Chapter 249

Evelyn's head snapped up, her gaze sharp as a blade. "What else do you know?"

"Don't those messages Simon sent to Lora seem familiar?"

"..."

"Doughnuts turning into baked sweet potatoes, brotherhood gatherings becoming basketball games, acupuncture sessions turning into moving days," Alexander's voice was low. "And those daily, unwavering rides to and from work. Someone as sharp as you doesn't need me to spell it out."

Evelyn's fingers trembled slightly.

She had long suspected Peter wasn't as simple as he seemed, but seeing the evidence laid bare still sent a chill down her spine.

"Lora is the heiress of Oceanic Group. I'm just an ordinary doctor. What could he possibly want from me?"

Alexander's eyes turned piercing. "He knew I'd come, yet he insisted on bringing you. Don't you see his game?"

Evelyn frowned.

"That drunk," Alexander said slowly, deliberately, "was his test. He wanted to see how I'd react to you, how far I'd go."

"He hired someone... to harass me? That man was faking it?"

"Not likely. Probably improvised—saw a drunk in the next booth and took advantage." Alexander pulled out his phone. "I already asked Emily to look into it."

So that was what the earlier call had been about.

Evelyn instinctively said, "You hit him hard. With a head wound and dirty water, infection risk is high. He needs treatment immediately."

Alexander suddenly smiled. "Evelyn, you haven't changed."

"What?"

"Always putting patients first."

"Occupational hazard." She turned away.

His voice softened unexpectedly. "I didn't understand you before."

The air in the car grew heavy.

"Are we done?" Evelyn reached for the door. "I'm leaving."

A click—the door unlocked.

She stepped out, but his hand caught her wrist.

"About Peter," Alexander's voice was tight. "Do you need help?"

Evelyn pulled free. "My parents have enough to worry about. I'll handle this my way."

"Be careful."

The wind howled, biting through her coat.

Evelyn tightened her scarf. "Mr. Hamilton, the more you focus on me, the harder he'll cling."

As she turned, she nearly collided with Emily, who hesitated, glancing between Alexander and Evelyn.

"Should I call you a cab?"

"No need."

Emily nodded. "Stay safe."

For a moment, Evelyn pitied the secretary.

Once, she'd been called "Mrs. Hamilton." Now, even titles were awkward.

The taxi pulled away.

Her phone buzzed—Natalie's name flashed on the screen. "Evelyn... I'm bleeding..."