Chapter 456

"Mr. Hamilton, you're too kind." Sophia Winston immediately shifted her attention from Annabelle, her face lighting up with a practiced smile as she engaged Alexander in conversation.

Vivian Dempsey inhaled sharply, discreetly stepping half a pace behind Evelyn. Her fingers trembled with unease—she wasn't sure if Alexander had overheard her earlier remarks.

Alexander stood tall in a custom-tailored smoke-gray suit, the impeccable cut accentuating his broad shoulders and narrow waist. Under the lights, his commanding presence was unmistakable.

"Alexander!" Lydia Laurent tilted her head up, calling his name with sugary sweetness.

He gave a slight nod, his gaze sweeping past Vivian and Evelyn before settling on Sophia. "Ms. Winston, you're acquainted with Ms. Dempsey?"

Sophia reacted swiftly. "We only met recently. I heard the Dempsey Group needed funding, so we chatted briefly. But Dr. Carter here has been most helpful—she answered several professional questions for me."

"Oh?" Alexander arched a brow.

"Dr. Carter is refreshingly direct. Communication with her is remarkably efficient," Sophia added meaningfully.

Alexander swirled his wineglass and clinked it lightly against hers. "She speaks her mind and doesn't bother with pleasantries. If she's offended you, I'll apologize on her behalf." He drained his glass in one go.

Sophia caught the implication immediately. "A professional like Dr. Carter lets her expertise speak for itself. We had a perfectly pleasant discussion."

"Good."

"Though..." Sophia ventured cautiously, "Dr. Carter and Ms. Dempsey seem quite close. She was specifically invited here today by Ms. Dempsey."

A flicker passed through Alexander's eyes. "For funding?"

"Indeed." Sophia chuckled. "Given the Dempsey Group's current situation... I'm curious—why did you choose Banyan Group over them?"

"Business considerations."

"I see."

Alexander continued casually, "Mr. Dempsey is abroad tending to his gravely ill mother and can't manage company affairs. Ms. Dempsey lacks experience and was recently pursued by debt collectors. I don't foresee a promising future for the Dempsey Group."

"Debt collectors?" Sophia's expression shifted abruptly.

"Without a miracle, any investment would be throwing money into a bottomless pit."

Vivian clenched her fists, nails digging into her palms. The lifeline she'd painstakingly secured was being severed by Alexander's calculated words.

"Alexander Hamilton!" she hissed through gritted teeth. "Are you doing this out of spite?"

Evelyn gripped her arm. "Don't act rashly."

Vivian's chest heaved, her eyes red-rimmed but powerless to retaliate. Alexander ignored her entirely, handing his empty glass to a passing waiter. "If you can't hold your liquor, don't force it."

Lydia murmured timidly, "I'll learn..."

"Have some backbone," Alexander frowned. "Don't sway with every breeze."

Nearby, Annabelle had gone deathly pale, her fingers twisting violently in her skirt.

Sophia observed the scene with amusement. "You've grown so considerate, Mr. Hamilton. Quite different from your decisive reputation."

"Kindness is wasted," Alexander sneered. "Some people only learn through hardship—stubborn as a mule."

Sophia barely suppressed a laugh. "Sounds like you speak from experience."

"It cost me dearly." Alexander turned to Lydia. "Go keep your friend company."

Annabelle forced a smile. "Alexander, I was just helping Lydia—"

"Meddling."

"My parents don't want to see me right now..."

"Then stop embarrassing yourself."

The air froze. No one dared breathe a word.

Alexander's gaze finally landed on Evelyn. "Excuse me."

As he brushed past her, his cufflink grazed her wrist, leaving behind the faintest trace of icy fragrance.