up." Peter broke the silence. "It's late."

Evelyn nodded and stepped out of the car.

Under the streetlamp, she watched his taillights disappear around the corner.

Back home, her phone screen lit up.

That familiar WeChat name again: [Ephemeral Blossom].

12:33 AM.

Evelyn disabled the friend request function entirely.

The newest photos in her album stung her eyes—Simon Stapleton with his arm around Lora Hardy, their smiles blinding.

Suddenly, she recalled Peter's familiarity with Simon.

Did Peter know what Simon had done to Vivian Dempsey?

Why was he friends with someone like that?

Alumni ties? Or something more transactional?

A headache pulsed at her temples.

The sound of running water did nothing to wash away the doubts swirling in her mind.