Chapter 267

"Movie?" Alexander Hamilton waved the tickets in his hand. "We might as well watch something while waiting. Married for over three years, and we've never been to the cinema together."

Evelyn Carter turned her face away, focusing on the screen.

Alexander offered her a soda. "Want some?"

"Just watch the movie."

"It's a horror film. Not scared?"

Evelyn shot him a sidelong glance. "I perform surgeries daily. You think fake blood and props frighten me?"

Alexander nodded thoughtfully. "Point taken."

As the credits rolled, the hallway filled with pale-faced girls and eager boys seizing the chance to comfort them.

Evelyn cradled a nearly full bucket of popcorn. "Emily loves these. No sense wasting them."

She requested a bag from the concession stand and carefully packed the leftovers.

Alexander's gaze darkened with unreadable emotion.

"What?" Evelyn returned with the bag in hand.

"I realize I still don't know enough about you."

Evelyn chuckled dryly. "The feeling's mutual."

Simon Stapleton was nowhere in sight outside the mall.

The moment they got in the car, a shrill ringtone pierced the silence.

The caller ID displayed "Peter Harrison," making Alexander's jaw tighten. "Block him after this is over."

"Our families are close. We have to maintain appearances."

"At least drop the 'brother' title." Alexander paused. "Use his full name."

Peter's warm voice flowed through the speaker. "Enjoy the movie?"

Despite her preparation, the direct probing sent chills down Evelyn's spine.

"It was fine."

Peter laughed softly. "I wanted to take you myself, but you're too sharp—"

The phone was snatched from her hand.

Alexander's voice turned glacial. "Time. Location. Cut the crap."

Amused laughter echoed from the other end.

"Relax, Mr. Hamilton. The most intimate contact Evelyn and I ever had was a pat on the shoulder."

"If you'd done more, this call wouldn't be happening."

Twenty minutes later, they sat across from Peter in a café.

"Iced Americano for the gentleman, hot milk for the lady." Peter smiled at Alexander. "If I recall correctly, you prefer black coffee."

Alexander pulled out Evelyn's chair first. "I prefer tea, actually."

"Oh?" Peter raised an eyebrow. "Then it must be Annabelle who loves coffee, and you adopted her preference."

Alexander's eyes turned arctic. "If you want a good deal, watch your mouth."