Chapter 130

After their meal, Evelyn dropped Alexander off at the Prescott family estate before heading to the hospital to continue her duties.

That evening, in an intimate corner of an upscale restaurant, Alexander's return had sparked a lively gathering among friends who shared close ties with both him and Nathan.

Theodore kicked off the conversation with a mischievous grin. "Alright, Alexander, time to confess. Who was the mystery lunch date today?"

"You just got back, and instead of reuniting with us first, you were off dining with someone else? Suspicious," another friend chimed in teasingly.

"Come on, out with it. Are you seeing someone? Was it a romantic lunch?"

"It had to be a woman, right?"

Surrounded by their playful jabs, Alexander exhaled in mild exasperation. "She's just a very dear friend, nothing like what you're imagining," he clarified.

"A friend? Really?" one of them scoffed. "Since when do you ditch your friends for lunch over a friend? Aren't we all your friends here?"

"Just admit it—she's your girlfriend, isn't she? Why keep secrets from us?" another pressed.

Alexander shook his head slightly, opting for silence rather than further explanation. Arguing with them was pointless.

Nathan's deep, commanding voice cut through the banter. "Are you back for good this time?"

The playful atmosphere shifted instantly, all eyes now fixed on Alexander.

"I'm staying," he confirmed.

"That's fantastic! More time for us to catch up," Serena said with a bright smile, which Alexander returned with a nod.

"So, Alexander," Serena continued without missing a beat, "after nearly three years in Chixdon, have you found yourself a girlfriend yet?"

Alexander chuckled lightly. "No, I'm still searching for someone who truly understands my background here." His answer only fueled their curiosity further.

"Alright, then tell us—was the woman you had lunch with today your girlfriend?"

Alexander sighed quietly, unwilling to entertain the question.

Seeking to redirect the conversation, he turned to Nathan. "What about you, Nathan? How have things been lately?"

"I've been well," Nathan replied evenly.

Just then, Dylan interjected from the side, "Alexander, you might not know this, but there’s been quite a development with Nathan’s wife, Evelyn."

Alexander’s brows lifted in surprise. He hadn’t expected Dylan to bring up Evelyn.

"Oh?"

"She’s become quite close with the Caldwell family—practically part of their inner circle. Her social status has risen significantly," Dylan remarked, his tone laced with disapproval.