Chapter 149

Evelyn Carter packed her belongings on the desk and walked out of the hospital with her bag.

Autumn leaves swirled at her feet as the wind blew. She raised her hand to hail a taxi.

The cemetery was quiet.

Holding the white chrysanthemums she had just bought, she knelt before Grandma Hamilton's gravestone. The elderly woman in the photograph smiled warmly, as if she had returned to the days when Evelyn and Alexander Hamilton were newlyweds—when Grandma had taken her hand and spoken of wanting to hold a great-grandchild.

"Grandma Hamilton, I've come to see you."

She bowed deeply, her eyes growing warm.

"As for the great-grandchild..." She shook her head with a bitter smile. "I'll visit often to talk with you. If you need anything, send me a dream."

Her phone buzzed incessantly as she walked down the hill.

Glancing at the caller ID, she turned it off without hesitation.

At the entrance of her apartment building, Vivian Dempsey paced anxiously.

"Evelyn!" Vivian rushed over and grabbed her arm. "You scared me to death!"

"What's wrong?"

"Alexander has been searching everywhere for you. He couldn’t reach you and thought you—" Vivian abruptly cut herself off. "Never mind. As long as you're safe."

Evelyn took out her keys and unlocked the door.

The kettle in the kitchen let out a sharp whistle.

"Was he here?" Evelyn poured hot water into a cup.

Vivian nodded. "He was frantic. Left just ten minutes ago." She studied Evelyn's expression. "You really don’t know why he was looking for you?"

Evelyn slid a teacup toward her. "Try this. Newly bought Longjing."

"Don’t change the subject!" Vivian stomped her foot, clutching the cup. "The whole city’s talking about that Annabelle situation. That video with the Black child—"

"You saw it?"

"Who hasn’t?" Vivian rolled her eyes. "She’s been flaunting herself with Alexander everywhere, telling people she’s Mrs. Hamilton. Last month at the Full Moon Banquet for the youngest Fu heir, she picked a fight and nearly gave old Mr. Fu a heart attack."

Evelyn’s fingers stilled.

"Full Moon Banquet?"

"Yeah. Rumor has it Alexander got wasted that night." Vivian scoffed. "He went to apologize in person later, but the Fu family already made it clear they’re keeping their distance from the Hamiltons."

The steam from the tea blurred Evelyn’s vision.

Vivian’s phone suddenly rang.

"It’s Alexander," she said, shaking the device. "Should I answer?"

Evelyn set down her cup. "What do you want for dinner? My treat."

Understanding, Vivian pressed accept. "Mr. Hamilton, Evelyn is—"

The howling wind and crashing waves filled the background on the other end.

"Is she with you?" Alexander’s voice was rough with strain.

Vivian turned on speakerphone.

The cry of seagulls carried through the receiver.

"Evelyn," he breathed heavily. "I’m sorry."