Chapter 290

Gregory Wilson handed her the cue. "What do you think, Dr. Carter?"

Evelyn Carter ran her fingers along the smooth surface of the cue. "I'm still a beginner," she said softly. "And Miss Taylor isn't feeling well. This seems fair."

"Want to give it a try?"

She lifted her gaze to meet his. "What about you?"

"I'll play if you do."

Vincent Wilson had already set up the table with quick efficiency. Vivian Dempsey gave Evelyn's shoulder a light pat. "I need to take a call."

"Okay."

As Alexander Hamilton shrugged off his suit jacket, Annabelle Taylor instinctively reached for it. He sidestepped her and called out, "Vincent."

Vincent jogged over to take the jacket, flashing Annabelle an easy smile. "Focus on the game, Annabelle. I'll handle the small stuff."

Her smile tightened. "Alright."

Once the game began, Alexander dominated effortlessly. The cue became an extension of his will, sending one colored ball after another into the pockets.

Only the eight-ball remained.

Straightening up, Alexander smirked. "Leaving Dr. Wilson a chance."

Gregory studied the flawless trajectory and chuckled, shaking his head. "The outcome's already decided."

"How about settling the wager?"

"It's just for fun."

As Gregory bent to take his shot, Annabelle suddenly interrupted. "Wait!"

Alexander's expression darkened. "What now?"

"It's... my turn," she said, her voice trembling slightly.

Gregory arched a brow and offered her the cue. "Be my guest."

The way Annabelle positioned herself made Evelyn freeze. The lowered torso, the steady bridge hand, even the precise angle of her grip—it mirrored Alexander's technique exactly.

Gregory's lips curved knowingly. "Mr. Hamilton taught you well."

Alexander's face turned stormy. "That was a long time ago."

Evelyn kept her eyes downcast.

"Young love is the purest," Gregory mused. "That kind of heart-fluttering feeling... it might only happen once in a lifetime."

Alexander's voice was icy. "Youthful ignorance leads to poor choices."