Chapter 269

Peter Harrison's laughter echoed through the empty underground parking lot. He shouted after Evelyn Carter, "Evelyn, wait for me! In ten years, I'll come back in glory to marry you—Hey! I wasn't finished!"

The black sedan sped off like a cheetah.

Alexander Hamilton yanked off his tie and threw it onto the back seat. "Annoying."

The air in the car grew heavy.

Evelyn spoke softly, "Did the deal go through?"

"Those three projects are the lifeline of Hamilton Group for the next five years." Alexander smirked. "With that bargaining chip, he can establish himself anywhere."

Evelyn understood.

Peter had been biding his time for years, waiting for this exact opportunity.

"Thank you," she said after a pause. "I didn't ask for anything in the divorce. Consider this compensation for your losses."

"What if it's not enough?"

"..."

"Just kidding." Alexander tapped his fingers lightly on the steering wheel. "I just wanted to see you smile."

"Alexander."

"Hmm?"

"We won't get back together."

His fingers stilled.

"Once this is over, we go our separate ways. I'm stubborn. I don't understand romance. Don't waste your time."

Alexander's Adam's apple bobbed. "Don't be so quick to decide. The future is long."

"There is no future." Evelyn turned to look out the window. "If I turn back now, what does that make the child?"

A phone vibration shattered the silence.

"Check it for me," Alexander said. "I'm driving."

"It's not appropriate."

"It's from Lora. Just read hers."

Evelyn hesitated before picking up the phone.

Her fingers instinctively entered the familiar passcode—Annabelle's birthday.

"Wrong password."

"I changed it."

"What's the new one?"

"...The day the child left."

Evelyn's hand froze midair.

After three attempts, the screen finally lit up.

Lora's screenshot was glaringly visible:

[Simon Stapleton: Baby, I'm sorry. I've been busy with work these past couple days.]

[Simon Stapleton: I booked your favorite restaurant tonight.]

[Simon Stapleton: I shouldn’t have believed those rumors this morning. Let me explain in person.]

[Simon Stapleton: Please talk to me?]

Every "baby" made Evelyn nauseous.

"Simon resurfaced?" Alexander glanced over.

"Yeah. Crawling back with his tail between his legs."

"Peter works fast." Alexander scoffed. "Guess he's really afraid I'll kill him."

Evelyn suddenly turned to him. "Were you really... that reckless before?"

The car slowed to a stop by the roadside.

Alexander removed his glasses, his gaze darkening. "Want to find out?"