Chapter 232

"Of course I remember him. That guy definitely remembers me too." Vivian Dempsey smirked slyly. "He won the speech competition two years in a row, and I snatched the title from him in the third year. He was so furious he smashed the trophy on stage. Don't bring it up next time you see him, unless you want to witness his instant mood swing."

Evelyn Carter's temples throbbed.

Back then, Vivian had been so obsessed with romance she barely noticed anything else. Yet even she remembered Peter Harrison—while Peter claimed to have no memory of her?

What was even stranger was how chummy Peter seemed with Simon Stapleton.

And last night's conveniently timed car horn—luring Alexander Hamilton to witness Peter caressing her hand.

Evelyn's fingers turned cold. She desperately hoped she was overthinking things.

......

The cocktail party was held at the Pearl Hotel, owned by Hamilton Group.

Vivian pulled two paper bags from the trunk. "Quick, change into these. I picked out our battle armor."

They hurriedly swapped into their gowns in the car and strode into the venue in their heels.

"Wow," Vivian whistled. "Alexander went all out this time. The place is packed with industry heavyweights."

Evelyn never doubted Alexander's influence. Her only concern was whether Simon would even make the guest list.

Turns out, she needn't have worried.

Near the buffet stood a sharply dressed man sporting trendy comma bangs, champagne in hand as he scanned the room.

Simon Stapleton.

His eyes suddenly lit up, and he rushed toward the entrance. "Mr. Hamilton—"

Alexander looked visibly exhausted.

Bloodshot eyes. Dark circles. Even his tie was slightly askew.

He gave a perfunctory nod, then froze when his gaze landed on Evelyn.

They both stiffened at the same moment.

To make matters worse, Simon was approaching.

Evelyn yanked Vivian's arm. "Turn around!"

"What's wrong?" Vivian had been counting the attending CEOs and nearly stumbled.

"Simon's behind us."

As Vivian started to glance back, Evelyn gripped her neck. "Don't look."

Fragments of conversation drifted over.

"...Annabelle and I just happened to meet abroad. We're not close," Simon simpered.

Alexander's voice was icy. "Who invited you?"

"Opportunities are seized, not given." Simon forced a laugh. "I heard Oceanic Group's newly appointed director Lora Hardy is attending tonight?"

"And?"

"Could you introduce us? I have something that might interest her."