Chapter 564

Evelyn Carter studied Lydia Laurent's face for several seconds.

"No," she replied calmly.

Lydia blinked her large, innocent eyes. "Evelyn, I don't understand what you're saying. But if you don't want to go shopping, that's fine." She abruptly changed the subject. "By the way, have you seen Alexander recently? He's not answering my calls."

Evelyn recalled Olivia mentioning that patients would collect their reports this afternoon.

"You came to this party right after your appointment?" she asked pointedly.

"Of course," Lydia smiled sweetly. "A male classmate is having a birthday, and I wanted Alexander's help picking a gift." Her tone turned sly. "Evelyn, why did you leave the resort so suddenly that day?"

"Business." Evelyn kept her answer short.

Regarding Alexander, she added, "We're not close. Contact him yourself."

Just as Lydia opened her mouth to respond, a familiar car pulled up.

Evelyn pressed her lips together.

Perfect timing.

Alexander Hamilton parked and walked straight to Evelyn. "Let me hold the cat. Get in the car."

The Ragdoll obediently curled into his arms. He guided Evelyn to the passenger seat with a hand hovering near her shoulder—close enough to steady her if needed, but never actually touching.

Evelyn slid into the car without a word.

Alexander carefully returned the cat to her lap before shutting the door. His movements were practiced, as if he'd done this a thousand times.

Lydia finally rushed forward. "Alexander! I was just asking Evelyn if she'd seen you." Her lower lip trembled. "She lied and said she hadn't. Does she not want you talking to me?"

As Evelyn fastened her seatbelt, an overwhelming scent of artificial sweetness filled the air.

"What do you want?" Alexander didn't turn around.

"I need help choosing a birthday gift for—"

"Not interested." He opened the driver's door. "Our engagement is over."

Lydia's smile froze. "Do you think I'm childish?"

"Do you?"

"..."

"Truly childish people don't announce it," Alexander said coldly. "That's just an excuse."

Tears welled in Lydia's eyes. "But we agreed to be like siblings! Did Evelyn say something to—"

"This has nothing to do with her." Alexander took his seat. "She wasn't even aware when I discussed business with your father."

Lydia twisted her fingers together. "Maybe I misunderstood. When we spoke on the phone..."

Her voice trailed off, waiting for Alexander to take the bait.

But he'd already started the engine.

The Ragdoll suddenly arched its back. "Meow!"

The shrill cry echoed through the car. Evelyn followed the cat's gaze out the window—

Lydia still stood there.

When their eyes met, the venom in Lydia's stare could no longer be hidden. Her sweet features contorted into something straight out of a horror movie.

A chill ran down Evelyn's spine.

She turned away, gently stroking the trembling cat.

"Meow..." The Ragdoll shivered against her chest.

"What's wrong with it?" Alexander asked.

"Your driving scared it," Evelyn said flatly.

Without proof, she wouldn't jump to conclusions. As for Alexander's promise to "trust her"...

Evelyn rubbed the cat's tiny head.

Pretty words were worthless.

Only fools took them to heart.