Chapter 727

The air in the boardroom seemed to freeze for an instant.

A director slammed the table and stood abruptly. "Even Alexander Hamilton never dared speak to me like this! Who do you think you are? Don't forget you're already divorced!"

Evelyn Carter's fingers tapped lightly on the conference table, her voice measured. "The divorce doesn't invalidate this document."

She slid the file bearing Alexander's seal across the table, the paper whispering against the polished surface.

The director's face darkened as he turned to rally other shareholders. "Everyone here is a company veteran. We won't tolerate interference from an outsider!"

Evelyn's gaze swept the room. She remembered Alexander's words clearly—one-third loyalists, one-third fence-sitters, and one-third with hidden agendas.

Now she needed to win over those wavering votes.

"If we're voting," she suddenly raised her voice, "why not do it right now with a show of hands?"

The room erupted.

"This is too rash!"

"Open voting is inappropriate..."

"We need advance notice at least..."

Watching their panicked expressions, Evelyn suddenly understood why Alexander always kept people at arm's length. Dealing with these old foxes daily would make anyone paranoid.

If only he were here...

Just then, the boardroom door creaked open.

The heated discussions ceased instantly.

Evelyn, facing away from the entrance, only turned when she sensed the abrupt silence—

Alexander stood there.

She blinked, wondering if it was another hallucination. Lately, she kept seeing glimpses of him everywhere.

Until the chair beside her scraped back, and that familiar cologne enveloped her.

"Mr. Hamilton!" Emily Zade's voice trembled with emotion.

Alexander gave a slight nod. "Continue the meeting."

Three simple words that transformed the room's atmosphere. The previously hesitant shareholders immediately straightened their postures.

"Business trips do take time," Alexander adjusted his cufflinks leisurely. "I hadn't realized the company would be so... lively in my absence."

His gaze traveled across each face before settling on the instigating director. "Director Zheng, I heard you wanted a vote? On what matter?"

Beads of sweat formed on Zheng's forehead. "N-nothing important..."

Alexander chuckled softly, then turned to Evelyn. "You explain."

Evelyn froze.

She could feel his hand trembling slightly where it held hers. Though impeccably dressed in his suit, closer inspection revealed the dark circles under his eyes and unnaturally pale lips.

"I..."

"Hmm?" Alexander's eyes encouraged her.

Taking a deep breath, Evelyn outlined her proposal with perfect clarity. This time, no one dared interrupt.

When the meeting adjourned, shareholders practically fled the room.

Emily discreetly closed the door behind them.

Evelyn mechanically gathered documents, flinching when her fingers accidentally brushed Alexander's hand.

"You..."

Alexander suddenly grasped her wrist. "I'm sorry for worrying you."

Evelyn's tears finally overflowed. "Just how..."

Her voice broke, the words dissolving into silent sobs.