Chapter 690

Alexander Hamilton immediately shifted the blame onto Evelyn Carter, making her seem like the unreasonable one.

His brows furrowed, his gaze turning icy in an instant.

Lydia Laurent softened her voice. "Alexander, Dad and I really didn’t mean to be late. I’m just not used to the countryside, so Dad brought extra help to take care of me. That’s why we got delayed."

Their entourage quickly caught on, chiming in with agreement.

"Mr. Hamilton, Mr. Laurent and Miss Lydia had quite the journey."

"This place was so hard to find..."

Evelyn arched an eyebrow. "You actually asked for directions the whole way?"

The corner of Alexander’s lips curled slightly, a hint of mockery flashing in his eyes.

Lydia was about to play dumb and brush it off, but Leonard Laurent was eager to prove his loyalty. "Of course! If we knew the way, why would we go through all this trouble?"

He was certain no one would dare contradict him. As for their departure time, he had indeed left Hudson City immediately—just with a small detour to handle some "minor issues."

That college student who’d been scared out of his mind was probably counting his compensation in a psychiatric facility right now.

"Do you know how long it takes for one person to find this place?" Alexander sneered. "I drove for three days and nights."

Leonard froze.

He hadn’t expected Alexander to go to such lengths for a woman. He’d never been this devoted to Annabelle Taylor back then.

"Would you like to try it yourself, Mr. Laurent?" Alexander’s gaze sharpened. "No need to go back to Hudson City—just to the nearest town."

Leonard immediately shut his mouth.

The others fell silent too. Who would’ve thought the CEO would personally drive for three days straight?

The atmosphere in the courtyard turned frigid.

Seeing the situation deteriorate, Lydia quickly tried to smooth things over. "Alexander, we were definitely in the wrong this time. Dad didn’t manage his people well, so I’ll apologize on his behalf."

She bowed deeply, attempting to claim the moral high ground.

But the expected polite response never came.

Both Evelyn and Alexander watched coldly. Childhood friendship? That had evaporated the moment the truth came to light.

Lydia dug her nails into her palms.

If it weren’t for Evelyn meddling, everything in the Hamilton family should’ve been hers after that idiot Annabelle was out of the picture!

When she looked up again, her eyes were brimming with tears. "I really don’t know how to explain this..."

Alexander remained unmoved. "Let him speak for himself. I trust evidence more than excuses."

Lydia was instantly at a loss for words.

Evelyn listened quietly, her heart a whirlwind of emotions.

He’d finally learned to trust her.

Too bad it was too late.

"Don’t let the door hit you on the way out," Alexander said flatly, issuing the dismissal outright.

Lydia panicked. They’d only come to clear their names, never expecting to be humiliated on the spot.

"Alexander, come with us," she urged, glancing around the shabby clinic. "There’s a hotel in the next town..."

If she could just separate them, things would be much easier.

"No need," Alexander refused bluntly. "I’m injured and need rest."

Leonard immediately tried to ingratiate himself. "Mr. Hamilton, the conditions here are terrible. You should go to a hospital—"

Evelyn watched the father-daughter act with cold amusement.

Lydia covered her nose in disgust, as if the air smelled foul.

Alexander’s gaze turned even colder. "If you can’t stand it, then leave. I think this place is just fine."

Everyone was stunned.