Chapter 144

"What do you mean by that?"

"Exactly what I said."

"Hah... A mere anesthesiologist dares speak to me like this? Where's your attending physician, that Dr. Carter? Hiding?"

The elderly couple behind him continued pleading: "Andy... Please don't..."

"Uncle, Aunt, you're too soft-hearted! My sister has been wronged like this—I won't let it slide!"

Seeing their efforts futile, the old couple stepped forward themselves.

The middle-aged man settled his wife in the wheelchair and approached calmly. "Doctor, I apologize. Andy is just overly concerned about his sister. How is my daughter Annabelle doing?"

The couple carried themselves with quiet dignity.

Their modest yet refined attire and courteous speech couldn't mask their underlying distress.

Gregory Wilson's tone softened slightly. "Given her advanced pregnancy, the situation was indeed critical. She's stabilized after emergency treatment but requires hospitalization for observation."

The man visibly relaxed. "Thank goodness..."

"The baby... Ask about the baby..." the woman in the wheelchair rasped.

"Doctor, what about the—"

"I'm afraid we couldn't save the fetus."

"How could..." The man's eyes reddened instantly. "Why would she act so recklessly... Alexander will be devastated..."

Andy Taylor exploded again. "The Hamilton heir is gone just like that? This hospital must answer for it!"

Olivia Lightfoot snapped. "Then why don't you call Mr. Hamilton here yourself?"

"You think I won't? When my brother-in-law arrives, none of you will escape consequences!"

"Go ahead! Let him see what his precious 'heir' actually looks like—"

"Olivia." Evelyn Carter cut in sharply.

Olivia protested. "Dr. Carter! He should see—"

"Today is Grandma Hamilton's funeral."

Olivia immediately fell silent.

News of the Hamilton matriarch's passing had spread through the hospital like wildfire.

The Hamilton family's prominence was one reason. The other was the undignified manner of her departure.

Already on her deathbed finalizing arrangements, Annabelle's explosive outburst had left everyone questioning whether the elderly woman died naturally—or from sheer fury.

Especially since Annabelle had previously disrupted Margaret Hamilton's emergency care. This incident only cemented her reputation.

Evelyn had learned of the funeral through Margaret's message the previous night.

The older woman mentioned how fond Grandma Hamilton had been of Evelyn, hoping she'd attend to bid farewell.

With Alexander Hamilton standing alone in that desolate memorial hall, Evelyn ultimately declined.

She was no longer part of the Hamilton family. Her presence would be inappropriate.

But she intended to visit the cemetery privately afterward.

Margaret seemed to have anticipated this, sighing without pressing further. She only added, "This has shaken Alexander deeply. He and Annabelle... may not last."

Evelyn pretended not to catch the implication. "Take care of yourself. Children must find their own paths."

Margaret tactfully changed the subject.

Evelyn had assumed Annabelle would lie low after this incident—at least until delivery. Never expecting she'd storm the hospital instead.

Gregory's brow furrowed. "Is she insane? Risking her life just to tarnish your reputation?"

Evelyn shook her head.

She didn't understand either.

Their interactions had been minimal. The only point of contention was the title of Mrs. Hamilton—which Evelyn had relinquished voluntarily, without demanding compensation. By all logic, it should have ended there.

Yet Annabelle's malice seemed to stem from something... far beyond just a man.

At that moment, a piercing gaze sliced through the crowd, locking onto her.

Andy narrowed his eyes suddenly. "How did you know about the Hamilton funeral today?"