Chapter 431

Alexander Hamilton's slender fingers tapped the rim of his glass, a glint of amusement in his eyes. "What do you think?"

The woman with crimson lips and cascading curls leaned closer, her breath warm against his ear. "I'll bet a million dollars—she's exactly your type."

"We've known each other for less than seventy-two hours." Alexander's lips curled into a cold smirk. "You're quite the mind reader."

"A woman's intuition is never wrong." She swirled her wineglass, her gaze fixed on Evelyn Carter across the room. "The way you look at her... like a panther eyeing its prey."

Alexander's expression darkened. "Nonsense."

"Beneath the resentment lies frustration, and beneath that—desire." She chuckled. "Mr. Hamilton, you can fool others, but not your own heart."

He downed his drink in one gulp. "Shut up."

"Fine, fine." She raised her hands in mock surrender. "But since you're such a generous client, I'll give you some free advice—women hate lukewarm men. The more dominant you are, the harder they fall."

Alexander frowned.

She suddenly lowered her voice. "She's coming over. Need me to play along?"

"Get lost." He tossed a black card onto the counter. "Accounting will settle your fee."

"Perfect!" She pocketed the card with a grin. "Call me anytime you need an extra, Mr. Hamilton~"

The click of her heels faded away.

"Alexander."

Evelyn stood before him, brows slightly furrowed. She waved a hand in front of her nose. "This perfume—"

"Don't like it?" His smile was icy. "Is this about Peter Harrison or Vivian Dempsey? Or did you come just to reminisce with me?"

Her lips pressed into a thin line. "Peter."

Alexander suddenly leaned in, trapping her between the bar and his body. "If you're asking for a favor, you should at least show some sincerity."

Evelyn slid a keycard across the counter. "Three days. More if needed."

He scoffed, pinching the card between two fingers before tossing it back. "Dr. Carter, I have a fiancée now."

Her ears flushed red. "And all those other women—"

"Jealous?" His fingers gripped her chin. "Or have you finally come to your senses?"

"Let her go."

A cool voice cut through the tension. Gregory Wilson stood nearby, suitcase in hand, his gaze sharp behind his glasses.

Alexander slowly released Evelyn. "Dr. Wilson... chasing your runaway bride across the country?"

Gregory ignored the jab, stepping closer to Evelyn. "Trouble?"

She shook her head. "It's nothing. You should rest."

"What Mr. Hamilton can do," Gregory said, locking eyes with Alexander, "I can do too."

The air turned frigid.

Alexander polished his gold-rimmed glasses with deliberate slowness. "Planning to steal her away, Doctor?"

"Hardly." Gregory shielded Evelyn with his body. "I just don't like seeing her uncomfortable."

"How ironic." Alexander's smile turned dangerous. "Her discomfort is my favorite sight."

Evelyn grabbed Gregory's arm. "Let's go."

"Not so fast." Alexander blocked their path. "Since Dr. Wilson is so confident, why don't we make it interesting?"

Gregory's glasses gleamed. "What did you have in mind?"

"Let's see..." Alexander's gaze lingered on Evelyn's pale face before he smirked. "Who can uncover Peter Harrison's criminal evidence first."

Evelyn gasped. "Alexander!"

"What's wrong?" He leaned down, whispering in her ear. "Afraid your new lover will humiliate himself?"

Gregory pulled Evelyn behind him. "What are the stakes?"

"Simple." Alexander straightened his cufflinks. "The loser disappears from Evelyn's life—permanently."

"You're insane!" Evelyn's voice shook.

Gregory extended his hand. "Deal."

Their handshake crackled with tension.

Alexander suddenly moved closer, his words for Gregory alone: "Don't forget—she was mine first."

Gregory didn't flinch. "And yet the divorce papers are in my desk."

Alexander's pupils constricted.

Evelyn's phone buzzed. The screen read "Vivian Dempsey." Her fingers trembled.

The storm was coming.