Chapter 856

Vincent Croix unexpectedly brought up those financially strained years.

Evelyn Carter's fingers paused slightly as she pretended to focus on counting the arcade tokens in her palm. The metallic glint reflected in her eyes while she strained to catch every word of their conversation.

Was he really playing the sympathy card? Too bad Alexander Hamilton was immune to such tactics.

"Did those part-time jobs include planting false leads at the auction?" Alexander cut straight to the chase.

Vincent feigned confusion.

"You never changed the donated item." Alexander tapped the claw machine's glass surface. "That message was bait specifically for Bianca Langley, wasn't it?"

The arcade's chaotic background noise perfectly masked their discussion. Yet Vincent still lowered his voice. "Mr. Hamilton, unsubstantiated accusations should be voiced carefully."

He suddenly confessed, "I did hesitate. Wasn't sure if she'd show."

Alexander narrowed his eyes. "What I really want to know is—what leverage made her appear?"

"Don't know what you're talking about." Vincent rubbed the edge of his bandage, the flashing lights carving his profile into fractured planes of light and shadow.

The claw machine suddenly erupted in cheerful music. Evelyn watched the plush toy tumble out, exchanging a glance with Alexander—against all odds, following their enemy's advice had actually worked.

Vincent seized the moment to twist the knife. "I'd recommend switching machines. This one's odds are rigged."

Alexander's jaw tightened. Evelyn accepted the stuffed animal with a curt thanks.

"Dr. Carter," Vincent abruptly shifted topics, "you've known Mr. Hamilton longer than Bianca, haven't you?"

The air turned glacial.

"Do you really understand him?" Vincent's voice slithered like a venomous serpent.

Alexander clenched his fists but strangely didn't interrupt. He was waiting for an answer.

"You expect me to trust you over him?" Evelyn countered without hesitation.

The sharp click of heels echoed from the shadows.

"If you have to wonder whether to say something," Bianca removed her sunglasses, "then swallow it."

Vincent's gaze clung to her. "Finally climbed out of your racing simulator?"

"Care to join me?" Bianca's red lips curved. "Heard you still get carsick?"

Evelyn suddenly remembered something, murmuring to Alexander, "Adrian Valentine back then—"

Before she could finish, Vivian Dempsey came bounding over. "Miss Langley! You drive well enough to go pro!"

"Just a game," Vincent coldly interrupted, his glare fixed on the racing simulator.

Vivian rolled her eyes. "Still better company than certain buzzkills."

The imprint of her slap still lingered on Vincent's face. He silently retreated half a step like a predator biding its time.

Bianca pulled Vivian toward the dance machines. Vincent immediately followed, sticking close despite the deafening music. He ignored Vivian's repeated jabs.

The strobe lights swept across his tense profile. No one noticed his trembling hands—just like when he'd sat passenger-side watching Bianca speed down highways years ago.