Chapter 987

The sharp sting of wasabi still lingered on her tongue when Alexander Hamilton's voice cut through with unusual clarity: "I want to understand the present you better."

His gaze dropped to Evelyn Carter's rounded belly. Though her pregnancy-related symptoms had faded, a new unease gripped him—the inability to truly share her discomfort.

Evelyn traced the rim of her teacup before suggesting, "Come visit our old high school with me later."

Fetal movements made sitting still impossible, but her condition remained stable overall.

Delight flashed in Alexander's eyes, mistaking this as her opening the door to shared memories.

"Take notes," Mrs. Zhou nudged her husband, nodding toward Alexander peeling shrimp for Evelyn.

Zhou Liang caught on instantly, mimicking the gesture for his wife.

"I meant the romance, you blockhead," she laughed, shaking her head.

Time had softened the edges of this campus sweethearts-turned-parents. Studying the fine lines around his wife's eyes, Zhou suddenly proposed, "Let's revisit our alma mater too. Consider this a personal holiday."

Dappled shadows from plane trees danced across the empty Saturday campus. Alexander's umbrella remained steadfast over Evelyn as they walked the tree-lined path.

Behind them, Vivian Dempsey struggled to keep up with Victor Laurent's surprisingly nimble strides despite his crutches. Jasmine Valentine trailed silently, using her compact parasol to shield Vivian from stray sunlight.

"Notice?" Alexander murmured, "Vivian's playing matchmaker."

Evelyn shook her head. "Spectacular failure." She briefed him about Jasmine. "Always alone back then, like a startled rabbit."

Recognition flickered in his eyes. "The classmate who got mugged?"

"You should set up a fortune-telling booth," Evelyn teased, secretly impressed by his recall.

Every corner of the campus triggered memories. Victor excitedly pointed at the refurbished field. "Those plastic bleachers were falling apart in our day!"

He suddenly bolted toward the bubble tea shop, crutches tapping at breakneck speed. Vivian gave chase while Jasmine fumbled with her parasol, instantly left behind.

"Care for tea?" Alexander indicated the shaded patio seating. "We could rest awhile."

No sooner had Evelyn settled than Victor's confused voice carried from the counter: "What's...this 'Boba Tea'?"

Vivian leaned in with mischief. "Say it properly."

"Did your Chinese regress?" She batted her lashes, deliberately provoking him.