Chapter 264

"The roasted sweet potato shop is quite far, but if you love it, I could lease a storefront across from the hospital."

"Mr. Hamilton, are you trying to buy me with money?"

"Would money even work on you?"

"No."

Alexander chuckled softly. "I thought so. You're too clear-headed. Money won't sway you—only sincerity can."

He glanced at her. "Peter Harrison's appearance actually helped me see more of the real you."

Evelyn scoffed. "If I were truly clear-headed, I should've demanded a hefty sum during the divorce. Back then, you were in such a hurry to be with Annabelle—you'd have given me anything."

"Bringing her up again? Still claiming you don't care?"

"She nearly ruined my career. Is it wrong for me to despise her?"

Alexander surrendered gracefully. "Not at all."

The scenery outside the window blurred past.

Evelyn knew there was no point asking him to turn back now.

This version of Alexander was nothing like the gentle man he'd once been. He'd fully embraced his darker side.

"Your eloquence has improved," Evelyn remarked dryly.

The corner of his lips lifted. "Likewise."

"Where exactly are we going?"

"You've been exhausted lately. Take a nap—I'll wake you when we arrive."

"Is it far?"

"Fairly."

Evelyn unlocked her phone.

Alexander raised a brow. "Calling in sick?"

"Reporting you to the police."

He burst out laughing. "Evelyn, it suddenly feels like we had a sham marriage."

She couldn't agree more.

During their marriage, he'd been refined and cultured, while she'd played the perfect, dignified wife. Even their divorce had been impeccably civil.

But these past few days, they'd shed every pretense.

His brutality with the wine bottle, her razor-sharp retorts—both had shocked the other.

Turns out, they'd never truly known each other at all.

It had all been Grandma Hamilton's matchmaking, him seeking a substitute, and her bound by tradition.

A farce.

"Shall we consider this a fresh start?" Alexander asked.

Evelyn ignored him, dialing the hospital director instead.

"I've been overworked lately. Need half a day off."

The director agreed immediately. "You've been through so much with Natalie. Dr. Porter will cover for you this afternoon."

"Thank you."

"Don't forget to submit your overseas assignment application soon."

"Understood."

She hung up and closed her eyes.

Alexander had clearly overheard. "Going abroad?"

She didn't open her eyes. "Mhm."

"Where? For how long?"

"Interrogation, Mr. Hamilton?"

Instead of taking offense, he smiled. "Evelyn, I quite like this dynamic."

"Enjoy being insulted?"

"At least we're being authentic now. You voice your grievances directly instead of maintaining that polite distance from before."

Evelyn kept her eyes shut. "...Your idioms are improving."

Alexander chuckled softly. "Passable."