Chapter 582

Principal Samuel Evans nodded approvingly at the enthusiastic response from the audience. After Evelyn Carter's speech concluded, he spontaneously decided to add an interactive Q&A session.

The students erupted in excitement.

Evelyn scanned the crowd and selected a girl wearing round-framed glasses.

"Senior Evelyn..." The girl nervously adjusted her glasses. "How did you overcome your fear of public speaking?"

Evelyn smiled faintly. "Truthfully, my palms are still sweating right now."

"What?" Murmurs of surprise rippled through the crowd.

The girl pressed further: "Could you share some advice about studying medicine?"

"You'll hear all about it after your college entrance exams."

The atmosphere gradually warmed.

A different girl suddenly raised her hand. "Your blazer is gorgeous!"

Evelyn gracefully removed the jacket to showcase it. "Pro tip—buy off-season for major discounts."

Girls immediately noted the style number, chattering animatedly.

Then commotion erupted from the back rows.

"Senior Evelyn!" A tall male student stood with flushed cheeks. "Do you have a boyfriend?"

The entire assembly exploded with noise.

A teacher stomped in frustration. "Outrageous!"

"Don't be mad, teach..."

"Maybe she'll like me!"

The teacher mockingly raised a hand, and the boy playfully dodged, drawing laughter.

Evelyn observed the scene, her lips curling slightly.

"I was married."

Gasps filled the auditorium.

"Of course someone that stunning is taken..."

"Too late for us..."

After the murmurs subsided, Evelyn added: "Though we're divorced now."

The uproar intensified. Teachers exchanged glances before giving up on crowd control.

"Any other questions?" Evelyn smoothly redirected.

Another hand shot up. "Did you date in high school?"

"No."

"Was it lack of interest or strict teachers?"

"Both."

"Was your ex-husband your first love?"

Across the field, Alexander Hamilton paused mid-conversation with school administrators.

His gaze cut through the crowd, landing on Evelyn at the podium.

The dean followed his sightline and eagerly explained: "That's Evelyn Carter, our pride and joy—"

"I see." Alexander responded neutrally.

"She received the city's highest scholarship—"

"Exceptional students deserve exceptional opportunities."

Noticing his interest, officials ushered him toward the stage.

Alexander was seated in the front row—directly behind Vivian Dempsey.

Vivian snorted. "Why are you here?"

"Miss Dempsey?" The dean blinked. "You know Mr. Hamilton?"

"We've never met." Vivian turned away.

Alexander clarified: "I'm evaluating scholarship funding."

"Charity work?" She arched an eyebrow. "Donate more."

He chuckled, refocusing on the stage.

Sunlight illuminated Evelyn's upright posture as she spoke with liquid gentleness.

"First love is...complicated." She hesitated. "Our story would take too long to tell."

"You married him but weren't mutually in love?"

"Time's up." Evelyn deftly pivoted. "Wishing you all brilliant futures."

As she handed the microphone back, a basketball-jersey-clad boy burst from the back.

"Wait, Senior Evelyn!"