Chapter 585

"You'd check out underage boys?" Evelyn arched an eyebrow.

Vivian shrugged. "Just looking won't hurt. I'm not touching."

The referee's whistle pierced the air, signaling halftime. Ethan's team held a commanding lead.

The second half was delayed.

"What's going on?" Vivian craned her neck.

A girl nearby explained, "Their number five had an emergency. They're short a player."

"Ethan's team?"

"No, the opposing side."

Vivian stomped her foot. "Will they even continue?"

"They need a substitute, but all the seniors got called back by teachers—"

Before she finished, a tall figure appeared at the court entrance.

The stands erupted in squeals.

Vivian scoffed. "Doesn't he have anything better to do? First the anniversary, now a basketball game?"

Evelyn stayed silent.

Alexander methodically unbuttoned his suit jacket, loosened his tie, and tossed it onto a chair. He locked eyes with Ethan. "Provincial team?"

Ethan straightened. "Yes."

"Your opponents are short. Mind if I join?"

Ethan sized up the stranger, competitive fire igniting. "Sure. But you're playing in dress shoes?"

Alexander smirked. "Worry about that after I win."

Whispers spread through the crowd. Some guessed he was an alumnus; others thought he might be a school partner.

Vivian tugged Evelyn's sleeve. "Since when does Alexander play basketball?"

Evelyn shook her head.

"You don't even know that?"

"Never seen him play."

Vivian clicked her tongue. "Some marriage you have..."

Alexander suddenly looked up, scanning the stands. Evelyn avoided his gaze, focusing on Ethan instead.

The whistle blew.

Alexander's eyes turned icy as they locked onto Ethan.

For ten minutes, the court was dead silent.

What began as a friendly match became a duel between two men. Alexander attacked relentlessly, sinking a three-pointer immediately. Defense crumbled before him.

Ethan gritted his teeth, movements growing aggressive. After a clean steal, he scored with a layup.

Vivian jumped up. "Holy shit! Alexander's got skills!"

The girls finally snapped out of their daze, cheers rising in waves.

Ethan lifted his jersey to wipe sweat, revealing toned abs. Vivian nudged Evelyn again. "Still team Ethan though. Youth wins in the long run—he'll outlast Alexander."

Evelyn frowned. "Like taming a hawk?"

She was more concerned about safety. Ethan charged recklessly, sending opponents flying. Alexander remained composed, deftly neutralizing each attack.

The clash intensified. On Ethan's third failed block, he lost balance and crashed onto his knees with a pained grimace.

Evelyn tensed. "This is dangerous."

Vivian waved it off. "Boys will be boys. Scrapes are normal."

The game reached its peak. Ethan tried replicating his first-half dominance, but Alexander shut him down completely. Rolled-up sleeves revealed defined forearms, exuding restrained masculine allure.

Girls holding "Go Ethan" signs pivoted their cameras toward Alexander.

Another three-pointer swished through the net. The crowd roared.

Evelyn didn't smile, eyes glued to the court.

Ethan snapped. As Alexander jumped for another shot, he barreled into him.

"Thud—"

A body hit hardwood.

The whistle shrieked.

Evelyn's face paled as she rushed down the bleachers.

Teammates crowded around the fallen Ethan. Alexander stood alone, expressionless.

Blood seeped from Ethan's knees and elbows, pooling on the floor.

"Get him to the nurse!"

"He can't move—"

"Call the medic!"

Evelyn knelt to examine the injuries, relieved to find no fractures. "Can you move?"

Ethan sucked in a breath. "Evelyn... my leg hurts so bad."