Chapter 420

"Are they fighting again?"

Vincent Wilson shot him a sidelong glance. "Have you been living under a rock?"

"No."

"You didn't see the trending topic?"

"What trending topic?"

Vincent ran a frustrated hand through his hair. "Forget it. If you don't know, don't ask. It's bad luck."

The man's curiosity was piqued. He turned to ask the others.

But everyone avoided his gaze, their expressions guarded.

Only one guy leaned in and whispered a few words.

The man's eyes widened. "A mixed-race kid?! Then Alex—holy sh—"

"Shut your mouth!" Vincent snapped. "Everyone keep it zipped, got it?"

"Got it, got it... No wonder Alex has been going out so much lately—"

"You don't know shit!" Vincent suddenly fell silent, his gaze catching Evelyn Carter standing behind them. His face paled. "You... When did you get here?"

The room went dead silent, including Alexander Hamilton, who had been teaching a girl how to play pool.

Alex's eyes flicked over Evelyn for less than a second before he looked away as if she were a stranger. "Aim a little lower. Like this—"

The cue ball struck the eight-ball with precision, sinking it.

The girl beamed. "You're amazing!"

Alex handed her the cue. "Try again."

On her second attempt, she missed the cue ball entirely.

Vincent's drunken haze vanished. He cleared his throat. "Are you here to play or...?"

"To see Alexander," Evelyn said calmly. "We need to talk."

"Uh..." Vincent stole a glance at Alex, sweat beading on his forehead.

Alex acted as if he hadn't heard, speaking to the girl instead. "Focus." He pointed at the cue ball. "Hit here."

The pool hall was eerily quiet, the only sound the clack of balls.

Evelyn took a deep breath. "Alexander, we need to talk."

"Alex..." the girl murmured.

"Don't get distracted."

Nathan York stepped in awkwardly. "Alex is busy. Maybe you could wait? Get the lady some juice."

"No need." Evelyn's gaze was steady. "It'll only take a minute."

Nathan moved closer to Alex. "Alex, Evelyn must have something urgent—"

Alex smirked coldly. "Do you not have anything better to do?"

Nathan backed off, giving Evelyn an apologetic shrug.

"It's fine." Evelyn walked to the lounge area. "I'll wait."

And wait she did—for five hours.

Nathan crept over. "Still waiting?"

Evelyn nodded.

"Alright." He sighed.

From sunset to midnight, the club cycled through waves of patrons. Alex never stopped teaching.

At 2 AM, Evelyn stood again.

Alex's white shirt was soaked with sweat, the outline of bandages visible through the fabric.

"Your wound will reopen," she said softly.

Finally, Alex turned. His eyes were ice.

"What gives you the right to say these words to me?"