Chapter 839

The host's professionally made-up face maintained a practiced smile as she smoothly steered the conversation from business to personal matters. The interview show Success Stories was well-known in Hudson City for its incisive questioning, often uncovering lesser-known aspects of its guests.

Alexander Hamilton frowned slightly at the television screen. He pulled out his phone and quickly sent a message to a media contact.

"Vincent Croix reached out to the production team himself," he said calmly, pocketing his phone. "He was very generous with the sponsorship fee."

Evelyn Carter's gaze lingered on the barrage of comments flooding the screen:

—Mr. Croix is so devoted

—Miss Langley is being unreasonable

—Business marriages are always like this

She reached out and turned off the comments. "The paid trolls are obvious."

Alexander's lips curled into a cold smile. "He certainly knows how to perform."

On screen, Vincent Croix was speaking with affected tenderness: "Miss Langley and I simply had a misunderstanding..."

Evelyn fast-forwarded, catching Vincent's choked-up words: "If they're willing to come back, I'd give up everything."

"Including the Langley Group?" the host pressed.

"That was always the Langley family's business," Vincent said, eyes glistening with unshed tears. "I'm preparing to launch a new company—I hope to see them at the ribbon-cutting..."

Evelyn jabbed the pause button. "He knows Bianca hates this kind of spectacle!"

On screen, Vincent looked every inch the devoted husband in his tailored suit. But Evelyn remembered the icy chill in Bianca's eyes whenever she spoke of him.

"He thinks this will win her back?" Alexander's voice was frigid. "How naive."

A week later, crystal chandeliers illuminated the banquet hall of a high-profile business reception. The moment Alexander entered, he spotted Vincent holding court, surrounded by admirers.

"Mr. Hamilton!" A mutual acquaintance greeted him enthusiastically. "I hear Mr. Croix's new company will be right next to your project? You'll have to look out for each other."

Vincent approached with a champagne flute, deliberately holding it lower. "It would be my honor if Mr. Hamilton could attend."

Alexander didn't move, his own glass suspended mid-air. "You have quite the methods, Mr. Croix."

The air around them seemed to freeze. Vincent's smile didn't waver. "You flatter me. Just trying to get by."

Their gazes locked in silent combat while onlookers mistook it for casual banter. Only when a waiter accidentally knocked over a glass did the tension break.

Evelyn was reviewing medical records when Alexander called.

"He's making his move," his low voice came through the line. "The new company is right next to our project."

She set down her pen. "Does Bianca know?"

"Couldn't reach her yet." A pause. "But given Vincent's style, she'll find out soon enough."

Outside, night deepened. Evelyn studied her reflection in the window, recalling Bianca's parting words: "Some people never know when to stop."

Silence stretched between them. Both understood—this was only the beginning.