Chapter 775

Alexander Hamilton had learned his lesson. He double-checked the pipes to ensure they were properly fixed before letting Evelyn Carter turn on the water. As it flowed smoothly, he exhaled in relief. "Hope this holds up for a while."

The makeshift repair was far from perfect, but given the limited tools, getting through the day would count as a success.

"Margaret would be proud," Evelyn remarked, her gaze inadvertently sweeping over him.

He had taken the brunt of the earlier splash. His soaked white shirt clung to his frame, nearly transparent, outlining every defined muscle. Water droplets still trailed from his hair down his neck.

Evelyn quickly averted her eyes. "You’ll catch a cold. Go change."

Alexander’s physique was undeniably striking—a visual assault too intense for any adult to ignore.

Glancing down at himself, realization dawned. He hurried to his room and emerged in a black shirt, conservative in design save for the slightly lowered collar. With just a tilt of her head, Evelyn could glimpse the faint outline of his chest and the ever-present ring he wore.

Back on the couch, Alexander pretended to focus on the TV, though his mind was elsewhere. At thirty, he knew how to wield his mature charm. He intended to make full use of his assets.

The sudden ring of his phone shattered the charged atmosphere.

"Should I give you privacy?" Evelyn teased.

"It’s Emily," he said, half-hoping she’d probe. But she showed no interest.

After hanging up, his brow furrowed. "An important client is transiting through Hudson City tomorrow morning. I need to meet them."

Evelyn nodded. "Work comes first. I’ll handle the pipes."

Her indifference stung. "It’s just a quick dinner. I’ll be back soon."

"Your business dinners were never that simple before," she mused. "Late nights, drinks, negotiations. Then there were the spas, karaoke bars… Oh, and the billiards halls. Those were fun too."

Her tone was light, but Alexander stiffened as if sitting on needles. "I never fooled around in those places. You can ask—well, never mind. Vincent’s word is worthless. At lounges, I only drank craft beer. At karaoke, I just listened. And I prefer basketball over pool—you saw me at the school, remember? We could go to the court if you want."

The more he defended himself, the deeper he dug.

"I’m on duty next week," Evelyn shut him down flatly.

"The week after?"

"Expert lecture."

As a leading OB-GYN, academic events were non-negotiable.

Alexander froze. "The hospital keeps you busier than the rural clinic ever did."

Amused by his deflated expression, Evelyn chuckled. "Hudson City’s population is dozens of times larger than the village’s. Of course it’s more demanding. At least here, I have backup. I wonder how the clinic is holding up."

Months had passed since their return to the city, and news from the village had dwindled. With Alexander’s help, Lily Waters and her family had settled into urban life, renting a home and thriving.