Chapter 173

Margaret Hamilton hurried forward and gently embraced Evelyn Carter. She stroked Evelyn's back, her voice tender. "You've lost weight again. Is the hospital work too demanding?"

Evelyn offered a faint smile. "It's manageable. I'm used to it."

"Come, sit with me."

Margaret guided her to the plush booth seat. After a moment's hesitation, she broached the subject. "About Grandma—"

"I visited her," Evelyn interjected softly. "I brought her favorite lilies."

Margaret's eyes reddened slightly as she nodded. "She kept looking at the door in her final moments. I knew who she was waiting for."

Evelyn's fingers absently traced the rim of her teacup. "If there's a chance, I'll tell you."

"Alexander and Annabelle—"

"I know." Evelyn lifted her gaze, calm and steady. "I saw the news."

Margaret looked surprised. "Then why did you come here today?"

"I'm accompanying my mother to a friend's birthday dinner." Evelyn checked her watch. "The elders are waiting for me."

The warmth faded from Margaret's expression. "I see."

"Yes."

"Perhaps it's for the best." Margaret exhaled deeply. "Perhaps it is."

Evelyn stood. "Aunt Margaret, I should go now."

Margaret opened her mouth as if to say more, but ultimately just waved her off. "Go ahead. Don't forget to eat on time."

As Evelyn reached the door, a soft call came from behind.

"Evelyn!"

She paused but didn't turn around.

"...Never mind. Be careful on your way."

Evelyn gave a slight nod and stepped out.

The hallway lights were harsh against her eyes. She knew what Margaret had wanted to say—words that would only deepen the awkwardness between them. Better to leave things here, preserving the last shred of dignity for them both.

Back at the banquet table, Grace Anderson was anxiously scanning the room. "Where's Emily? She's been gone so long."

Evelyn took her seat. "She wasn't feeling well."

"That girl was fine this morning." Grace frowned. "All these elders are waiting."

Auntie Lucy smoothed things over with a smile. "No rush. Peter isn't back yet either."

"Oh," Grace turned to Evelyn, "Peter went looking for you two. Did you see him?"

Evelyn froze. The image flashed through her mind—the disheveled figure outside the restroom, Alexander Hamilton pulling her away without explanation.

"I'll go find him."

"Don't bother," Auntie Lucy stopped her. "He's a grown man. Probably called away by work again."

Grace looked puzzled. "State-owned enterprises keep people that busy now?"

Auntie Lucy sighed. "It's hard for those without connections. They get stuck with all the grunt work."