Chapter 246

The car door swung open violently.

Alexander Hamilton stepped out, lighting a cigarette with practiced ease.

The flickering flame cast shadows across his sharp profile in the darkness.

Evelyn Carter had never seen him smoke like this before.

The way he clenched the cigarette between his teeth was unnervingly familiar. His slender fingers held it loosely as he exhaled a plume of smoke.

The sight sent an unfamiliar tremor through her.

Was this still the same gentle Alexander she knew?

He stood with his back to her, his tall frame radiating distance.

Under the streetlight, his silhouette was edged with cold light, impatience etched between his brows.

Evelyn tightened her grip on the seatbelt.

This rough-edged man bore no resemblance to the considerate ex-husband she remembered.

His phone screen lit up.

He made a call, his voice low and clipped.

Five minutes later, he crushed the cigarette underfoot.

Sliding back into the driver’s seat, he brought with him the mingled scents of alcohol and tobacco.

The car’s air freshener was overwhelmed.

Evelyn instinctively covered her nose.

Noticing her reaction, Alexander leaned over and switched on the air circulation.

"Rolling down the window would be faster," she said.

"I don’t want to hear the noise outside." He reclined in his seat. "I just want to be alone with you."

His phone lit up again.

"That favor Vivian asked for—it’s almost done."

He opened WeChat and handed her the phone.

A live chat window displayed new messages:

[Simon Stapleton: Babe, I waited two hours to get those donuts you love.]

[Simon Stapleton: My childhood friends are having a gathering this weekend. Want to come meet them?]

[Simon Stapleton: How’s your dad’s back pain? I found a traditional medicine specialist...]

Evelyn frowned. "Is this Lora’s account?"

"Yeah. Vincent just set it up." He took the phone back. "I have the password. We can check the progress anytime."

"Who’s Lora?"

"His current girlfriend."

"He has a girlfriend?" Evelyn was stunned.

Alexander smirked. "For now."

"You two brothers are really..."

"You think Gregory is better?" he cut in abruptly.

Evelyn glared. "At least he doesn’t play with people’s feelings."

"Not playing doesn’t mean not hurting." His laugh was cold. "How many women cried over his affairs abroad?"

"That’s not the same."

"The result is still heartbreak. What’s the difference?" His gaze sharpened. "He’s just better at pretending."

"You don’t even know him."

"Do you?"

The air turned icy.

Evelyn was taken aback by his aggression.

This change was more drastic than she’d imagined.

"How much did you drink?"

His expression softened slightly. "A few glasses with Mr. Harrison. Hard to refuse those state-owned enterprise veterans at the table."