Chapter 482

The conference center buzzed with activity outside.

Alexander Hamilton's black Maybach glided into the VIP parking zone, where an attendant hurried forward to greet him.

"Good afternoon, Mr. Hamilton." The attendant's eyes lit up as he accepted the gilded invitation. "Your seat is in the front row of the Platinum Section. Let me escort you."

Alexander raised a hand to pause him.

He circled to the rear door and opened it with practiced grace, shielding the frame with his palm. "We're here."

Lydia Laurent hopped out like an excited sparrow, turning back to call, "Come on, Evelyn! Hurry up!"

Evelyn Carter shifted toward the exit, carefully angling her body to avoid contact with Alexander.

The moment her heels touched pavement, a sharp ache shot through her calves.

Alexander steadied her wobbling frame instantly. "Careful."

Lydia was too busy scanning their surroundings to notice.

But the attendant observed everything, his smile turning knowing.

Evelyn withdrew her arm swiftly. "Thank you, Mr. Hamilton."

She clenched her teeth through the pain, putting deliberate distance between them. "My apologies for the inconvenience."

Alexander glanced at the attendant, his tone neutral. "No trouble at all. Lydia—"

"Coming!"

The attendant lifted his walkie-talkie. "Mr. Hamilton has two guests. Please arrange seating accordingly."

Evelyn used the moment to survey the scene.

The main entrance swarmed with attendees as security directed foot traffic. Yet their guide led the opposite way.

"This way, please."

Alexander noticed her hesitation. "Something wrong?"

Evelyn pointed toward the crowd. "Isn't the entrance over there?"

"That's for the General Section," the attendant explained. "Mr. Hamilton's seats are in the Platinum Section. This is the exclusive access route."

Evelyn retrieved her invitation from her purse.

The silver-embossed "General Section" gleamed under the sunlight.

Alexander subtly positioned himself between her and the attendant, his voice dropping. "Problem?"

"...Stay away from me."

"Discarding me after use?" His brow arched.

Evelyn glared. "Can't you think about anything besides that?"

"The halftime break was too long. I'm strategizing for the second half." His lips curved suggestively.

"There won't be a second half."

Alexander crossed his arms, looking down at her. "So I'm just a tool to you now?"

"Your words, not mine."

"Tch..." He chuckled unexpectedly. "Fine."

"You should go in."

"Not joining me?"

"I'm in the General Section."

Evelyn showed her invitation to the attendant. "I'm not with Mr. Hamilton. The General Section is that way, correct?"

She turned back to Alexander. "Thanks for the ride. Excuse me."

Her skirt flared sharply as she pivoted.

Alexander's half-extended hand stilled midair before retreating.

"Alex, why isn't Evelyn coming with us?"

"She has other plans." His gaze followed her retreating figure as he murmured, "Rabbits bolt if you chase too hard."

The General Section security line snaked across the plaza.

After check-in, Evelyn was guided to a center seat in the second row—clearly upgraded due to Hamilton Group influence.

The front row brimmed with young elites radiating ambition.

Once the summit began, Evelyn recorded key segments. Vivian Dempsey responded immediately: [Holy shit! These material specs are insane!]

When the engineer Liam Macmillan took the stage, his stand-up comedy delivery on drainage systems had the audience roaring.

"That's the genius Hamilton Group poached at a seven-figure salary," whispered her seatmate, flashing a hand signal.

Evelyn's gaze drifted toward the Platinum Section.

Under cascading chandeliers, Alexander's profile stood in sharp relief. As if sensing her, he turned and locked eyes across the crowd.

He raised his champagne flute in a silent toast.