Chapter 329

Evelyn Carter leaned against the hospital bed, her fingers lightly tapping the phone screen.

Peter Harrison had truly outsmarted himself this time. Despite all his scheming, he never expected Simon Stapleton to go this far. Now he'd offended both the Hamiltons and her—he must be wishing the ground would swallow him whole.

"Still feeling unwell?" Alexander Hamilton sat beside the bed, reaching to check her forehead.

Evelyn instinctively flinched away.

"I just washed my hands." He withdrew, his voice hoarse. "They're clean."

She pressed her lips together and typed: [I want to sit up.]

Alexander moved to the foot of the bed and cranked the handle. The bed gradually elevated, adjusting her into a semi-seated position.

"Is this angle okay?"

She nodded.

"Let me know if you need anything."

[Don’t tell my parents.]

"The Dempseys have been informed. This won’t spread further." He paused. "But this time, a simple 'thank you' won’t cut it."

He rolled up his sleeve, revealing the bandaged wound.

[Ask Vivian to stay with me.]

Alexander arched a brow. "Kicking me out again?"

[Your injury needs treatment.]

After a brief silence, he stood. "Fine. I’ll call her."

When Vivian Dempsey burst in, she was still ranting into her phone.

"My dad caught that maid!" She plopped down angrily. "For just five thousand bucks, she helped Simon hurt you!"

Evelyn patted the space beside her.

Vivian shook her head. "I’ll stay here—don’t want to bump your wounds." She leaned closer, lowering her voice. "What were you whispering about with Alexander? Don’t tell me you’re rekindling old flames?"

Evelyn gave a resigned smile.

She decided to keep Peter’s involvement from Vivian for now. Knowing her friend’s temper, she’d sabotage Peter’s project without hesitation if she learned the truth.

[Thank Uncle Dempsey for me.]

"This is all my fault." Vivian tugged at her hair in frustration. "If I hadn’t asked you to come, none of this would’ve—"

Evelyn squeezed her hand and shook her head.

"That bastard Simon!" Vivian seethed. "Too cowardly to confront Alexander, too weak to bully Natalie, so he targets you instead!"

[Don’t act rashly.]

"I know my limits." Vivian’s eyes suddenly lit up. "But every cloud has a silver lining—Dad promised to stop forcing me on blind dates!"

Evelyn smiled and nodded: [Just be yourself.]

"But what about you?" Vivian frowned. "Your plans to study abroad..."

[I’m going.] Evelyn typed firmly.