Chapter 499

The night was deep and silent in the garden, save for the faint chirping of insects.

Sophia Winston approached in her stilettos, crimson lips curling. "So you're Evelyn Carter? Don't worry—I'm not talking about that clingy Annabelle Taylor."

Evelyn looked up, moonlight casting a frosty glint in her eyes. "What do you want?"

"Just a coincidence." Sophia twirled a lock of her curled hair. "I was curious about the woman who still haunts Alexander Hamilton's thoughts."

Evelyn turned to leave.

"Wait." Sophia suddenly grabbed her wrist. "That outfit looks stunning on you."

"Bought it at the mall."

"Liar." Sophia smirked. "This has Alexander's taste written all over it. His eye for fashion is ruthless."

Their reflections shimmered in the greenhouse glass—one cold as winter, the other blazing like fire.

Evelyn settled into a wicker chair. "Cut to the chase. How long have you been following me?"

"Since you stepped off the elevator." Sophia sat across from her without hesitation. "Don't misunderstand—I have no interest in Alexander."

"Then what does interest you?"

"You." Sophia lit a cigarette. "Word is you dumped him? Brilliant move."

Through the smoke, Evelyn noticed the scars lining Sophia's inner wrist.

"Celestial Club's top hostess reduced to being a messenger?" Evelyn scoffed.

Sophia abruptly stubbed out her cigarette. "Three years ago, my gambler ex-husband nearly beat me to death. Alexander sent people to save me." She yanked her collar aside, revealing a burn scar on her collarbone. "That bastard did this with a cigarette."

Moonlight exposed the grotesque, centipede-like mark.

"So this is your gratitude?" Evelyn's tone dripped with sarcasm.

"No, this is my thanks." Sophia leaned in suddenly. "Thank you for making that arrogant man taste the bitterness of unrequited love."

A night breeze carried the scent of roses.

Evelyn stood. "Finished?"

"Do you know why he chose me?" Sophia chuckled behind her. "Because my eyes resemble yours."

Evelyn's steps faltered.

"How pathetic." Sophia's voice floated after her. "He didn't even dare find a lookalike."

Footsteps approached from the distance—Alexander's silhouette appeared at the garden's edge.

"Miss Carter, send me the link to that dress!" Sophia called out loudly.

As she turned, she whispered: "See? He can't even stand me talking to you."

Evelyn walked away without looking back.

Moonlight stretched her shadow long across the path.

Sophia remained, watching Alexander chase after Evelyn's retreating figure. She exhaled a slow smoke ring.

"Fool," she murmured to the empty air. "You don't even know who truly loves you."

The cigarette ember glowed briefly before she crushed it into the soil.