Chapter 209

"Alexander, your words cut like knives lately." Annabelle's voice trembled with unshed tears.

"Knives?" Alexander Hamilton scoffed. "For over twenty years, your words have been a hundred times sharper."

"I admit... I went too far after we got back together." A choked sob escaped her. "But it's because I saw how much you'd changed. After your marriage, she took up space in your heart. I just wanted to drive her out, to make you mine alone again."

"You got dumped by a foreigner, came back pregnant with a mixed-race child, and still expect me to have room only for you?"

Muffled crying filtered through the phone. "Alexander, tell me how to turn back time. This slow torture is unbearable. I can't sleep at night. Mom's terrified I'll harm myself—she won't even close her eyes. Today, my wheelchair almost tumbled down the stairs..."

"That's your mother. Not mine."

"..."

"If you truly care about Mrs. Lin, behave yourself."

Annabelle's voice shook violently. "Do you... hate me now?"

Alexander rolled down the car window, letting icy wind rush in. "Spelling it out would just send you jumping off buildings again. Some things are better left unsaid."

"After twenty years together, is there really no chance for us?"

"None."

The finality of his answer pierced her. Her tone turned shrill. "It's Dr. Carter, isn't it? You've fallen for her?"

Instantly alert, Alexander demanded, "What are you plotting against her now?"

"What can I do? Lay a finger on her, and you'd kill me."

"Murder's illegal." His voice could freeze hell. "But don't test my limits. This time, I won't spare anyone's feelings."

A chill ran down Annabelle's spine. She finally understood—the suicide card could only be played once.

"I get it. Don't worry, I won't court death again. She's your heart's desire now. You always cradle your loves in your palms. Pity I was too young to cherish it..."

"You still don't understand?" Alexander cut in with biting sarcasm.

Only strained breathing answered him.

"Dredging up the past is pointless." He massaged his temples. "Leave her alone. She's suffered enough."

"True," Annabelle suddenly cooed. "So heaven will compensate her. Vincent says his brother adores Dr. Carter. The Wilsons are well-off, and they're colleagues. Her golden days are ahead."

Exhaustion crashed over Alexander.

Every word from Annabelle was poison sugarcoated in sweetness, relentlessly reminding him: You and Evelyn are impossible.

So damn tired.

"I have things to do. Goodbye."

"Alexander!" she cried desperately. "I had Emily bring that girl to your place. I'm staying with my parents now, so you two can..." Her voice broke. "Once she's pregnant, I'll return to help. When the baby comes, I'll personally tend to her postpartum—"

His frown deepened. He ended the call and immediately dialed Emily.

"Mr. Hamilton?"

"Send her away. Take the girl too."

"Understood."

"Inform security—ban her from the company permanently."

Hanging up, he tossed his phone aside. When he looked up again, the basketball court stood empty.