Chapter 430

"Stop bothering Alexander."

"But he said he's free today and has business in that area anyway."

Evelyn tightened her grip on her phone. "Emily, listen to your sister."

"Did things end badly between you two? Why are you so against him?"

"Drop it. I'll pick Mom up this afternoon. Stay home."

As she hung up, Peter leaned against the wall with a smirk. "So defensive?"

"Leave after you've said your piece."

"Going." He adjusted his cuffs leisurely. "But a word of advice—Alexander still has feelings for you. Men are simple creatures. Satisfy them in bed, and they'll give you anything..."

Evelyn scoffed. "You should get a sex change in Thailand. Climbing the ladder on your back suits you better."

"Pity Alexander isn't into that." Peter licked his lips. "Otherwise, I'd be more than willing."

"May your rise to power be swift."

She turned to leave when his voice trailed after her. "Waiting for your good news!"

The coach station swarmed with people.

Grace emerged with luggage in tow, eyes swollen from crying.

"Uncle needs money for renovations, Aunt's saving for her daughter's dowry, and Auntie can barely make ends meet herself..." Her mother's voice trembled.

Evelyn pulled her into a hug. "We still have time. I'll figure something out."

"Maybe ask Vivian—"

The Dempseys were drowning in their own troubles. Evelyn pressed her lips together. "Let's get you home first."

Sunlight glared off the glass facade of Hamilton Group's headquarters.

The receptionist smiled politely. "Mr. Hamilton isn't in today."

Nathan's voice crackled through the phone, punctuated by the clack of pool balls.

"Alex has been obsessed with billiards lately," he whispered. "You should come. The situation is... complicated."

The pool hall was dim, hazy with cigarette smoke.

Evelyn spotted her immediately—the woman from Celestial Club with crimson lips and cascading curls, the one who'd shared a moonlit moment with Alexander.

She leaned against him now, a cigarette between her fingers, his suit jacket draped over her arm.

Alexander's right wrist was visibly swollen, yet his focus never wavered from the table. The cue ball arced gracefully, nestling behind the brown for a perfect snooker.

Lydia and Annabelle sat nearby, flanked by five other unfamiliar women.

"Sis!" Nathan materialized from nowhere. "Alex has been like this lately—"

The red-lipped woman whispered something in Alexander's ear. He frowned and pushed her away. "Your perfume is overwhelming."

"Afternoon Delight~" She pouted. "Don't you think it's sexy?"

Alexander stubbed out his cigarette. "Lydia's young. Mind your boundaries."

"Protective?" Her gaze slid toward Evelyn. "But she doesn't seem to be your beloved."

"Don't talk nonsense."

"Rumor says you loved your ex for over twenty years..." Her finger traced his chest. "Yet the way you look at her? Pure disgust."

Alexander smirked. "Hate is accurate."

Following his gaze, the woman's lips curled. "Is she also your woman?"