Chapter 307

"I truly don't understand."

Alexander Hamilton chuckled softly. "No fault of yours. You lack experience."

"Mhm. This trip abroad will be good practice."

His gaze darkened instantly. "Evelyn, the more you say such things in anger, the more it proves you still care."

"Gold may be precious, but not everyone covets it."

Alexander sighed deeply. "Evelyn, I don't know how to handle you anymore. Kindness doesn't work, and I can't bear to be harsh. Just name your terms. If it's within my power, let's start over."

"No terms. Because it's impossible."

"There must be something." His fingers tapped lightly on the divorce papers. "Whether this document goes to the civil affairs office or the shredder depends entirely on you."

Evelyn's chest heaved violently. "You're pulling this stunt again?"

"I don't want to. But I have no choice. Crude as it is, it works."

"Have you considered that Natalie Stapleton is no relation of mine? I could easily stand aside and wait for the court's verdict."

"Of course you could." His eyes turned icy. "And I could have Lora withdraw her investment immediately."

Evelyn shot to her feet. "You—"

"Don't rush. Sit down first." Alexander took her wrist, his grip gentle but unyielding. "We finally meet. Can't we talk properly?"

She turned her face away.

He toyed with her slender fingers. "You know exactly what I mean. If you want to work abroad, I won't stop you. It's your career. I respect that."

"Then what did you come here to say?"

"Give me a chance. Don't reject me outright."

Evelyn scoffed.

"About Annabelle... I need to explain. We grew up—"

"I know all that. No need to repeat it."

He paused. "Something happened when we were children. Her mother did our family a great kindness. I'll look after her, but I won't let her interfere in my life again."

"What if she tries another approach? Like playing the tragic heroine, weeping and begging for sympathy?"

"Tragic heroines have their own devoted lovers. What's that to me?" His tone was firm. "I only promised Aunt Lin I'd ensure her daughter's wellbeing. Nothing more."

Evelyn frowned slightly. "Aunt Lin?"

"Annabelle's mother's maiden name is Taylor, but I've always called her Aunt Lin. Old habit."

She drew a slow breath. "So you're only taking care of Annabelle out of obligation?"

"Exactly. To me now, she's just Aunt Lin's daughter."

"What if Aunt Lin had other children?"

"Same treatment. Only what's necessary."

"..."

"Evelyn, why ask this?"

"No reason." She changed the subject. "Get Natalie's divorce certificate finalized quickly. Best to end this before Simon realizes he's been tricked."

Alexander nodded. "Done. Then consider my request agreed to."