Chapter 467

The sofa and chair created a subtle height difference.

Alexander Hamilton stretched his long legs casually, sinking into the plush couch. Evelyn Carter sat on the side chair, which was technically higher, yet their eyes met at the same level due to their height disparity.

"Could you pour me some hot water, Dr. Carter?" Alexander's lips curved slightly.

Evelyn stood and scanned the room. Both the coffee table and dining table were bare.

"Where's your cup?"

"There are disposable paper cups in the cabinet."

She frowned. "You don't even have a proper mug?"

He chuckled. "No magical housekeeper here to stock my kitchen."

Another dig at Gregory Wilson.

"Consider this a gift for Grandma Hamilton's sake." Her voice was flat.

Alexander raised an eyebrow. "You don't seem surprised."

"Margaret hasn't managed Hamilton affairs for years. Arranging a private jet last-minute would be impossible." She paused. "I figured it out during dinner at your place."

"When?"

"That evening at Margaret's."

His gaze dropped. "I'm thirsty."

Evelyn stood. "I have hot water next door. Wait here."

The turning lock echoed sharply in the empty hallway.

Her phone screen lit up with a message from Gregory: Emergency came up. Giving Lydia a ride home.

The sight of cold dishes on the dining table drew a quiet sigh from her.

She rummaged through storage and produced a pristine ceramic mug, sterilizing it three times with boiling water.

When she returned, Alexander was curled on the sofa, right hand pressed to his abdomen.

"What took so long?" His voice was strained.

"Sterilization requires time." She handed him the mug. "Still hurting?"

"Better now."

"Where are your meds?"

"..."

"Alexander. Your medication."

"At the office."

Her brow furrowed.

He gave a pained smile. "Rushed back this morning. Forgot them."

"So you've been in pain since yesterday?"

"Too many business dinners lately." His voice was rough. "Drank more than I should."

"Trouble at Hamilton Group?"

"Just didn't feel like coming home." His eyes lifted. "Easier to stay occupied outside."

"I'll get your pills."

His fingers closed around her wrist, cool to the touch.

"Stay." The words were quiet. "We rarely talk anymore."

She pulled free. "You're engaged. Show some restraint."

Alexander laughed humorlessly, draping an arm along the sofa back. "You never minded other women before."

"When I was Mrs. Hamilton, I minded." Her gaze held his. "Very much."

That stormy night, she'd fought desperately to save their marriage.

Something flickered in his eyes. "When I saw you at Celestial Club that night, Vincent said you'd come to catch me cheating... I was almost happy."

"I was looking for Emily."

"I know that now." His mouth twisted. "Even had Sophia play along. You just walked away without looking back."

Evelyn's lashes trembled slightly as she thrust the hot water at him. "Drink it while it's warm."

He drained the cup in one go, studying the puppy design. "Matching set?"

"..."

"This is the men's version."

Only then did she notice the subtle "Gregory" etched on the base.

With sudden childishness, Alexander raised the mug high. "Let's display this prominently. Annoy the hell out of Gregory."

"Grow up." She snatched it back. "This isn't yours."

The mug landed heavily on the coffee table.

"Where's that seafood delivery?"

"Patience." He closed his eyes. "Fresh kills take time."

"We're just waiting?"

"Is the chair uncomfortable?" His eyes flew open. "Join me on the sofa."

Her laugh was cold. "No thanks."

Unfazed, he shut his eyes again.

Evelyn eyed the pristine kitchen. "Do you even have seasonings?"

"Auntie Wu probably stocked basics."

A vibrating phone interrupted.

Alexander glanced at the screen and tossed it aside.

"Lydia?"

"Sophia."

"You two..."

"Friends." He leaned in suddenly. "Jealous?"

She turned away. "Didn't picture you befriending that type."

The heavily made-up Sophia Winston seemed utterly mismatched with Alexander's world.

"People change." His voice held layers. "Like you not caring that I'm getting married."