Chapter 146

The black suit accentuated Alexander Hamilton's tall frame. The black boutonniere on his chest silently declared his recent return from a funeral.

Andy Taylor shrank behind Mr. and Mrs. Taylor the moment he spotted Alexander.

"Mr. Hamilton," he stammered.

Alexander ignored him, nodding only to the elder Taylors. "Uncle Taylor. Auntie Taylor."

Mr. Taylor looked ashamed. "Alexander, we're so sorry we couldn't attend Grandma Hamilton's funeral. But Annabelle's situation..."

Mrs. Taylor, seated in her wheelchair, trembled as she clutched Alexander's sleeve. "Alexander..."

His gaze slid past her, landing on Evelyn Carter. Only when his sleeve was tugged did he look back.

"How did you learn about Annabelle's condition?" His voice was low. "Did Andy bring you here?"

His sharp stare pinned Andy like a knife.

Andy turned pale, nearly hiding behind the wheelchair.

"Alexander," Mr. Taylor sighed, "we know you care for Annabelle, but she's our daughter..."

Alexander's brow furrowed—whether from grief or frustration over Annabelle's drama was unclear.

"Alexander," Mr. Taylor suddenly remembered, "you mentioned the baby in Annabelle's womb..."

"It's not mine." The words were final.

Mrs. Taylor gasped. "Impossible! You two were—"

"We broke up long ago." Alexander cut her off.

Olivia Lightfoot couldn't resist interjecting. "Auntie, haven't you seen the full video?"

"What full video?" Mrs. Taylor looked lost.

Andy stayed silent despite her questioning.

"Andy." Alexander's voice was glacial.

Andy trembled. "Mr. Hamilton, my sister asked me to bring them..."

"What else did she say?"

"..."

"Speak!"

"She... she said since Grandma Hamilton passed, you refused to see her. She thought if our elders pressured you..."

Alexander laughed bitterly. "My grandmother was buried today, and she chose today to make a scene? Auntie's health is fragile—does she care? First my grandmother, now her own mother?"

Andy curled into himself.

"Mr. Hamilton," he whispered, "she's just afraid of losing you... It's that female doctor's fault—"

"Enough!"

Alexander's voice cracked like a whip. "Was I supposed to stay celibate while she married abroad? Should I raise another man's child the moment she returned?"

He turned to the Taylors, each word deliberate. "Let me make this clear: Evelyn is my lawful wife. She is not the other woman."

His gaze swept over Andy. "Harass her again, and don't blame me for being ruthless."