Chapter 127

Evelyn Carter's fingers trembled slightly.

Grandma Hamilton.

That name was like a key, instantly unlocking the floodgates of memory.

Three years ago, on that rainy night, the emergency room lights were blindingly harsh.

She had just finished a grueling 24-hour night shift, still in her white coat. The wail of an ambulance pierced the night as an elderly woman was wheeled in, her face ashen, her breathing shallow.

"Acute coronary syndrome! Immediate surgery required!"

There was only one cardiologist on duty.

Evelyn clenched her jaw and pulled on her gloves.

Five hours later, her back was drenched in sweat. As she stepped out of the operating room, her legs gave way, nearly sending her crashing to the floor.

Strong hands caught her just in time.

"Dr. Carter, thank you."

She looked up into a pair of deep, intense eyes.

Alexander Hamilton.

The man she'd met at an awkward blind date three months prior.

That disastrous setup had been arranged by her department head, who'd vaguely described him as "a friend's grandson." Only during the meeting did she realize he was the heir to the Hamilton Group. She'd politely declined—never expecting their paths would cross again like this.

Grandma Hamilton's condition kept the entire family on edge.

The elderly woman had mild Alzheimer's, yet somehow remembered "Dr. Carter" perfectly. She'd throw tantrums during medication changes, insisting only Evelyn could attend to her.

"Dr. Carter, sorry to trouble you again." Alexander stood at the hospital room door, impeccably dressed in a suit, though exhaustion shadowed his eyes.

Evelyn sighed and took the medication tray from his hands.

This scene repeated too many times to count.

Until the day he intercepted her in the parking lot.

Alexander leaned against his black Maybach, the sapphire cufflinks at his wrists glinting in the sunlight.

"Grandmother would like to invite you to dinner."

When the wrought-iron gates of the Hamilton estate swung open, Evelyn realized something was amiss.

The courtyard overflowed with guests. A red carpet of rose petals unfurled before her.

Grandma Hamilton's 80th birthday celebration.

What shocked her more was when Alexander suddenly took her hand and tucked it into the crook of his arm.

Camera flashes erupted around them.

In that moment, she became the center of attention.

"Her greatest wish is to see me married," he murmured, his warm breath brushing her ear.

Looking back now, that birthday banquet marked the beginning of everything.

Evelyn's hand drifted unconsciously to her abdomen.

Where a tiny life had once grown.

On the phone, Alexander's voice was ragged with emotion. "The doctors say...it might be the last time."

Outside, the rain fell harder.

Just like that night three years ago.