Chapter 960

Victor Laurent completely missed the probing tone in Alexander Hamilton's words. He answered earnestly, "Vivian Dempsey and I were comrades-in-arms. We sat front and back from middle school through high school, seeing each other every single day. How could we not be close?"

At the mention of Vivian, the corners of his lips lifted unconsciously, and his eyes brightened.

Evelyn Carter was also drawn into the memory, her gaze softening. "You two weren't just weathering hardships together—you were partners in crime. I still remember that Monday flag-raising ceremony when the principal made you both read your self-criticizations under the national flag, arms still in casts. What a spectacle that was."

Though the memory had yellowed with time, the absurdities of their youth remained vivid.

Alexander disliked feeling left out and deliberately interjected, "A top student like you wrote self-criticizations, Mr. Laurent?"

Victor's academic record was impeccable. No one would guess he'd ever been rebellious. Evelyn nearly laughed out loud at Alexander's praise.

Victor waved his hands hastily. "Please don't say that, Mr. Hamilton. Overseas, where no one knows me, I might have the nerve to accept such flattery. But in front of an old classmate? I'd die of embarrassment!"

His tone was so casual, as if he'd merely gone abroad for a vacation. Evelyn asked curiously, "Weren't you in Canada the whole time?"

"Not at all. I moved to Australia with my parents during high school for their jobs, did my master's in Europe, and only started working in Canada this year. But after six months, I wanted to come back—so here I am." Victor spoke as if he'd simply transferred schools a few times.

Having studied in Europe herself, Evelyn felt exhausted just hearing about it. "You've practically toured every continent."

Alexander picked up on something. "Were you deliberately avoiding returning to the country before, Mr. Laurent?"

Victor adjusted his glasses, his wheat-colored skin glowing healthily under the light. "Not deliberately. It just happened that way."

"By the way, about that self-criticism—I should clarify." He abruptly changed the subject, his expression animated. "I got in trouble for beating up some bullies who were picking on others—"

Mid-sentence, he froze, his gaze locking onto something behind Evelyn. He shot to his feet. "Vivian Dempsey!"

His shout drew the attention of the entire restaurant.

Vivian squirmed under the stares but, having already arrived, had no choice but to walk over. "Was that necessary? I'm just here to eat."

She took a seat across from Evelyn, sizing Victor up. "I heard an old classmate was back. Had to come see for myself."

Victor's hands trembled slightly, his voice unsteady. "I didn’t expect to see you here."

He slowly sank back into his chair, his eyes never leaving Vivian's face. "I should’ve thought this through. You and Evelyn are so close—of course you’d come if she did."

Vivian waved a hand dismissively. "Not everyone’s as heartless as you, vanishing without a word when you transferred."

"I’m sorry." Victor's gaze was tender. "It was all so sudden. By the time I thought to exchange contact info, I was already in Australia."

He hadn’t attended a single class reunion in all these years, severing ties completely.

Vivian merely said, "Oh."

Stung by her indifference, Victor fell silent, unable to tear his eyes away. "You’ve changed so much."

Alexander noticed his expression and instantly understood. His earlier hostility evaporated.

Evelyn laughed, trying to lighten the mood. "Enough pretending. Who was it that called me crying in the middle of the night, complaining about a heartless friend who left without saying goodbye? Well, here they are. Say what you need to say."

Victor’s eyes lit up. "She really said that?"

When Evelyn nodded, he grinned triumphantly at Vivian. "Since you’re being so sentimental, let’s call it even on our old bet. Just call me 'godfather' and we’re good!"

Alexander, who’d been pouring water, nearly spilled it on the menu. He stared at Evelyn, utterly baffled by the term.

Evelyn calmly steadied the cup. "Didn’t all you boys in middle school love calling each other 'dad'?"