Chapter 322

Simon Stapleton doubled over with laughter, slapping Peter Harrison's shoulder hard. "Evelyn, finally seeing through your dear brother's true colors? If he weren't so plain-looking, he'd have made his move on you himself."

Evelyn Carter felt a tightness in her chest.

Beyond shock, it was a moment of painful clarity.

She'd always sensed something off about Peter.

Memories flashed through her mind like a revolving lantern. She'd assumed he'd merely picked up some dirty tricks from Simon. Never imagined he was the mastermind—even Vivian Dempsey's heartbreak in high school traced back to him.

"Just answer me one thing," Evelyn's voice trembled. "Did you orchestrate what happened to Vivian?"

Peter remained silent.

Simon blew smoke rings, smirking. "Evelyn, you're so dense. Peter showered you with attention in high school, and you ignored him. Yet when I used his methods on Vivian, she fell for it instantly."

Evelyn clenched her fists. "You two were in this together?"

"Not exactly." Simon flicked ash. "But he did inspire me. Helped me secure that recommendation to Hudson University."

Peter's hands subtly tightened into fists.

The slight movement didn't escape Evelyn—it only deepened her disgust.

"You hurt Vivian for a college spot. Then what was Peter's angle with me? He was two grades above us."

Simon scoffed. "The math competition, obviously! His senior year, winning could've gotten him into an elite school. But the faculty chose you—a mere freshman."

The floodgates of memory burst open.

She had represented their school in a math competition freshman year.

So that was it.

Evelyn let out a low, bitter laugh. "My apologies, Peter. Seems I was born without a romantic bone in my body."

Peter's tense posture suddenly relaxed. "No matter. Senior year didn't work out, but there's always now."

"You think that's possible?"

"You're desperate to break free from Alexander Hamilton." Peter met her gaze squarely. "Since you've seen through me, I'll drop the act. Though I must say, Evelyn, you're sharper than I expected."

"Don't flatter me." Her voice was ice. "I know the kidnapping was your solo project, Simon."

Peter's lips curled in approval.

Simon crushed his cigarette violently. "You still trust him? He's a damn fox!"

"Simon," Evelyn sighed. "Use your brain for once. Kidnapping me from the Dempseys—do you really think Alexander would let it slide? That the Dempseys wouldn't come after you? Every security camera along the way, every witness—even that maid you bribed. You think money will keep her silent when the Dempseys can make her talk?"