Chapter 571

Vincent Wilson stood in the hallway, studying Alexander Hamilton for a long moment.

"Alex," he pointed at the locked door, "don't tell me you..." His voice trailed off meaningfully.

Alexander remained unruffled. "I was in a hurry last night. Left my keys inside."

He offered no explanation for his late-night departure, but his loungewear and the direction he'd come from spoke volumes.

Evelyn Carter's figure flashed past them in the corridor.

Vincent exchanged a knowing glance with Nathan York before deliberately drawing out his words: "We get it! Happens to the best of us!"

Alexander's gaze followed Evelyn's retreating form, clearly uninterested in further conversation. "You two go ahead. I'll be staying at Evelyn's place for now."

"The couch?" Vincent raised an eyebrow.

Nathan wisely kept silent.

Suddenly, Vincent had an epiphany. "Alex, why not just call a locksmith?"

Alexander's eyes turned icy. "What did you just say?"

Nathan swiftly clamped a hand over Vincent's mouth. "He's been acting strange lately. I'll take him to get checked out."

Once the elevator doors closed, Vincent broke free. "What was that for?"

"Are you stupid?" Nathan hissed. "The door wasn't even locked when Alex left!"

Vincent's eyes widened in belated realization. "You mean..."

"I saw," Nathan made a throat-slitting gesture, "Mrs. Hamilton in her pajamas. If Alex finds out we noticed..."

Both men shuddered simultaneously.

Meanwhile, Evelyn had changed into outdoor attire and was refilling the Ragdoll cat's water bowl.

"I cleaned the litter box," she said without looking up. "She's smart—figured it out immediately."

Alexander crouched down to pour kibble into the food dish. "When White Coat comes back, we'll need double the supplies."

He casually remarked, "When is Dr. Wilson returning the dog?"

Evelyn adjusted her crossbody bag. "We'll see. I'll take responsibility since I agreed to keep him."

"Like raising a child," Alexander chuckled.

Both froze at the unintended parallel.

Evelyn quickly changed the subject. "What did Vincent want?"

"Forgot his phone at my place," Alexander replied smoothly. "Actually, could you do me a favor? I need some clean clothes—"

"Don't bother," Evelyn cut him off. "I've already asked Emily to arrange for a locksmith."

Alexander's expression darkened.

"I have plans today." Evelyn grabbed her bag and headed for the door.

"With whom?" Alexander demanded.

The only response was the decisive click of the door closing behind her.