Chapter 580

The office curtains were half-drawn, allowing slanted sunlight to spill across the floor. Evelyn Carter surveyed the space—this was Anthony Taylor's former office, preserved exactly as he'd left it, down to the pen holder on the desk.

Alexander Hamilton stood at the threshold, his gaze cataloging every detail. He gave a slight nod, apparently approving of the arrangements.

"Thanks." Evelyn accepted the files he'd carried for her, her tone as neutral as if addressing a colleague.

Alexander released the documents, watching her stride to the desk. Her movements were efficient, the keyboard taps crisp—as though the earlier confrontation in the boardroom had never happened. He settled into the armchair opposite, his eyes never leaving her.

Proposals and tenders littered the desk. Evelyn's fingers danced across the keyboard before she suddenly looked up. "Hamilton Group must be swamped lately."

"No rush." Alexander leaned back, posture relaxed.

"Today made things abundantly clear." Her focus returned to the screen. "They won't give me trouble anymore."

His Adam's apple bobbed. "You resent me for this?"

"No." She shook her head. "Quite the opposite. Without your intervention, they wouldn't have conceded so easily."

Alexander exhaled. "This isn't your style."

"Mm."

"You've always relied on merit." His voice softened. "Having connections pave the way now—it's natural to feel unsettled."

Her typing hesitated.

"Remember what Peter Harrison said about me?" Alexander asked abruptly.

"Which part?"

"That I merely won the birth lottery." A humorless twist of his lips. "In some ways, he wasn't wrong."

Evelyn closed a folder. "Your point?"

"Your goals have always been pure." His gaze held hers. "Healing people, protecting family. Those don't require privilege."

Her lashes lowered. "I lack Peter's ambition."

"More desires mean less joy." Alexander's smile turned wry. "I used to force things, only to lose everything. Evelyn... I never understood you before."

Silence pooled between them. The rustle of papers grew pronounced.

"Since when did you study philosophy?" she deflected.

"'Also'?" He pounced on the word.

"Vivian." A faint curve touched Evelyn's lips. "She bombarded me with motivational quotes for weeks. I nearly expected her to join a monastery."

Shadow crossed his eyes. "Pain makes one reflect."

Evelyn pivoted sharply. "Let's discuss the restructuring. Your thoughts on the personnel changes?"

"Vice president is tempting bait." Alexander followed her lead. "But watch for sabotage during bidding."

"I need trustworthy allies."

"I can recommend several." He leaned forward. "Outside the old guard's faction."

She shook her head. "Management transitions require care. I want gradual shifts—dignified exits for longtime employees."

"Wise." Approval warmed his voice. "Whatever you decide, I'll support it."

Sunlight fractured between them in scattered patterns. Evelyn kept her eyes averted.

Alexander stood. "Dinner preferences?"

"Whatever."

"I'll have Auntie Wu follow the nutritionist's menu." A pause. "Free this weekend?"

She finally met his gaze.

"Mother's returning to the estate." He clarified, "She'd like to host you. Bring Vivian and the others if you prefer."

"Prior engagement." Her reply was clipped.

"With?" Tension wire-tightened his voice.

"Several people."

"Men?"

"Yes."

Alexander's expression darkened. "Vivian's gathering?"

"Not her." Evelyn arched a brow. "What, you're policing me now?"

"Wouldn't dare." He backtracked instantly, then ventured cautiously, "Celestial Club again?"

Her eyebrow climbed higher. "What if it is?"

His throat worked. "Women should... prioritize safety."

"It's perfectly safe there." She looked down. "Safer than some people's intentions."