Chapter 494

"Mr. Hamilton, it's actually you I wanted to reach." Peter Harrison's voice dripped with smug confidence through the receiver. "I just didn't have your direct number, so I had to call Evelyn instead."

He paused, his tone turning teasing. "Seems I guessed right—Evelyn would be asleep at this hour, leaving you to answer. Congratulations, Mr. Hamilton. Finally won the fair lady's heart?"

A cold glint flashed in Alexander Hamilton's eyes. "Got what you wanted and still bothering us?"

"Don't be so cold," Peter chuckled shamelessly. "Just a minor funding hiccup with the project. Thought I'd ask for your generous approval."

"You think you deserve it?"

Peter remained unfazed. "Mutual benefit, that's all. Since Evelyn means so much to you, isn't it fair for the matchmaker to claim his reward?"

Alexander let out a humorless laugh. "Fine. You'll have it tomorrow."

"Now that's what I call decisiveness!"

"Assuming you live to see tomorrow."

Dead silence filled the line. Peter shot up from his chair, frantically checking locks as cold sweat drenched his back. "W-what do you mean?"

Alexander's voice was eerily calm, as if discussing the weather. "Permanent solutions save trouble. Should I reunite you with Simon Stapleton?"

The realization hit Peter like a sledgehammer. He'd thought Evelyn was his golden ticket, but Alexander wasn't playing by his rules.

"Mr. Hamilton, we live in a society of laws," he stammered, clinging to false bravado. "If anything happens to me, Evelyn will suspect you first."

"You overestimate your importance." Alexander's tone remained flat. "You'll disappear just like Simon did."

The call ended with a decisive click. Alexander deleted the record and slipped back into the hospital room.

Evelyn slept soundly, though her brows were knitted. He reached to smooth them but withdrew at the last second.

Outside, he crossed paths with a night-shift nurse.

"Another vigil?" she asked kindly.

Alexander nodded. "Repaying old debts."

As she recorded vitals, the nurse lowered her voice. "Dr. Carter's body is severely depleted. This cold was just the tipping point. She needs long-term recovery—no more overworking."

His gaze darkened. "Will it affect her future workload?"

"Absolutely not!" The nurse was firm. "Health comes first."

The day of their return dawned clear over the capital.

Color had returned to Evelyn's cheeks. Alexander had somehow arranged daily gourmet soups—each more nourishing than the last—turning even this soup-averse woman into an enthusiast.

"ID, please." At the airport, Alexander held out his hand. "Go sit."

Evelyn scanned the crowded terminal. "No seats left."

"The first-class lounge has plenty." He plucked the documents from her grip. "Another economy flight, and my knees will retire before I do."

Soon he returned with upgraded boarding passes.

Evelyn studied the crisp tickets. "Thank you."

The lounge's leather couches were indeed luxurious. When Alexander handed her water, he noticed her phone switching from messages to financial news.

"Emily's doing alright?"

"Yes, Olivia checked on her." Evelyn pocketed her phone. "That drama queen overreacted to some minor pain."

Alexander leaned closer. "Stop scrolling. You just left the hospital."

"I'll rust if I rest any longer." She sighed. "Came all this way for the summit and only attended one day."

His eyes dropped to her screen. "Theories won't help."

"Then how do I improve quickly?"

"Learn from me."

Evelyn snorted and kept scrolling.

"Don't believe me?"

"I do." She didn't look up. "This summit thoroughly demonstrated Mr. Hamilton's industry clout."

The corner of his mouth lifted. "Personalized tutoring. Point out what you don't know—I'm available 24/7. Free of charge."

Suddenly, Evelyn turned her screen toward him. Displayed prominently: the National Anti-Fraud Center app icon.