Chapter 600

Evelyn's fingers trembled slightly as she pushed open the office door.

The mountain of files on her desk blurred before her eyes. All she could see was Alexander's commanding presence during the executive meeting. Those loaded stares had prickled her back like needles, forcing her to consider the PR crisis Hamilton Group might face.

"Ms. Carter?" Assistant Liu placed a neatly organized folder before her, instantly noticing her distress. "You look pale."

Evelyn realized she'd been sitting frozen for too long. She tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear and forced a smile. "Just lost in thought."

Office gossip had wings no one could clip.

Assistant Liu handed her a steaming cup of tea, choosing her words carefully. "The break room chatter isn't worth your attention. I've heard far worse during my time at Hamilton's overseas branches."

"I'm fine." Evelyn's smile turned wry. "Just surprised how fast rumors spread."

She opened the file, willing herself to focus. The black text danced on white paper, refusing to imprint on her mind.

Assistant Liu spoke suddenly. "Mr. Hamilton once taught me something."

"Oh?"

"Rather than worrying about wagging tongues, let your competence silence them." She nudged the teacup closer. "I've never forgotten that."

Evelyn arched an eyebrow. "You admire him?"

"I respect merit." The reply came crisp and clear.

Evelyn's fingers stilled.

Was the ruthless Alexander in the boardroom the same man who'd gotten up at midnight to brew her ginger tea?

Her phone screen lit up.

[Alexander: Everything alright?]

She typed a single "Yes."

[Alexander: Breakfast tomorrow?]

[Evelyn: Whatever.]

[Alexander: How about soup dumplings? I'll make them.]

[Evelyn: The café downstairs has them.]

[Alexander: Their meat filling isn't fresh.]

She stared at the screen until another message popped up:

[Alexander: Don't overwork. Stay hydrated.]

Locking her phone, she took a sip. The delicate jasmine flavor unfurled on her tongue—the same blend from their resort getaway.

"This tea..."

"From Ms. Zade." Assistant Liu understood immediately. "Mr. Hamilton's instructions."

Evelyn lowered her gaze. The amber liquid reflected her faintly flushed ears.

At 3 PM, Anthony Taylor's call came through.

"Chairman." Her tone turned professional.

A pause on the line. "Any issues with the veteran shareholders? Alexander mentioned—"

"Handled." She cut in. "Mr. Hamilton made an appearance. Assistant Liu was exemplary."

The internal chat blinked incessantly on her screen.

Anthony's voice brightened abruptly. "The doctors discharged your mother today."

"That's good."

"I was thinking..." He hesitated. "Perhaps your adoptive parents could join us for dinner? Your sister's being discharged too..."

Evelyn's grip tightened around her pen.

"Emily needs rest." She kept her voice even. "Another time."

"Evelyn..." His voice quivered. "For your mother's sake. She checks her phone constantly, terrified of missing your messages..."

Outside the window, a plane tree leaf drifted downward.

"I'll stop by after work." She finally relented. "But my parents—I'll need to ask them first."