Chapter 997

Evelyn Carter linked arms with Alexander Hamilton as they stepped into Victor Laurent's new apartment. Simon Evans stood hesitantly by the door before Vivian Dempsey enthusiastically pulled him inside.

The bachelor pad had minimalist decor, exuding the polished sterility of a showroom. But a few personal items Victor had added before his injury lent the space a lived-in warmth.

"Drinks are in the fridge. Coffee machine's in the kitchen." Victor flopped onto the couch with his crutches, his casted right leg propped on an ottoman. "Can't play host properly with this leg."

He tossed his crutches aside, relaxing into the cushions like a king reclaiming his throne.

Vivian disappeared into the kitchen and emerged moments later with a tray of carefully prepared beverages.

Evelyn accepted a warm honey lemon water. Black coffee sat before Alexander. Simon received room-temperature sparkling water, while Vivian and Victor each cracked open an icy cola.

"You remembered my favorite." Victor's eyes lit up as he clinked cans with Vivian. The fizz burst on his tongue, drawing an involuntary smile.

Simon twisted his bottle cap slowly. "I'm surprised you recalled my preference for sparkling water, Miss Dempsey."

Victor's grin froze. His cola suddenly tasted flat.

"I thought you only drank plain water?" he asked pointedly, fighting the urge to dump every sparkling water in the fridge.

Alexander, who'd been tucking a pillow behind Evelyn's back, arched an eyebrow. He tested the mug's temperature before handing it to his wife.

Evelyn sipped her drink, watching the subtle tension between the two men with quiet amusement.

Vivian gulped her cola, oblivious to the charged atmosphere. "At least sparkling water has some flavor. Picking up these details comes from entertaining clients."

Her diplomatic answer only made Victor's chest tighten. He nearly choked on his drink.

"Easy there." Simon handed him a napkin, his glasses glinting. "There's something I've been meaning to mention."

Though a guest, he carried himself with the ease of a host.

Victor crushed his empty can. "Spit it out."

"My colleagues all gave up cola when trying to conceive," Simon adjusted his glasses. "Though I'm single now, it's never too early to consider my future wife's wellbeing."

Vivian sighed, recalling her disastrous blind dates. "Men with your consideration are rare these days. The guys my dad introduces are either mama's boys or overconfident jerks."

"Perhaps it's not that modern men are lacking," Simon said meaningfully, "but that our class set higher standards—with a few exceptions, of course."

For the first time, clear disdain colored his words. Evelyn recognized his jab at Simon Stapleton but felt an inexplicable unease.

This man calculated every word, each sentence carefully designed to align himself closer to Vivian.

Evelyn took a delicate sip. "Moderation matters when preparing for pregnancy, but avoiding alcohol and smoking suffices. Cola's impact is negligible."

Her gentle tone carried an undercurrent that made Simon pause. He pressed smoothly, "But I've heard cola affects sperm motility?"