Chapter 481

"Alexander, you actually know a perfumer?"

"...Yes."

"Can you introduce me? I'm really interested in perfumes!"

Alexander Hamilton's lips curved slightly. "Curious again?"

"Mhm!"

"Alright, I'll ask when there's a chance."

"Is he very introverted?"

"...Yes."

"That's okay! Didn't you say you'd introduce me to the person you love? Bring him along too—the more, the merrier."

Evelyn Carter's heart skipped a beat.

"The person you love?"

Lydia Laurent blinked her large eyes. "Yeah, there's someone really special in Alexander's heart. And no, it's not Annabelle."

Evelyn froze. "But I thought you two were..."

"Just acting," Lydia waved her hand dismissively. "Alexander didn't even fall for someone as perfect as Annabelle. How could he like me? We're just playing along for our families."

A strange feeling stirred in Evelyn's chest.

"You're amazing," she said earnestly. "You're no less than anyone."

Lydia's eyes reddened slightly. "You're so kind, Evelyn. But Annabelle was truly flawless. Back then, the line of guys chasing her stretched from the lecture hall all the way to the school gates!"

Ahem. Alexander cut in, "No need to bring up the past."

Evelyn glanced up and met his gaze in the rearview mirror.

Last night's intimacy had emboldened her. She glared back without hesitation.

Alexander only smiled.

Lydia stuck out her tongue. "Sorry, I shouldn't have mentioned it."

Evelyn softened her voice. "Every girl is unique. What others see as perfection might just be..."

She paused.

"...an ordinary person."

Lydia looked at her, confused.

"You're kind, thoughtful, nurturing, and talented at art—those are your strengths." Evelyn adjusted Lydia's bow. "Believe you deserve the best."

Tears welled in Lydia's eyes. "Evelyn..."

"So stop comparing yourself to others, okay?"

"But my grades are terrible..."

"You have a gift for painting."

"You've never even seen my work..."

"Intuition." Evelyn smiled. "Artists have pure hearts. Like yours."

Lydia threw herself into Evelyn's arms. "You're the best!"

Evelyn patted her back gently, catching Alexander's amused gaze in the mirror.

"You remind me of a mom," Lydia murmured.

"...What?"

"Just so warm. Makes me want to cling to you."

Evelyn chuckled. "Must be professional instinct."

"Evelyn."

"Yes?"

"Your kids must be really happy."

The air turned brittle.

Evelyn slowly released her. "I... wasn't a good mother."

"Why?"

"I was selfish." Her voice tightened. "I gave her up for my own sake."

Lydia looked bewildered. "You have a child?"

"No."

"Then..."

"It's over." Evelyn took a deep breath.

A sudden, sharp honk shattered the moment.

Alexander apologized, "Accidental."

Lydia sat up properly. After a pause, she whispered, "Alexander, this perfume smells unique. I'll tell Sophia about it next time."

"Sophia?" Evelyn frowned.

"Sophia Winston from Celestial Club," Lydia gushed. "She's incredible!"

Alexander explained, "The one from last time who—"

"—wanted to stargaze with you?" Evelyn's tone turned icy.

Alexander fell silent.

"I'm nothing like her," Evelyn said coolly.

At least she was a legitimate doctor.

Lydia continued praising, "Sophia's gorgeous, brilliant, and sings like an angel!"

Evelyn responded flatly, "Oh."

"Alexander, does this perfume have a name?"

"It does."

"What is it?"

Alexander hesitated. "Afternoon Delight."

Evelyn's head snapped up.

Was he insane?

She shot him a warning look. "Don't be ridiculous!"

Lydia gasped. "But that's already a perfume's name!"

Evelyn blinked. "That's a real thing?"

"Yep! There are versions for men and women—mixing them creates a new scent." Lydia tilted her head. "Though I still prefer Super Cedar."

Evelyn was speechless.

Turns out, she was the prude here.