Chapter 193

Annabelle's hand slid onto Alexander's arm with a coy smile. "And this is... Evelyn's boyfriend?"

Peter froze, his gaze shifting to Evelyn.

Evelyn's expression turned icy. "Enjoy your evening, Mr. and Mrs. Hamilton. We'll be leaving now."

She nudged Peter.

Understanding her cue, Peter gave Alexander a polite nod before scooping up Emily and following Evelyn.

"Evelyn, aren't you and Mr. Hamilton friends? Isn't it rude to just walk away like—"

Evelyn didn't slow down. She yanked open the glass door.

Peter wisely fell silent, carrying Emily outside. Evelyn followed without a backward glance.

Her retreating figure was resolute.

Only when she disappeared around the corner did Alexander finally look away. His voice was cold as he addressed Andy. "Your sister is your responsibility now."

He turned to leave.

"Andy called after him, "When are you coming back, Alex? I need to take her home."

Alexander paused. "Uncertain. Send her back to the Taylor residence."

"Alex!" Annabelle grabbed his sleeve. "Call me when you return, okay? I'll go home myself."

He pulled his arm free. "The business trip duration is undetermined."

Her voice grew urgent. "Then let me stay with your mother. She shouldn't be alone—"

"Auntie Marry is with her."

"But I want to learn to cook your favorite dishes..."

"Annabelle." Alexander's tone turned glacial. "Stay away from my mother."

Her face paled. "I know I was wrong, I just—"

"Don't disturb her." He cut her off. "You know how devastated she was after Grandmother's passing."

At the mention of Grandma Hamilton, Annabelle's defiance crumbled.

Her eyes reddened. "We're engaged. You promised my parents."

Alexander gave her a long, inscrutable look before walking away.

Outside, Evelyn was already gone.

Only a white Cayenne remained parked in the rain.

Inside the car, Peter glanced at the rearview mirror.

Emily slept soundly in her sister's arms, her breathing even.

Evelyn gently wiped sweat from her sister's forehead.

Suddenly, she looked up—meeting Peter's gaze in the mirror.

He quickly averted his eyes and cleared his throat.

"Peter, if it's inconvenient, we can stay at a hotel."

"Almost there," he said. "You and Emily take my place. I'll go home."

"But your apartment is so far from the Design Institute."

"I'll manage." He changed the subject. "What will you tell your parents?"

Evelyn studied her sister's sleeping face with a headache.

This girl had too many secrets. No plausible excuse came to mind.

"Tell them you stayed out shopping too late and crashed at my place? They trust me."

It would have to do.

Peter added, "By the way, I found two adjacent apartments at City Lights. Close to the hospital. Want to check them out?"

Evelyn went still.