Chapter 480

Lydia Laurent bounced over excitedly. "What did Evelyn say to you?"

Evelyn Carter nearly threw her phone in frustration. "Alexander Hamilton, watch your behavior!"

A low chuckle came through the phone. "Weren't you the one who told me to hurry up?"

"..."

"Don't overthink it. Lydia and I aren't involved like that. I'll explain later."

Evelyn ended the call abruptly.

She never should have made that call in the first place!

Lydia tilted her head. "Alexander, why did Evelyn hang up so suddenly? Is she upset? It's all my fault for making you go find her last night..."

"It's fine," Alexander said, pocketing his phone. "She's not the petty type."

"Then why is she angry?"

He cleared his throat. "Probably had a fight with her husband."

Lydia's eyes widened. "Evelyn is married?!"

"Mm. Was."

"Wow, Evelyn is so mysterious."

Alexander suppressed a smirk. "Let's go eat."

After two steps, he suddenly sneezed.

Though he turned his head and covered his mouth quickly, it still drew attention.

Lydia looked concerned. "Alexander, did you catch a chill at the gym last night?"

"Maybe a slight cold," he said, a faint smile touching his eyes as he recalled last night's intimacy. "Flu season's been bad lately."

The excuse worked on the guileless Lydia.

After lunch, as they waited in the lobby, Evelyn rushed out of the elevator.

Her hair was hastily tied back, and she carried only her purse.

Lydia beamed. "Evelyn, you're feeling better?"

The hot bath had indeed helped.

"Yes, much better. Didn't you say we're short on time? Let's go."

Lydia clapped her hands. "Rest is the best cure for a cold. You must have slept well last night."

"...Well enough."

Evelyn pointedly ignored Alexander standing nearby.

Lydia linked arms with her as they headed out. "The driver isn't here yet."

Alexander strode forward. "No need to wait. I'll drive."

When they got in the car, Lydia pulled Evelyn into the backseat.

The front passenger seat remained conspicuously empty.

Evelyn exhaled in relief.

Alexander glanced at her through the rearview mirror, lips quirking. "How was your rest, Ms. Carter? Sorry for the room change last night."

Evelyn suspected the "delayed driver" was his doing.

"Thanks to you, Mr. Hamilton, it was adequate."

"Glad to hear it." He continued smoothly, "Any plans for the summit?"

His overly polite "Ms. Carter" act was grating.

Evelyn gritted her teeth.

This man was a complete wolf in sheep's clothing!

"Just observing and learning. It's my first time."

Alexander nodded. "Feel free to ask if you have questions."

"Best to keep a low profile. Wouldn't want to embarrass you."

"You can ask me privately too."

"...We'll see."

Lydia suddenly leaned toward Alexander and sniffed.

Evelyn's pulse spiked. "Looking for something, Lydia?"

"Oh no," Lydia said sheepishly. "I just caught a familiar scent."

"A scent?"

"Not quite perfume—kind of musky and sweet..." Lydia frowned. "Alexander, are you wearing cologne?"

Evelyn's heart raced.

They'd both showered. How was Lydia's nose this sharp?

Alexander remained unruffled. "No. Might be leftover from my clothes."

Lydia shook her head. "This definitely isn't store-bought perfume. I know my scents."

Evelyn turned to stare out the window.

He'd dug this hole himself.

Alexander adjusted his grip on the wheel. "A perfumer friend enjoys making custom blends as gifts."

"Oh!"

Lydia's face lit up with understanding. "Was it Sophia? She loves that kind of thing."

"No," he said, meeting Evelyn's eyes meaningfully in the mirror. "A male friend."