Chapter 451

Evelyn Carter lowered her lashes, veiling the turmoil in her eyes. "I thought this was simple logic."

Alexander Hamilton's breathing visibly quickened. "What exactly are you trying to say?"

"I'm merely stating facts." She met his gaze calmly. "Just as you'd be furious if Emily Zade betrayed Hamilton Group."

"That's completely different!" His fists clenched violently.

"The feeling is the same." Her voice was feather-light.

Alexander's eyes reddened instantly. "Evelyn, let me ask you one more time—if you'd married someone else back then, would you have also—"

"Marital duty. Nothing more." She cut him off.

"Duty?" He let out a bitter laugh. "So everything between us was just obligation to you?"

Moonlight cast a frost-like pallor over her profile.

Alexander's chest heaved before he finally ground out through gritted teeth, "Evelyn Carter, you're utterly heartless."

"You're the first to say that."

He stared at her, throat working, then stormed out, slamming the door with a force that rattled the window frames.

...

In the days that followed, Evelyn remained secluded at home.

Vivian Dempsey's video calls came like clockwork. "Are you really okay alone?"

"I'm not a child." Evelyn sighed.

"But look at those bruises!" Vivian stomped in frustration onscreen. "That bastard went too far!"

Evelyn glanced at the purpling marks on her wrist. "He didn't walk away unscathed either."

The police said the burglar would need three months to recover.

"Serves him right!" Vivian hissed. "Hey, should you get a full checkup at the hospital?"

"Unnecessary. I'm a doctor myself." Evelyn shook her head. "Besides... Anthony Taylor's still hospitalized. I'd rather avoid running into him."

Vivian exhaled heavily. "Has Dr. Wilson visited you?"

"Vivian." Evelyn shot her a warning look.

"Fine, fine, no matchmaking." Vivian raised her hands in surrender. "Good news though—I found an investor!"

Evelyn's eyes brightened. "Really?"

"But I need a tiny favor." Vivian dropped her voice conspiratorially. "The investment bank manager has been struggling with infertility..."

"There are numerous potential causes." Evelyn frowned. "It could be her partner's issue."

"That's why I need your expertise!" Vivian clasped her hands pleadingly. "She'll be at Lydia Laurent's birthday gala this weekend."

Evelyn's fingers curled involuntarily.

Lydia Laurent's birthday party... Alexander would undoubtedly attend.