Chapter 764

Alexander Hamilton was known for his decisive nature in business, never hesitating to make tough calls. Yet now, he sat in his office, brows slightly furrowed, looking every bit like a lovestruck teenager.

"Suppose so," he cleared his throat, adjusting his cuffs with feigned composure. "A friend of mine is a few years older than his girlfriend. Recently, she mentioned he's 'not getting any younger.' What does that mean?"

Emily Zade stifled a laugh. If anyone else had asked this, she'd analyze the underlying meaning. But with Alexander, the answer was glaringly obvious.

"Mr. Hamilton, your friend's girlfriend likely meant it literally. After thirty, one really should focus on self-care. I speak from experience."

She knew Dr. Carter too well—that straightforward, no-nonsense personality. Alexander was overthinking this out of concern.

He nodded thoughtfully. "Understood."

After a pause, he added, as if to cover his tracks, "I'll relay that to my friend."

Emily tactfully played along and returned to her work.

At the hospital, Evelyn Carter had just finished her rounds.

The family of yesterday's placental abruption patient waited at the corridor corner, thrusting a thick red envelope toward her.

"Dr. Carter, we can't thank you enough!"

Evelyn sidestepped. "Saving lives is my duty. Use that for the baby's formula—preemies need special care."

Seeing her firm stance, the family reluctantly pocketed the envelope but continued thanking her profusely.

These moments always drained her more than surgery. She unscrewed her thermos, and the sweet aroma of red date tea instantly soothed her frayed nerves.

How did he manage this? Preparing the tea daily without fail, even the temperature perfectly calibrated.

At noon sharp, Alexander appeared in the doctor's office. He greeted every staff member with ease, as if he were an honorary hospital member.

Watching his effortless charm, Evelyn recalled yesterday's tense standoff between him and Gregory Wilson and massaged her temples.

"Asparagus with ham, plum-glazed ribs, and your favorite crab with rice cakes." He laid out the containers. "You didn't sleep well—eat more to recharge."

Emily's advice had helped him accept his "not getting any younger" status. But so what? A thirty-year-old man's attentiveness was leagues beyond some greenhorn's.

He produced two more thermoses. "The red date tea might not be enough. Brought coffee and pu-erh."

Evelyn arched a brow. "With learning skills like yours, you'd make a fine doctor if you switched careers."

His eyes crinkled with amusement. "I'll learn anything you need."

As he turned to leave as usual, she called out, "There's something I want to discuss."

"Go ahead." He didn't hesitate.

"Could you be more civil to Dr. Wilson?" She met his gaze. "We're just colleagues now."

Alexander's smile froze.

"...I'll try." He inhaled deeply. "But he did pursue you. Almost succeeded."

That thorn still lodged in his heart.

Evelyn sighed. "There are plenty of wonderful women out there. Why must he fixate? We've settled things. If he finds someone, I'll be the first to congratulate him."

A glint flashed in Alexander's eyes—an idea forming.

"You're right." He nodded slowly. "I'll mind my manners."

She relaxed. Friendship wasn't expected; she just didn't want awkwardness.

"Then it's settled." She took a sip of coffee.

Noticing her faintly flushed ears, Alexander murmured, "I'll try to restrain myself."