Chapter 832

Vivian Dempsey let out a heavy sigh, her fingers absently tapping the desk.

"Vincent somehow found out Miss Liang is staying with me. He keeps calling, demanding I hand her over." She irritably ran a hand through her hair. "Claims I'm ruining their marriage. Ridiculous. I finally blocked him."

Evelyn Carter frowned. "That was reckless. You know what he's capable of when provoked." She paused. "But this confirms he's behind it all."

Vivian started to nod, but Evelyn held her chin steady. "Don't move. I'm not done dressing this wound."

"What's he gonna do? He already made a scene at my office."

Evelyn's hands stilled. "Why didn't you tell me sooner?" Knowing Vivian's temperament, she didn't suspect ulterior motives, just sighed. "When you said you turned him away...please tell me you didn't actually have security throw him out."

"Of course I did!" Vivian's eyes sparkled. "I don't owe him anything. When he tried forcing his way in, I had them lock the gates." Her excitement grew. "If I'd known what he was really like, I'd have had them toss him into the street!"

Evelyn shook her head in amusement. "You're going to end up in the tabloids..."

Alexander Hamilton entered carrying takeout, immediately noticing Vivian in his usual seat. His expression darkened slightly as he cleared his throat. "Time to go home."

Evelyn didn't look up. "Almost done." She gestured to a nearby chair. "Sit."

Alexander quietly moved the chair half a meter closer to Evelyn before sitting. Vivian gave him a cursory glance. "Evening, Mr. Hamilton."

"Miss Dempsey," Alexander's gaze lingered on the gauze at her temple, "this is the OB-GYN department."

Vivian rolled her eyes. "Spit it out. No need for subtlety."

Evelyn quickly summarized the situation. Alexander's expression turned grave. "Vincent won't let this go."

"Let him try!" Vivian scoffed. "Men like him deserve to be punched on sight!"

Evelyn restrained her friend's waving fist. "Easy. You're a target now—get some security detail." She considered. "From the company. People we trust."

Vivian reluctantly agreed. As she left, she suddenly added, "Miss Liang is perfectly safe. Vincent will never find her." She winked mysteriously. "You two know the place better than I do."

Evelyn and Alexander exchanged glances, speaking simultaneously: "The resort hotel?"

"How did you—?" Vivian's eyes widened.

Evelyn smiled. "Somewhere habitable that we're both familiar with? Where else could it be?"

Alexander checked his watch, temporarily suppressing the urge to call the resort manager.

......

By the floor-to-ceiling windows of the resort hotel, Bianca Langley stared at her ringing phone. The name "Evelyn Carter" made her fingers tremble.

"Hello?" She forced unnatural cheerfulness into her voice. "I'm fine, really. Why...why are you calling?"

A beat of silence.

"Bianca," Evelyn's gentle yet firm voice came through, "is someone there with you?"