Chapter 465

"Something like that."

Alexander Hamilton clenched his fists until his knuckles turned white, barely containing his fury. "The payment's already settled?"

Evelyn Carter met his gaze steadily. "The paperwork was finalized this morning."

"How much did he borrow from you?"

"Two million."

"Two million..." Alexander's jaw tightened, dark currents swirling in his eyes. "Two million was enough to make you cook for him?"

"Is that a problem?"

"Of course not." His lips curled into a cold smile. "But shouldn't you thank me too, Dr. Carter? For your sake, I handed over our most profitable project to Peter Harrison."

"There's extra food. I can pack some for you."

"My stomach hurts."

Evelyn frowned. "Anger aggravates gastric conditions. You should calm down, Mr. Hamilton."

"My lungs hurt more right now." Alexander didn't back down an inch. "I'm having this meal whether you like it or not."

"What do you want to eat?"

"Seafood."

Gregory Wilson interjected, "Seafood isn't suitable for someone with stomach issues."

Alexander shot him a sidelong glance. "Got an objection, Dr. Wilson?"

"...No."

Evelyn took a deep breath. "We'll discuss it when your stomach's better."

"I want it now."

"Alexander, how old are you?"

"He gets special treatment, but I don't?" Ice formed in Alexander's eyes. "Playing favorites, Dr. Carter?"

"I didn't prepare any seafood today."

"What's in the fridge?"

"Carp."

"Carp counts as seafood?" He emphasized the word with biting sarcasm.

Evelyn nearly laughed at his stubbornness. "Not worried about a perforated ulcer, Mr. Hamilton?"

"Are you cursing me?"

"Medical advice."

The tension between them detonated like gunpowder.

Alexander sneered. "Even if my stomach perforates today, I'm eating seafood."

Gregory's voice turned grave. "There's no need to harm yourself, Mr. Hamilton."

"None of your business."

Evelyn massaged her temples. "Fine. I'll go buy some now."

"Don't bother." Alexander pulled out his phone. "I already ordered. Care to join us, Dr. Wilson?"

Gregory remained expressionless. "Evelyn's cooking is more than enough."

This dinner was doomed from the start.

Evelyn turned to Gregory. "Tonight might not be—"

"I understand." Gregory softened his tone. "You handle this. I'll clean up before I leave."

Alexander's expression darkened further. "How considerate of you, Dr. Wilson."

"You could use some pu-erh tea." Gregory stood abruptly, glancing at Lydia Laurent. "Would you like to join us for dinner, Miss Laurent?"

Lydia hesitated, looking to Alexander for guidance.

"Go ahead." His tone was flat. "With Dr. Carter here, I won't die."

Lydia wavered. "Maybe we could all—"

"We have matters to discuss." Alexander cut her off, his gaze locking onto Evelyn like a predator's.