Chapter 439

Evelyn Carter was flipping through the menu when Alexander Hamilton walked into the private dining room with Annabelle Taylor by his side.

Vivian Dempsey grabbed her wrist. "Look!"

Evelyn glanced up just as Alexander and Annabelle crossed the courtyard. The man in his tailored suit and the woman in a flowing white dress paused by the lotus pond, their reflection forming a picturesque scene.

"How are they together again?" Vivian hissed through gritted teeth. "Didn't Alexander have a new fling?"

Evelyn lowered her gaze and tapped the menu twice. "Let's add the sweet and sour mandarin fish."

"You can still think about food at a time like this?"

"Why not?" Evelyn lifted her teacup. "His private life has nothing to do with me."

Emily Zade had claimed he was abroad—clearly just an excuse. But Evelyn didn’t care. As long as the Dempsey family crisis was resolved, it made no difference whether Alexander was overseas or in another woman’s bed.

Vivian leaned closer. "You’re really not upset?"

"Anger is bad for my health." Evelyn smiled. "Right now, I just want to enjoy my meal."

Vivian skeptically added a dessert to their order. The moment the server left, another graceful figure appeared in the courtyard.

"Lydia Laurent?!" Vivian’s eyes widened. "Is Alexander setting up a battlefield?"

Evelyn picked up a piece of steamed sea bass. The tender white flesh melted on her tongue.

"A current girlfriend and an unattainable love—he sure knows how to indulge." Vivian clicked her tongue. "Think they’ll start a catfight?"

"Everyone lives their own way." Evelyn served her another bite. "Try this. Perfectly cooked."

Vivian’s attention stayed glued to the window. Across the courtyard, the private room door opened, and Annabelle and Lydia stepped out arm in arm, acting like sisters.

"Unbelievable!" Vivian slammed the table. "Such wasted acting talent!"

Evelyn followed her gaze and unexpectedly locked eyes with Alexander. His brows furrowed, his pupils contracting the moment he saw her.

"Alexander!" Lydia’s saccharine voice rang out. "Come take our picture!"

Alexander tore his gaze away and strode toward the moon gate by the pond.

"I’ll be right back." Evelyn stood.

She lingered in the restroom for ten minutes. As water rushed over her fingers, a figure appeared in the mirror behind her.

Annabelle leaned against the wall, her red lips curling. "What a coincidence, Dr. Carter."

Evelyn pulled a tissue from the dispenser. "Excuse me."

"In such a hurry?" Annabelle blocked her path. "I came here specifically for you."

"Something to say?"

Annabelle’s eyes darkened. "Those shares from Anderson Group—they don’t sit right with you, do they? An adopted daughter has inheritance rights too. What Father did was illegal!"

So that’s what this was about.

Evelyn chuckled. "Take it up with Alexander. He handled the transfer. Make a scene with him—maybe you’ll get a bigger cut."

She pushed past Annabelle without looking back. At the end of the hallway, moonlight spilled over the lotus pond, illuminating three entangled figures.