Chapter 500

The night breeze brushed past as Evelyn Carter tilted her head to gaze at the starry sky.

The mountain view made the constellations appear especially brilliant, like crushed diamonds scattered across black velvet.

"I'm still married," Sophia Winston suddenly said.

Evelyn withdrew her gaze. "That scumbag won't sign the papers?"

Sophia let out a light laugh, a trace of mockery flashing in her eyes. "He vanished long ago. After trafficking me to Southeast Asia, he never showed his face again. Probably got himself killed by loan sharks. Either way, I can't find him—so the divorce can't be finalized."

"Southeast Asia..." Evelyn hesitated.

"The red-light district," Sophia finished flatly, as if recounting someone else's story. "At first, I tried to escape. After a few failed attempts and nearly being beaten to death, I learned to behave."

Evelyn noticed the faint tremor in her fingertips and understood how painful those memories were.

"But you still got out."

"I had to." Sophia plucked a leaf and crushed it in her palm. "Stay there too long, and you either catch a disease or get resold. I got lucky—jumped off a boat during an offshore client visit and swam back."

Her tone was casual, but Evelyn could imagine the harrowing ordeal.

"After returning, they still hunted me," Sophia's voice dropped. "I'd already decided—if they caught me again, I'd jump off the nearest bridge."

Evelyn's chest tightened. "So it was Alexander Hamilton who..."

"Yes." Sophia's eyes brightened. "If not for Mr. Hamilton stepping in, I might've..."

She didn't finish, but Evelyn understood. The ruthless businessman occasionally extended a helping hand.

"He has helped quite a few people," Evelyn remarked neutrally.

Sophia turned to face her abruptly. "Ms. Carter, I'm not like those hypocrites. Mr. Hamilton saved my life. All I want is for him to get what he truly desires."

Under the moonlight, the sincerity in her eyes was unmistakable.

Evelyn arched a brow. "He sent you?"

"No!" Sophia waved her hands hastily. "I came here for personal reasons. Running into you was pure coincidence."

Evelyn nodded, then asked, "Staying at Celestial Club for good?"

Sophia smiled wryly. "I dropped out in middle school. What else can I do? Mr. Hamilton offered startup funds, but..."

She rubbed her freshly manicured nails. "At least Celestial is safe. The clients are high-profile—they won't cross certain lines. Once I save enough, I'll open a small shop in some quiet town."

Evelyn studied the exhaustion beneath her heavy makeup. "If it works for you, that's what matters."

"I know you look down on me." Sophia suddenly leaned closer. "But this is my fate. You, Ms. Carter, still have choices."

The night breeze carried the faint scent of her perfume.

"Thank you," Evelyn said softly.

"I'm the one who should be thanking you." Sophia blinked. "By the way, I heard you were a doctor? Impressive."

"Used to be." Evelyn gazed into the distance. "Not going back."

Sophia tilted her head. "Regrets?"

"What about you?"

They shared a knowing smile.

"You're far more interesting than your namesake," Sophia suddenly whispered. "Watch out for Little Cabbage."

She stepped back, pressing a finger to her lips. "The purer the flower appears, the deadlier its poison."