Chapter 996

If not for Alexander Hamilton's cryptic warning, Evelyn Carter would still be in the dark. She'd always assumed Vivian Dempsey and Victor Laurent were just exceptionally close friends.

Back in their school days, the trio was inseparable—especially during group activities. But only now did Evelyn realize how deeply Victor's feelings for Vivian ran.

"You're not the only one who missed it," Victor admitted with a bitter smile, his brow shadowed with melancholy. "Even I didn't realize until after I left the country..."

His voice caught. The origins of these emotions were unclear—perhaps they'd grown gradually through daily interactions, or maybe the seed was planted at their first meeting. Now, it hardly mattered.

"My parents were open-minded," he said quietly. "Before Australia, they gave me a choice—leave with them or stay. At the time... I hesitated."

Evelyn sensed the unspoken reason. "Because Simon Stapleton was with Vivian?"

Victor's knuckles whitened as he nodded mechanically. "If I'd known his true nature... I might not have gone. But I was naive enough to believe they genuinely loved each other."

Suddenly, his head snapped up, eyes blazing. "I won't let Vivian get hurt again!"

This was the first time Evelyn had seen such hostility from him. She softened her tone. "So what's your plan? Following her like this? You know better than anyone that'll backfire."

Victor took several steadying breaths before confessing awkwardly, "Truth is... I can't find fault with Simon Evans. He's been transparent with me. It's just... I envy how well Vivian treats him."

Rare vulnerability colored his admission.

Evelyn chose her words carefully. "If—hypothetically—Vivian rejected you, what then?"

The question struck like a dagger. Victor had never considered the possibility, childishly believing persistence would eventually win her over.

"I would—" He froze mid-sentence, eyes widening. "Wait, why are we at my apartment?"

By the residential side gate, Vivian was bidding farewell to Simon, who held an access card.

"Just meant to vent about difficult clients," she said, smoothing her hair self-consciously. "Didn't expect to ramble so long. Funny—Victor lives nearby too."

With Evelyn and Victor, Vivian spoke freely. But around Simon, she instinctively moderated herself.

Simon followed her gaze. "Victor lives in that building?"

"For now." Her vague reply protected her friend's privacy.

Then she sensed it—the strange tension between two men who should have no connection. Had they clashed at the gathering?

Vivian mentally rolled her eyes but defended Victor aloud. "After nearly a decade abroad, his Chinese is rusty. If he said anything inappropriate—"

"Already forgotten." Simon adjusted his glasses with an easy smile. "Old classmates shouldn't hold grudges."

The polished response showcased generosity while subtly relegating Victor to "old classmate" status.

Vivian exhaled in relief. "Good. He's just impulsive, actually—"

Rapid crutch taps interrupted her. Victor was approaching at alarming speed.

"The doctor only approved temporary discharge!" Vivian immediately switched to battle mode. "Your caregiver's waiting at the hospital! No shortcuts until that cast comes off!"

She knew Victor too well—even his medical charts required her personal inspection.