Chapter 265

Alexander Hamilton's car came to a stop in the underground parking lot of a luxury mall.

The engine cut off, plunging the interior into brief silence.

"Will Simon Stapleton show up?"

"Yes." Alexander tapped his fingers against the steering wheel. "Lora Hardy arranged the meeting."

Evelyn Carter frowned. "Wouldn't her initiative seem too obvious?"

Alexander's gaze flicked to the rearview mirror. "Simon is already suspicious. Last time at the hotel, I had someone pose as a waiter to interrupt his little scheme. The timing was too convenient—he'd have to be a fool not to question it."

"So today..."

"A mall is safer than a hotel." Alexander cut her off, his lips curling into a cold smirk.

Evelyn shook her head. "I'll never understand the twisted games you businessmen play."

The car door suddenly opened.

Alexander circled to the passenger side and pulled it open for her.

"What's wrong?"

"Let's talk inside."

The elevator took them straight to the top-floor cinema.

At the ticket counter, Alexander gestured to the digital screen. "Romance or horror?"

Evelyn shot him a frosty look.

He pulled out his wallet without hesitation. "Two for Midnight Terror, back row."

The clerk gave them a knowing glance. "Couple's combo? We have sugar-free popcorn."

"One large bucket, two Cokes."

Evelyn turned to leave.

Alexander's arm snaked around her waist, pulling her flush against him.

"Let go!"

"Don't move." His breath warmed her ear. "Look at two o'clock."

Simon Stapleton sat in the waiting area, his gaze shifting restlessly.

Evelyn stiffened. "How did he—"

"Peter Harrison tipped him off." Alexander tightened his grip. "My men were compromised."

"The plan failed?"

"No. It's an exchange."

Evelyn jerked her head up. "Peter?"

Ice flashed in Alexander's eyes. "He abandoned his pawn to secure a new bargaining chip."

"Simon?"

"Smart girl." Alexander's smile turned razor-sharp. "To save his own skin, he'd sell out his own allies. Evelyn, had your childhood friend been born into aristocracy, he'd have made a formidable warlord."

His whisper sent chills down her spine.