Chapter 990

Sunlight streamed through the glass window, casting golden reflections on Evelyn's coffee cup. She stirred her latte absently.

"Do you remember that lost girl from high school?" Simon adjusted his gold-rimmed glasses. "The one crying in the hallway with a fruit basket? Vivian helped her find the classroom."

Evelyn's fingers stilled.

She searched her memories but only recalled Vivian's habit of sneaking to the snack bar between classes. The fruit-bearing girl left no impression.

"My apologies," Evelyn took a sip, "It was too long ago."

Simon's eyes crinkled behind his lenses. "No matter. She was my little sister. She wouldn't stop talking about how kind and cheerful Senior Vivian was."

His soft voice carried unmistakable nostalgia.

"Another time," he continued, "my study notes got soaked. Vivian immediately fetched me a fresh set from the teachers' office."

Evelyn's cup hovered mid-air.

These fragments assembled like puzzle pieces, revealing a complete picture—Vivian had always been this warm presence in unnoticed corners.

"Your memory," Evelyn set down her cup, "is impressive."

Simon's ears pinkened. "Not memory. Some people..." He hesitated. "They're like sunlight. You can't forget where they've shone."

The café's background music shifted to a gentle piano melody flowing between them.

Understanding dawned on Evelyn.

"So," she met Simon's gaze directly, "today's meeting is about Vivian's current life?"

Simon traced the cup's rim nervously. "Is she...still single?"

The window reflected Alexander's approaching figure. Fresh from a conference call, his tailored suit accentuated his frame as he paused briefly behind Evelyn, assessing Simon.

"Discussing something important?" Alexander pulled out a chair effortlessly.

Simon's spine stiffened. "Mr. Hamilton."

Alexander nodded before turning to Evelyn. "Uncle Dempsey called. He's inviting us for dinner this weekend." His tone carried implication. "Victor will attend."

Simon's spoon clinked sharply against porcelain.

Watching the silent duel between the men, Evelyn suppressed amusement.

"Mr. Evans," she broke the tension, "Vivian is indeed single. But matters of the heart..."

"I understand." Simon inhaled deeply. "I'm not proposing to pursue her immediately. If possible, I'd appreciate a proper reintroduction."

Alexander chuckled. "All this trouble for that?"

The air froze.

Evelyn kicked Alexander under the table. He remained unflinching. "I can arrange it."

"Alex!" She glared.

Simon stood abruptly. "I'll take my leave then." He moved with hurried grace, vanishing before Alexander could reconsider.

Evelyn whirled on Alexander. "Have you lost your mind? Uncle Dempsey would never—"

"Tell me," Alexander stirred his coffee leisurely, "does Uncle Dempsey care more about his son-in-law's identity? Or his daughter's happiness?"

Sunlight shifted, dappling his sharp profile with fractured gold.

Evelyn fell silent.

"Besides," Alexander leaned in, voice dropping, "that kick was adorable."

Heat flooded Evelyn's ears. She averted her gaze. "This is serious."

"So am I." Alexander straightened. "Simon and Victor each have merits, but the choice belongs to Vivian."

A pause. "Just like when you chose to forgive me."

Outside, plane tree leaves rustled. One drifted onto the windowsill.

Evelyn watched it, her smile softening. "You're right. Although..." She narrowed her eyes. "Did you deliberately provoke Simon?"

Alexander raised his cup, hiding a smirk. "Who's to say?"