Chapter 317

The Dempsey villa was adorned with festive decorations on Saturday.

Evelyn Carter arrived half an hour early. The Dempsey servants bustled about, arranging trays as they prepared the venue.

Vivian Dempsey wore a lilac mermaid gown, her curls elegantly pinned up, makeup flawless—yet she looked utterly wilted, like frostbitten foliage.

"Evelyn!" Her eyes brightened at the sight of her friend.

Evelyn handed her a meticulously wrapped gift box.

"Wow, a Tudor watch?" Vivian weighed it in her palm. "This is too extravagant."

"It's only right." Evelyn studied her. "Why so glum?"

Vivian tugged at her skirt. "See this dress?"

"It suits you."

"That's not the point!" Vivian groaned dramatically. "My dad suddenly decided to throw a sixtieth birthday bash. Doesn't that strike you as odd? He's at the gym every day, more energetic than I am."

Evelyn's eyes widened in realization. "A matchmaking event?"

Vivian looked ready to cry. "Bingo."

"Parents will be parents." Evelyn patted her shoulder in consolation.

Vivian suddenly lowered her voice. "By the way, Dad mentioned Alexander Hamilton was injured and couldn't make it. When did that happen?"

Evelyn's smile froze. "I wouldn't know."

"You haven't contacted him?"

"Blocked."

"Strange." Vivian frowned. "That doesn't sound like him."

Guests began arriving in steady streams.

Amid the glittering crowd, Evelyn recognized several business elites.

Mr. Dempsey dragged his daughter around, enthusiastically introducing her to every eligible bachelor. Vivian looked utterly defeated, casting desperate glances toward Evelyn.

Evelyn retreated to a corner with her orange juice, searching for an opportunity to rescue her friend when a familiar grip closed around her wrist.

"Don't move."

The voice sent a jolt through her.

Alexander Hamilton settled beside her, leisurely adjusting his cufflinks. "Surprised?"

"You said you weren't coming."

"Changed my mind."

Just then, Anthony Taylor wheeled Teresa Taylor into the room. The couple, dressed impeccably, lit up at the sight of Evelyn. "Evel— Oh, Alexander's here too."