Chapter 155

Evelyn explained softly, "Dad, the Hamiltons didn't kick me out. I moved out on my own."

"Of course you had to leave! That homewrecker showed up pregnant at your doorstep. Were you supposed to wait on her during her confinement?"

She fell silent.

Her father slammed the table in anger. "You're too soft-hearted! Our family may not be as wealthy as the Hamiltons, but we won't be disrespected!"

"Dad, I fought back."

"That barely counts as fighting back," he scoffed. "The Hamiltons deserve to be the laughingstock of society!"

Evelyn suddenly chuckled.

"You can still laugh at a time like this?"

"I cursed Alexander Hamilton."

"What did you say?"

"I called him blind and stupid. I told him he brought this on himself and deserves to raise another man's child."

Andrew Anderson finally nodded in approval. "Now that's more like it. Don't be afraid, Evelyn. Your father's got your back."

Her eyes welled up as she nodded firmly.

His rough hand patted her head. "Divorce is just divorce. We'll live our own lives. Don't rush into buying a house. Your mother and I will discuss it."

"Discuss what?"

"We're thinking of selling this place and using our savings to help with your down payment—"

"No!" She shot to her feet. "Where will you live if you sell the house?"

He pulled her back down. "The city's too far. We worry about you being alone. Your mother and I plan to find jobs with room and board in H City to be closer to you."

Her nose stung. "Then let's buy a bigger place and live together."

"Silly girl." He shook his head. "This is your pre-marital asset. With property and a career, no one will ever look down on you again."

Evelyn understood.

Her father feared she'd feel inferior because of their modest background.

"What about Emily?"

"We can still work! Your mother heard maternity nurses earn well. I'll deliver food. We'll save enough for Emily too."

Tears spilled over.

"Dad, I've failed you—"

"Nonsense!" He wiped her cheeks with his sleeve. "Everyone in town envies us for having such an accomplished daughter!"

"But making you work so hard at your age—"

"That's what parents do." His smile deepened the wrinkles around his eyes. "Our hardships don't matter as long as our children thrive."

She wiped her tears. "Let's hold off on the house."

"Alright. We'll revisit it after Emily's college entrance exams."

"Okay."

"Feeling better?"

She forced a smile. "Coming home was the right choice."

Her father hesitated. "Does that Alexander Hamilton... know the baby isn't his? What's happening with them now—"

Evelyn burst out laughing. "Dad, I never took you for a gossip."