Chapter 981

Alexander Hamilton's fingers stiffened around his phone.

Front door? What did that mean? Were they living together? Impossible!

Vivian Dempsey on the other end immediately sensed his confusion and spilled the entire story like tipping out a bag of beans.

Turns out Victor Laurent had left in such a daze that he forgot to close the door. A concerned neighbor reported it to the property management, who eventually contacted Vivian—the one who'd helped him rent the place.

The plot twist was more dramatic than a soap opera. For the first time in his life, Alexander shot Evelyn Carter a pleading look.

How was he supposed to respond to this?

Evelyn sighed and took the phone. "He won't be back for a while. You should contact him directly."

"Huh?" Vivian's reaction mirrored Victor's exactly. "He's already back in the country? The rent's paid for the whole year."

"He got knocked off a tricycle by a goat while doing field research at the construction site. He's in the hospital now." Evelyn phrased it as delicately as possible.

The other end of the line erupted with earth-shaking laughter.

"HAHAHA!"

Evelyn quickly held the phone away, her eardrums nearly shattered.

Vivian was slapping the table, wheezing. "A goat? We need photographic evidence! Gotta go!"

The call ended abruptly—clearly, she couldn't wait to mock Victor in person.

Alexander took back the phone, his expression twisted. "Are they actually friends? Sounds more like sworn enemies to me."

"That's just how they are," Evelyn said, barely suppressing a laugh. "They'll be the first to cackle at each other's misfortunes, but if anyone else dares to mess with one of them, they'll also be the first to throw hands."

"If I had to define it, I'd say they're the legendary frenemies."

Even she chuckled at her own words. This kind of relationship was light-years away from romance.

The term "frenemy" triggered Alexander's reflex memory of Vincent Wilson, making him shudder violently.

Dating Vincent? He'd rather take a knife to the gut—it'd be quicker.

Evelyn nearly cried laughing at his reaction.

Three days later, Victor was finally transported back to Hudson City, with his first stop being Central Hospital.

Evelyn had been suffering from dizziness and sun sensitivity lately, so Alexander went alone to visit. Just outside the hospital room door, Vivian's unrestrained laughter rang out.

"That goat wasn't even knee-high! And you got launched by it?"

"When it jumped to headbutt you, why didn't you just jump to dodge? But full marks for professionalism—finishing the site inspection on a sprained ankle..."

Alexander shook his head outside the door and knocked.

A synchronized "Come in" answered him.

Inside, Victor sat propped against the headboard with one leg in a cast, peeling an apple. Vivian nibbled on a rabbit-shaped slice with relish.

The patient serving the visitor—what a picture.

Alexander placed a bouquet by the bedside. "Here on behalf of the company."

Per Hamilton Group protocol, this should've been HR's job. His personal visit was purely for Evelyn's sake.

Victor awkwardly added, "Mr. Hamilton, my hands are fine. I can still revise the design drafts on time."

"That's actually why I'm here." Alexander kept it strictly professional. The resort project couldn't afford delays—if Victor couldn't work, they'd need a replacement.

For once, Vivian didn't tease. Instead, she agreed, "Thank goodness it's just his foot."

Victor had no comeback, so he offered another apple slice. "Want some, Mr. Hamilton?"

Alexander eyed the fruit now smudged with fingerprints and declined firmly. "No, thanks."

Vivian promptly snatched it and popped it into her mouth. They'd shared snacks like this since high school—old habits died hard.

Alexander opened his mouth, then remembered Evelyn's advice to let things unfold naturally. He changed tack. "Evelyn asked me to relay something."

This could've been a phone call, but Evelyn thought face-to-face was better.

Both nodded in perfect unison.

"About the class reunion—want to go together? Evelyn wants to catch up with everyone, but she'll only attend the dinner." Alexander paused. "I'll be accompanying her."

The class monitor had specified in the group chat that plus-ones were allowed.

Vivian nodded automatically, only realizing after Alexander left—

Wait. Did that mean she'd be the odd one out?

Victor noticed her frozen apple slice. "Don't want to go? I'll keep you company."

"No." Vivian shook her head. "It's just... realizing Evelyn won't always be by my side anymore."

She exhaled deeply. "You might not believe this, but right before you came back, I absolutely despised Alexander Hamilton."

Victor nodded. "I believe you. You still don't seem particularly fond of him now."