Chapter 992

Evelyn's finger hovered over her phone screen before she finally locked it. She desperately wanted to text Victor right now: Wrong approach—the harder you try, the more awkward it gets!

Alexander's lips twitched imperceptibly. He'd thought his own courtship of Evelyn had been clumsy enough, but someone had just set a new standard for awkwardness.

This Mr. Laurent was the living embodiment of "hopelessly obtuse."

After a moment's consideration, Alexander chose to remain silent. He turned to Evelyn instead. "Sometimes a little crisis is healthy."

"What do you mean?" Evelyn arched an eyebrow.

"If someone never recognizes the problem, no amount of effort will help." Alexander steepled his fingers beneath his chin. "At least he's taking action now, even if his methods are off."

Amusement flickered in Evelyn's eyes. "I didn't realize you were such an expert."

"In relationships, the real danger isn't making mistakes—it's lacking the courage to try at all." He delivered this sagely, completely unaware the words applied equally to himself.

Evelyn's gaze grew increasingly knowing as she studied him.

This Mr. Hamilton's theoretical knowledge had certainly advanced by leaps and bounds.

"Since you're so experienced," Evelyn suddenly leaned closer, "why don't you play relationship counselor for them?"

Alexander's pupils dilated. "Me?"

"Weren't you just making perfect sense?" Evelyn coaxed skillfully. "Practice makes perfect."

She used the same persuasive tone reserved for interns, effortlessly steering Alexander into confusion.

Alexander had never been able to resist Evelyn's gentle persuasion. Even knowing it was a trap, he stepped right in. "Alright, I'll try."

If it made her happy, he'd walk through fire.

Evelyn nearly softened. Then she reconsidered—if she didn't keep Alexander occupied, he'd probably cling to her 24/7.

Her hand drifted unconsciously to her rounded abdomen. Just five more months until she could return to the operating table.

This peaceful life worried her. She feared she might grow too accustomed to it.

The setting sun painted the sky as students streamed out of campus in small groups.

"I hated school so much, but now I kind of miss it."

"Back to work tomorrow—I wish I could return to senior year."

"When's our next reunion?"

"Anytime!"

Evelyn walked at the rear, listening with a faint smile.

"What are you thinking?" Alexander asked quietly.

"Adult promises," Evelyn gazed into the distance. "Always sincere when spoken, but hard to keep when the time comes."

She understood reality's weight all too well. Work, family, life—which wasn't more pressing than a class reunion?

Alexander studied her composed profile with equal parts admiration and ache. How he wished to be the one who loosened her rationality.

They walked on slowly, unaware Vivian and Jasmine had fallen behind.

Jasmine suddenly tugged Vivian's sleeve. "Can you come to the restroom with me?"

"Now?" Vivian looked baffled.

Jasmine bit her lip and nodded, her eyes flickering like a startled fawn.

Vivian could never refuse that look. "Of course."

This left Victor and Simon standing beneath the plane trees in frozen silence.

Simon scrolled through his phone, perfectly at ease. Victor leaned on his crutches, radiating discomfort.

"So..." Victor broke the silence. "I heard you're visiting the Dempsey Group? Should we exchange contacts?"

Simon glanced up, his gaze lingering on Victor's cast. "You really want to balance on crutches while texting?"