Chapter 679

"Thank God mobile payments work here." Alexander Hamilton unwrapped the medicine box, extracting a cotton swab. "Otherwise I'd have to swallow my pride and ask someone for cash."

He knelt down with the gentleness of handling fragile porcelain.

Evelyn Carter reached out. "I can do it myself."

"My hands are steadier." He dodged her fingers, dabbing the antiseptic lightly on her wound. "Tell me if it hurts."

Evelyn studied his downcast face.

His lashes cast delicate shadows under the lamplight, the sharp bridge of his nose perfectly defined.

The familiarity of this scene made her chest constrict.

"What's wrong?" Alexander looked up, noticing her reddened eyes. "Did I hurt you?"

"No." She turned away. "Your leg injury..."

"It's fine. I was careful during the shower." Suddenly he chuckled. "Want to know what the front desk ladies called me?"

Evelyn raised a brow. "They still think you're..."

"A gigolo." Alexander nodded shamelessly. "When I asked for the pharmacy location, I mentioned buying medicine for my girlfriend. On my return, I overheard them praising how good service standards have become for male escorts these days."

Amusement danced in his eyes.

Evelyn's lips twitched. "Should we clarify?"

"Clarify what?" Alexander countered. "Let them keep believing I'm a gigolo, or tell them we're actually..."

He deliberately trailed off.

Evelyn pressed her lips together.

"So," he spread his hands cheerfully, "being a conscientious gigolo isn't so bad."

That night after washing up, Alexander suddenly leaned in. "Dr. Carter, need any nighttime services?"

Evelyn choked on air.

He patted her back, laughing. "So easy to tease?"

"You rich people..." She gasped between coughs. "Really know how to play."

"Currently I'm a gigolo." He handed her tissues. "Professional service."

As Evelyn wiped her eyes, she noticed he'd used clothing to demarcate a boundary across the bed.

"I promise not to cross the line." He gestured. "Wounded privilege, okay?"

The sofa was too small. The floor too hard.

Studying his profile outlined by bedside light, Evelyn gave a soft "Mm."

"Can't sleep?" She caught him staring.

"No." Alexander's gaze burned. "Feels like we're back to..."

"It's not the same." She cut him off. "That was obligation. This is..."

"Is what?"

"An accident." She turned away. "How long are you staying?"

"Through year-end."

Evelyn whipped back around. "What about the company?"

"Remote work." His expression turned serious. "Leonard Laurent won't let this go. In my absence, he might tamper with medical supplies."

Her pupils contracted.

"Medical malpractice, blame shifted to the clinic." His voice lowered. "You can't guard against this."

Only the hum of AC filled the room.

"I can commute daily." Alexander said quietly. "Consider it...life experience."

Moonlight sliced through curtain gaps, painting a silver line across the floor.