Chapter 113

Vivian Dempsey doubled over with laughter. "You two have such perfect comedic timing. What a waste not doing stand-up together."

Gregory Wilson and Alexander Hamilton's gazes met briefly before darting away.

Vivian ignored Alexander completely, turning to Gregory. "What's up, Greg?"

"The surgical consent forms," Gregory adjusted his glasses. "We still need to complete the paperwork."

Evelyn Carter nodded. "Understood."

Her eyes swept the empty hallway outside the OR. Simon Stapleton was nowhere to be seen.

"Where's Simon?"

Vivian scoffed. "Too busy wheeling and dealing. Who has time for a wife in labor?"

Evelyn frowned. "What do you mean?"

Vivian jerked her chin toward Alexander. "Ask Mr. Hamilton here. Too busy neglecting his own fiancée to care about another man's wife."

Alexander immediately defended himself. "They're just old acquaintances."

"Old acquaintances?" Vivian sneered. "Then you'd better check whose baby that really is."

Alexander's expression darkened. "Simon's been back in the country for years."

Vivian rolled her eyes. "One guards another man's wife, the other escorts someone else's fiancée. Men are truly fascinating creatures."

Evelyn tugged at Vivian's sleeve. "Let's go."

"Evelyn—"

Alexander caught up, holding out a velvet box.

"Take it back." Evelyn didn't even glance at it.

"Mom asked me to give this to you."

Hesitating, Evelyn accepted the box. Inside lay a delicate silver protection charm.

"She had it blessed at the temple," Alexander said softly. "It's not valuable, just... her thoughts."

Evelyn snapped the box shut. "Thank Mrs. Hamilton for me."

"Mom said..." Alexander hesitated. "She hopes you'll visit more often."

Evelyn turned away. "That stopped being my home long ago."