Chapter 156

Andrew Anderson grinned, revealing a row of perfectly aligned teeth.

Evelyn Carter told her father everything she witnessed at the hospital—how Annabelle Taylor's parents had humbly begged Alexander Hamilton not to abandon their daughter.

When her father heard Alexander was cutting ties with Annabelle, a flicker of satisfaction crossed his face. But after learning about the Taylors' situation, he sighed deeply and patted Evelyn's shoulder. "That boy will never be free of that girl," he muttered.

Evelyn had expected as much.

Annabelle could no longer conceive, and her parents were frail and sickly. They wanted to secure their only daughter's future while they still could.

Alexander, whom they'd watched grow up, was dependable. If he agreed, Annabelle would be taken care of for life.

But for him, it would be a lifelong shackle.

Yet for their daughter's sake, the Taylors had no choice but to swallow their pride and use their failing health as leverage, forcing Alexander to accept this bitter fate.

"Is her mother seriously ill?" her father asked.

Evelyn shook her head. "I don't know the details, but she needs a wheelchair. She looks very weak."

Her father stubbed out his cigarette. "Raising a daughter like that... what a burden."

Evelyn changed the subject. "Dad, you mentioned Emily was dating someone on the phone? A classmate?"

"If only it were a classmate," he said through gritted teeth. "It's her physics tutor!"

"What?!"

"The man has a child in elementary school!"

Evelyn frowned. "Does he know about this?"

"Of course he does," her father scoffed. "He even talked to us, saying he'd 'keep Emily stable' until her exams. Smooth talker. Still texts her constantly and gives her private tutoring."

Something felt off. "Has her grades dropped?"

"Exactly. She's obsessed with physics now, neglecting everything else."

Evelyn stood abruptly. "I'm going to that tutoring center."

"Your mother and I were hoping you would. That girl won't listen to anyone but you these days."

After getting the address, Evelyn headed straight there.

The midday sun was harsh. She stood outside the building, watching as Emily emerged alongside a man in a tailored suit.

He looked about thirty, with gentle eyes behind black-framed glasses, carrying a lesson plan and a protractor.

Younger than she'd imagined, with thick hair and a decent face.

But no amount of polish could hide the fact that he was preying on a minor.

"Emily," Evelyn called.

Her sister turned, her ponytail bouncing with delight. "Evelyn! What are you doing here?"

"Could you grab me a bottle of water?"

"Be right back!" Emily skipped off toward the convenience store.

Evelyn turned to the tutor, who was about to leave. "Hello. I'm Emily's sister."

The man paused, offering a polite smile. "Hello."

"Can we talk?"