Chapter 284

"Like this?"

"Lower."

Evelyn Carter bent down further.

Gregory Wilson stood behind her, frowning slightly. "Keep the cue parallel to the table."

She adjusted her stance, her fingertips trembling.

"Align your sight with the cue ball and the object ball." His voice came from above her, warm breath brushing her skin.

Evelyn held her breath and leaned forward again.

"Still not right."

Gregory suddenly closed the distance, his palm resting lightly on her shoulder. His body heat seeped through the thin fabric, making her spine stiffen.

"Relax."

His other hand guided her wrist, adjusting the angle. "There. That's correct."

The tips of Evelyn's ears burned.

"What are you two—?"

A sharp female voice cut through the air.

Evelyn straightened abruptly, turning to meet Annabelle Taylor's shocked gaze. Beside her, Alexander Hamilton's expression darkened like storm clouds.

Nathan York hurried over with a glass of water, apologetic. "Dr. Carter, here's your water."

Steam rose from the hot liquid.

Gregory took it smoothly. "Too hot. Let it cool first."

Alexander's gaze locked onto Evelyn, intense enough to scorch.

"Mr. Hamilton, what a pleasant surprise," Gregory said with a smile.

Alexander smirked coldly. "Likewise, Dr. Wilson. Where's your girlfriend?"

"She's busy."

Alexander suddenly seized Evelyn's wrist. "Come with me."

"Mr. Hamilton—" Gregory gripped her other hand. "We're in the middle of a game."

"I can't teach her?"

"Your wife is right here." Gregory glanced pointedly at Annabelle.

Alexander's eyes turned glacial. "Gregory Wilson. Don't test me."

"The exit is behind you," Gregory replied evenly.

Tension crackled between them.

Nathan wrung his hands. "Let's all calm down—"

"We are calm," Gregory said, though his smile didn't reach his eyes.

Annabelle tugged Alexander's sleeve. "Alexander..."

"Let go." He shook her off, his gaze razor-sharp.

Both men released Evelyn at once.

A red mark circled her pale wrist.

Gregory's expression darkened. "That was unnecessary, Mr. Hamilton."

"I'll take responsibility." Alexander stared at Evelyn. "Come here."

She rubbed her wrist. "Say what you need to say."

"Not here."

"There's nothing private to discuss."

Alexander narrowed his eyes. "Since when did you grow a backbone?"

Nathan hastily grabbed his arm. "Alexander, think this through—"

"Simon Stapleton went to find Natalie," Alexander said abruptly.

Evelyn paled. "Olivia just told me they were turned away."

"He changed his mind. He's not marrying Lora."

"Why?" Evelyn demanded. "Did Peter Harrison interfere again?"

Alexander crooked a finger, his voice icy.

"I said, come here."