Chapter 484

The summit buzzed with activity. Evelyn Carter clutched the brown paper bag in her hands.

She pressed the opening tightly, afraid the aroma would escape.

Alexander Hamilton's speech barely registered in her mind.

Only when thunderous applause erupted did she snap back to reality.

The host took the microphone. "Thank you for that brilliant presentation, Mr. Hamilton. Next—"

"Thirty-minute break," Alexander interrupted abruptly.

The host blinked, then caught on. "Everyone may take a short recess. We'll resume in half an hour."

The venue immediately came alive with chatter.

Attendees rose to mingle.

The girl beside her leaned over. "I'm heading to the restroom. Coming?"

Evelyn shook her head. "No, thanks."

"Know any quiet spots around here?"

The girl pouted. "With this crowd? Everywhere's noisy. The restroom line's probably insane."

Her phone vibrated.

[Alexander: Third door on the right after B Section exit]

She sent a question mark in reply.

[Alexander: Bring the package]

Evelyn locked her screen without responding.

Another vibration.

[Alexander: Should I come get you myself?]

She inhaled deeply and grabbed the bag.

As she reached the door, a hand tapped her shoulder.

"Oh, it's you!"

The same seatmate.

"What are you doing here?"

The door swung open.

Alexander frowned. "What took so long?"

The girl immediately straightened. "Mr. Hamilton."

He nodded, then turned to Evelyn. "Inside."

Evelyn lifted the bag. "Delivering something for Mr. Hamilton."

The lock clicked behind them.

The lounge featured a spacious sofa and wall-mounted display screens.

"Eat," he urged, guiding her onto the couch. "I ran quite a distance for these."

"Where's Lydia?"

"She found the summit dull. Went exploring."

When she hesitated, Alexander unwrapped the bag himself.

"Few breakfast places nearby. This bun shop had the longest queue—must be decent."

The steamed buns had thin wrappers bursting with piping hot filling.

"Got soybean milk too."

He unscrewed the lid and set it before her.

"Plenty of time. Thirty minutes."

Small bites gradually warmed her stomach.

"How far did you go?"

"Morning gridlock. Had to run."

Now she understood why he'd been panting earlier.

The round trip must've taken over half an hour.

"...Thanks."

"How will you thank me?" His brow arched.

Seeing her wariness, he chuckled. "Relax. No afterparty plans."

Fifteen minutes remained after the meal.

"Take off your shoes. Rest a bit," he suggested.

"No need. I'll send Vivian my notes."

He knelt suddenly, one hand encircling her ankle while the other removed her heels.

"What are you—"

"What could happen in fifteen minutes?"

His thumb pressed into her calf with precise pressure.

Tears welled as pain shot through her. "Too much! Stop!"

"Bear with it. Needs kneading out."

"Really unnecessary—"

His hands continued their work as she blinked back tears.

With people passing outside, she bit back any sounds.

"Enough?"

Seeing her genuine distress, he finally relented.

"Can you walk?"

"Yes," she said, slipping her shoes back on. "I stand for hours during surgeries."

Rising, she found the ache had lessened.

Apparently he'd actually studied massage techniques.

For Annabelle's sake.

"I'll leave first. Wait before exiting."

She slipped out and hurried back to her seat.

The Platinum Section seats remained empty.

"Your eyes are red," her seatmate noted. "Did Mr. Hamilton scold you?"