Chapter 583

Evelyn's grip on the microphone tightened slightly.

The host smiled diplomatically. "Does this student have any other questions?"

The sun-kissed basketball player from the court remained unfazed. "Senior Evelyn, what's your ideal type?"

"Wow—"

"Ethan's got guts!"

"Varsity team captains are different..."

Evelyn pressed her lips together and adjusted the microphone. "I haven't really thought about it."

Ethan braced one hand on the front-row seat and vaulted effortlessly into the aisle. "Then how about considering me?"

Principal Evans wiped his temple and whispered to the man beside him. "Mr. Hamilton, our school maintains strict discipline normally. Today is exceptional—"

Alexander Hamilton's gaze remained fixed on the stage, his voice low. "That boy's profile."

"Ethan Valentine. High school senior, sports scholarship, provincial basketball team recruit." The principal mopped his brow. "Bright personality—quite complementary to Evelyn's temperament. Though the age gap is... noticeable."

Before he finished, Ethan shouted toward the stage: "Senior, I may be younger but I'm great at taking care of people—"

The auditorium erupted.

The host hurriedly signaled. "Thank you for sharing, Senior Evelyn. Please proceed to the guest seating."

Evelyn descended the steps with quiet relief.

Students these days were far more direct than in her time.

"Over here!" Vivian waved vigorously.

Evelyn paused mid-step, her gaze lingering for half a second on a particular figure before calmly taking her seat.

Directly behind Alexander.

Vivian waggled her eyebrows. "Impressive. Even underclassmen are smitten."

"Stop it."

"Seriously, you should date after the divorce. That puppy-dog look he gave you—"

"He's underage. I'm nearly thirty."

"Age is just a number. Cougar relationships are trending—"

Principal Evans interrupted. "Evelyn."

She turned. "Principal."

"Allow me to introduce Mr. Hamilton of Hamilton Group. He's establishing a scholarship fund."

The air seemed to crystallize when their eyes met.

"Mr. Hamilton."

"Ms. Carter."

Evelyn asked softly, "Principal, was this fund arranged recently?"

"Six months in planning, thanks to Mr. Hamilton's support." The principal beamed. "Mr. Hamilton, Evelyn is our most accomplished alumna. Though her romantic life has been... challenging."

Alexander spoke abruptly. "Not anymore."

Department Head Wang chimed in. "Such an exceptional woman—my nephew happens to be single too. Perhaps—"

Vivian's eyes lit up. "Patrick? That chubby kid from before?"

"Quite handsome now. Teaches physics here." Wang smiled. "I'll introduce you later."

Alexander tapped the armrest. "Limited career growth for teachers, no?"

Wang faltered. "Tenured positions offer stability—"

"Annual salary?" Alexander lifted his gaze. "She deserves better."

The atmosphere turned glacial.

Wang looked awkwardly at Evelyn. "You two... know each other?"

The principal glanced between them, then brightened with realization. "Mr. Hamilton wouldn't happen to be—"

Alexander gave a slight nod. "The ex-husband."

Wang inhaled sharply. "What a coincidence. My nephew divorced last year too—"

"Indeed serendipitous." Alexander methodically undid his cufflink. "I'm currently single as well."