Chapter 503

Back in the hotel room, Alexander Hamilton made no mention of what had just happened.

The front desk clerk hurried over with a file folder. "Mr. Hamilton, this was delivered by Emily Zade."

He took it casually.

Evelyn Carter glanced at it. "Anderson Group documents?"

"Personnel files."

"I thought we were starting with business operations and major clients first?"

Alexander chuckled. "Operations are the market department's job. Clients belong to customer service. What you need to manage now are the people who manage those things."

"...Got it."

"The Hamilton Group has over a hundred subsidiaries across dozens of industries. You think I’m supposed to be an expert in every single one?" He pressed the elevator button. "I’m not a god."

The doors opened, and Evelyn stepped in first.

"We’ll start tomorrow. Rest tonight."

She nodded. "Still watching the moon?"

Surprise flickered in Alexander’s eyes.

He’d thought Annabelle Taylor’s appearance would make Evelyn distance herself again.

Yet here she was, bringing it up first.

His Adam’s apple bobbed. "You’re okay with that?"

The elevator arrived. Evelyn strode out briskly. A faint smile touched Alexander’s lips as he followed close behind. "The rooftop? Let me grab you a jacket."

He swiped the keycard, but Evelyn blocked the doorway with her arm.

"What’s wrong?"

"Separate rooms."

Alexander frowned. "I thought we were watching the moon?"

"We are." Evelyn’s tone was flat. "You’re showing me the ropes. I agreed to that condition, and I won’t go back on it."

"Then what now?"

"Virtual moon viewing." She pointed at the ceiling. "Back to our own rooms. Separate views."

Alexander narrowed his eyes. "I said together."

"You never specified face-to-face." She arched a brow. "Don’t worry, I’ll definitely look."

Suddenly, he remembered the message in a bottle she’d left for Vincent Wilson.

This woman always found loopholes.

Crossing his arms, Alexander leaned against the doorframe. "The moon can wait. Vincent just called. Said Vivian Dempsey asked him to look into someone..."

"Who?" Evelyn instantly tensed.

"A materials science PhD. One of the summit’s speakers." He spoke deliberately. "Good-looking, but comes from a poor family."

Evelyn’s gaze sharpened.

Alexander tilted his chin toward the room. "Want the details? Inside?"

After a brief hesitation, she finally lowered her arm.

Victorious, Alexander stepped in with his long legs.

His eyes swept over the shopping bags on the floor, pausing on an opened dress box.

It had looked stunning on her.

But...

He noticed no shoes in the bag. She was still wearing those blistering heels.

Evelyn sat on the couch, rubbing her reddened ankle.

"What’s that guy’s deal?"

Alexander knelt before her, gently cradling her ankle as he slid off the shoe.

"Vincent dug up everything. Top student, thirty years old, never dated—completely dedicated to research."

Evelyn frowned. "Personality?"

"Can’t tell from records." Alexander looked up. "Worried he’s another Peter Harrison?"

"Vivian’s too naive."

"Not every poor kid is like Peter." He uncapped the ointment. "That guy’s ambition was in his nature. Had nothing to do with background."

Evelyn tried to pull her foot back, but he held firm.

"Why didn’t you say it hurt?"

"It’s fine." She pressed her lips together. "What’s his name?"

"Victor Laurent." Alexander dabbed on the cool gel. "Vincent said he’s applying for patents. Desperate for funding."

Evelyn instinctively flinched at the ointment’s chill.

Alexander shifted to one knee, letting her rest her foot on his thigh.

"Not worth torturing yourself for others’ opinions."

"Corporate rules."

"You’re the future head of Anderson Group. Rules don’t apply to you." His touch was featherlight. "If anyone complains, tell me."

Evelyn suddenly asked, "Alexander."

"Hmm?"

"You still want to get back together?"

His fingers stilled. When he looked up, his eyes were dark. "Yes. But I know you won’t agree."

"..."

"You’ve rejected every hint and outright offer." He resumed applying the ointment. "Pushing further will only drive you away."