Chapter 270

Evelyn felt uncomfortable under Alexander's intense gaze.

"You're right."

Alexander leaned slightly closer. "Hmm?"

"During our three-year marriage, we were practically strangers."

Peter Harrison was cunning and calculating. Approaching thirty, he remained stuck at the design institute, toiling away without any notable achievements.

If Alexander hadn't extended an opportunity, who knew how much longer Peter would have had to bide his time before getting what he wanted?

The head of Hamilton Group could never be docile or soft.

"Peter was right—only someone as naive as me would believe you were a good man for three years. If I'd known your true nature, I wouldn't have dared to lose my temper with you."

Alexander chuckled softly and adjusted his gold-rimmed glasses.

He rotated his wrist. "You're not naive."

"You're intelligent enough—you just refuse to play dirty. Unlike Peter and Simon, who climb over others to get ahead." He paused. "Evelyn, there's one thing I never lied about. During those three years, I genuinely wanted to spend my life with you."

"A leopard can't change its spots. Wasn't it exhausting pretending to be a nice guy for three years?"

"Do you like nice guys?"

"..."

"Seems like you don't." Alexander understood. "Lately, I've been wondering what type you actually like. Unfortunately, your past is too clean—no reference points. But it's fine. We have a lifetime ahead. I don’t want to pretend anymore. Honesty is easier."

Evelyn didn’t let Alexander drop her off at the hospital entrance.

She got out at the corner and walked the rest of the way.

When she pushed open her office door, Gregory was sitting at her desk, flipping through a book.

Evelyn checked the time. "Why are you still here after hours?"

Gregory closed the book and stood. "Did you take the afternoon off?"

"Yeah, I went home to rest."

"Why did you come back?"

"I was worried about Natalie."

Gregory nodded. "The nurse Vivian hired is professional. The director is here too—the Stapletons won’t cause trouble."

"Did you... need something from my office?"

"Olivia had questions about her thesis. When she couldn’t find you, she came to me."

Evelyn glanced around. "Where is she?"

"Cafeteria."

Evelyn smiled. "Thanks for helping. Since Natalie’s fine, I’ll head home."

"Evelyn—"

She stopped at the door. "Yes?"

"Are you wearing perfume?"

"No."

Evelyn froze.

She sniffed her sleeve—a faint citrus scent.

Alexander’s cologne.

They’d spent too much time together that afternoon, and the fragrance had lingered.

"Maybe my sister used an air freshener at home."

Gregory’s lips twitched. "Is that so?"

"Yeah. I’ll ask her later. I’m leaving now."

After confronting Peter, she had no choice but to walk home.

Luckily, it wasn’t far—just enough time to air out the scent.

But Emily’s nose was too sharp.

"Sis, does your hospital use orange-scented disinfectant?"