Chapter 483

Evelyn froze momentarily.

The female journalist beside her leaned in and whispered, "I heard Mr. Hamilton offered Dr. Macmillan an annual salary of this much!" She made an exaggerated gesture. "For someone fresh out of school, that's almost on par with a department head."

"The Hamilton Group has always valued talent," Evelyn replied calmly.

"But isn't that too risky? What if his research fails? A ten-year contract—over fifty million down the drain."

The corner of Evelyn's lips lifted slightly. "If he delivers results after the three-year trial period, the remaining seven years will be pure profit. Even if he fails, it's a drop in the bucket for the Hamiltons. But if a competitor snatches him away..."

"Oh my god!" the journalist gasped. "You sound exactly like Mr. Hamilton in that financial interview!"

Evelyn's fingers stilled.

Pure coincidence.

"Which media outlet are you with?"

"Anderson Environmental."

"No wonder. You're practically part of the Hamilton Group."

"Anderson operates independently now."

"Really? I haven't seen any reports—"

Thunderous applause erupted.

The young scholar on stage concluded his speech to enthusiastic acclaim. The host took the microphone. "Dr. Macmillan's insights have clearly resonated. Next, we welcome Mr. Alexander Hamilton of the Hamilton Group for his address."

The applause swelled.

Evelyn frowned.

He was scheduled to speak today?

Then last night...

"Mr. Hamilton?"

The host called several times, the spotlight hovering over the empty seat in the front row of the Platinum Section. Lydia Laurent was speaking urgently with a staff member, her expression tense.

"Mr. Hamilton is dealing with an urgent matter. He'll arrive shortly," the staff member whispered to the host.

The host checked his watch with a frown. "It's already an hour past—"

"Mr. Hamilton is here!"

A stir rippled through the General Section entrance.

Alexander Hamilton strode in briskly, his suit jacket draped over his arm, a faint sheen of sweat at his temples. His gaze locked onto Evelyn instantly.

Every eye in the room followed his line of sight. Evelyn lowered her head to avoid it.

"My apologies, everyone." Alexander took the microphone but first approached the audience. He handed a brown paper bag to a guest at the edge. "Please pass this to the lady in the white coat."

The bag traveled through a dozen hands before landing on Evelyn's lap.

The warmth against her fingertips made her flinch.

Alexander had already turned and mounted the stage, the spotlight gilding his profile. "Personal matters delayed me. My sincerest apologies."

The host chuckled diplomatically. "Mr. Hamilton is a busy man."

"With so many industry leaders here, I'll keep this brief." Alexander loosened his tie. "The Hamilton Group's talent strategy in recent years..."

Whispers spread like waves.

"Mr. Hamilton hasn't attended this summit in five years. Is he here just to endorse Dr. Macmillan?"

"What's in that paper bag? Important enough for him to deliver it personally?"

"Who's the woman in white?"

The journalist beside Evelyn came to her rescue. "From Anderson Environmental—technically a Hamilton affiliate."

The crowd nodded in understanding.

"Then why isn't she in the Platinum Section?" The journalist shot her a curious look.

"My assigned seat was here," Evelyn said, clutching the bag.

"Did Mr. Hamilton give you confidential documents?" someone asked, peering over. "Sorry, I shouldn't pry—"

Evelyn shook her head.

A faint aroma wafted from the bag.

She gave it a discreet squeeze.

Steamed buns. Still warm.