Chapter 562

Alexander's gaze involuntarily drifted toward Evelyn.

She was engrossed in the menu, her slender fingers gliding across the pages, seemingly oblivious to the earlier "Mrs. Hamilton" remark.

"At the office, she's to be addressed as Director Carter," Alexander corrected firmly.

Evelyn finally looked up, her lips curving into a perfectly measured smile. "Since you're all senior colleagues, just call me by my name in private."

The atmosphere in the private dining room froze momentarily.

The four guests exchanged glances—so she had pretended not to hear earlier, but now responded swiftly?

"Director Carter, you're too modest," one quickly smoothed over, "Protocol must be observed."

Evelyn's fingertip paused lightly on the menu. "I mean it."

The air turned abruptly silent.

All four pairs of eyes darted toward Alexander, beads of sweat forming on their foreheads. How had their flattery somehow ignited tension?

Alexander massaged his temples. "Do as Director Carter says."

"Yes, of course!" They sighed in relief. "Director Carter is young and capable, surely destined to succeed Chairman Anderson. We're just getting accustomed in advance..."

Evelyn suddenly chuckled softly. "The future can wait until it arrives."

Her lashes lowered, casting delicate shadows under the lighting. Their surface-level respect couldn't mask the curiosity in their eyes—what they truly cared about was Alexander's stance.

"Let's order," Alexander deftly shifted the topic, sliding the menu toward Evelyn.

She didn't take it. "Our senior colleagues should go first."

"Director Carter, please choose!"

Watching their nervous deference, Evelyn found it almost laughable. Just how intimidating had Alexander been to make these seasoned professionals tremble like this?

"I'll do it." Alexander retrieved the menu, giving brief instructions to the server with emphasis: "Light on oil and salt."

The server hesitated. "Four dishes might not be enough for four guests..."

"Evelyn's currently recuperating," Alexander explained. "Order whatever else you like."

The eldest guest's hands shook as he accepted the menu. Selecting dishes felt like defusing a bomb, terrified of triggering Director Carter's displeasure.

The food arrived swiftly.

Evelyn quietly ate her bland dishes while listening to the executives' cautious reports. These substantive discussions were far more interesting than empty pleasantries, and her appetite improved as she focused.

Alexander occasionally used serving chopsticks to add food to her plate, the motion so practiced it seemed habitual.

As dusk deepened, the dinner finally concluded.

The four guests practically fled after their farewells, leaving only the two of them—and an impatient Ragdoll in its carrier.

"Meow~"

Evelyn's heart melted instantly as she carefully cradled the fluffy ball. "Be good, no running around."

The kitten nuzzled against her, purring contentedly.

Watching this, warmth flickered in Alexander's eyes. "Does it understand?"

"Understanding isn't necessary," Evelyn stroked the soft fur. "We'll teach it gradually."

Alexander gazed out the window. "Shall we walk by the lily ponds? You've never properly seen the night view here."

Evelyn's hand stilled slightly.

She remembered—their first visit, when he'd nearly drowned someone by those ponds; their second, when Lydia and Annabelle had taken photos there.

Some scenery, once tainted, could never be cleansed.