Chapter 925

"Let's talk about something else first." Evelyn Carter took a sip of tea, deftly changing the subject. "As for him and me... let's leave it at that. I'm more curious about how that ex-wife warned her former husband."

Vivian Dempsey immediately perked up. "She exposed all his dirty laundry and held up a mirror to his face—literally asked him to see what he had that was worth coveting."

A faint smile touched Evelyn's lips, but shadows flickered in her eyes. Her fingers absently traced the rim of her teacup as thoughts of her postponed work surfaced.

"That wasn't a warning. It was the last straw. After forty, a man's physical decline is inevitable. At the hospital, I've seen too many women forced into IVF because their husbands' sperm motility was too low."

In matters of reproduction, women always bear the greater burden. Yet even basic consideration is rare—whether a partner shares responsibility depends entirely on their conscience.

Vivian's anecdote sounded amusing at first, but its underlying cruelty soon became apparent.

Evelyn lowered her lashes, her voice barely above a whisper. "I hope that ex-wife finds happiness. Some people aren't worth holding onto."

Just as Vivian was about to respond, inspiration struck. "Wait—by that logic, wouldn't the guy downstairs also be... past his prime?"

Her nicknames for Alexander Hamilton were always situational. In good moods, she might call him "Mr. Hamilton." Otherwise, euphemisms sufficed.

Evelyn shook her head ruefully. "I know this might sound harsh, but professionally, he's impeccable. If people thought you had issues with him, it wouldn't reflect well on you."

Vivian blinked, instinctively deflecting blame onto Alexander. "He wouldn't... hold a grudge over something this petty, right?"

Then the rumors about Alexander resurfaced in her mind—how he'd ruthlessly bankrupted multiple competitors. Whispers said one rival who tried underhanded tactics ended up fleeing overseas to escape creditors.

Evelyn's gaze was steady, weighted with quiet gravity.

A delayed shiver ran down Vivian's spine before confusion set in. "Honestly, I almost forgot what he's really like. The weirdest part? Around you, he becomes a completely different person."

"Without your reminder, I'd have totally misjudged him. You'd better keep your guard up—what if this nice act is just a facade? Once he wins you back, the real him might reappear!"

Evelyn's fingers stilled. Her concern wasn't about Alexander pretending—she remembered all too well when he'd worn masks before. "I've already seen his true colors."

"Remember what I told you when I decided to divorce? That devastation wasn't just about being his second choice. It was realizing I'd shared a bed for three years with a stranger."

"So what!" Vivian immediately jumped to her defense. "He didn't understand you either, did he?" Worried she'd upset Evelyn, she hastily changed topics. "Don't worry about me. Worst case, I'll just be polite to him."

Tonight, Alexander was technically the Dempseys' guest. With her father and grandmother present, Vivian had to maintain appearances, however grudgingly.

Seeing her friend's selective hearing, Evelyn could only sigh. Lately, her mind had been heavy enough without adding conflicts among loved ones.

Alexander, attuned to Evelyn's unspoken cues, behaved impeccably at the Dempseys', the picture of a model husband.

Mr. Dempsey couldn't help remarking, "Mr. Hamilton, if you know any suitable young men, perhaps you could introduce them to Vivian. I've given up trying to manage her—maybe her friends can help."

Vivian choked on her juice. "Dad! Grandma already said times have changed." She'd sooner die than admit friendship with Alexander, let alone entertain matchmaking horrors.

Alexander had zero interest in playing matchmaker. Every eligible bachelor he knew was marriage-averse. Vincent Wilson's family was pressuring him, but Alexander wasn't foolish enough to pair Evelyn's best friend with a playboy.

Grandma Dempsey, bouncing the baby on her knee, rapped her son's knuckles with chopsticks. "Stop nagging! Is this how fathers act nowadays? Since you're back, you should handle company matters."

Mr. Dempsey placatingly served her vinegar-pepper fish. "My mistake—I won't bring it up again. Mom, try this fish."

The Dempseys had deep roots in the capital, and Grandma particularly missed hometown flavors. One bite earned a satisfied nod. "This tastes authentic. Those greasy fried fish abroad made me sick just looking at them."

Having studied in England, Evelyn empathized. "Even healthy people can't stomach too much fried fish, let alone you. Studying there forced me to become a decent cook."

The two chatted amiably. Evelyn subtly winked at Vivian: crisis averted.

Vivian had just relaxed when Grandma suddenly asked, "By the way, did the housekeeper buy fish today?"

The housekeeper had shopped according to Vivian's preferences—clearly, no fish had been purchased.

Grudgingly, Vivian pointed at Alexander. "He brought it."