Chapter 299

Behind Cicada Temple, nestled among rustling bamboo groves, stood an ancient pavilion.

Evelyn Carter turned to leave when Mr. Taylor called out to her.

"Dr. Carter, what a coincidence."

She paused and gave a slight nod.

Mrs. Taylor sat in her wheelchair, eyes rimmed red. "Dr. Carter, please help Annabelle..."

"Auntie, I'm an OB-GYN specialist."

"It's not that," Mr. Taylor sighed heavily. "She's being haunted."

"What?"

"Grandma Hamilton," his voice trembled. "She comes every night demanding Annabelle's life."

Evelyn frowned.

She recalled Annabelle's hysterical breakdown at the mall last week.

"There's no such thing as ghosts."

"You don't understand," Mrs. Taylor wiped her tears. "The old lady waited decades for a great-grandson, only to..."

Bamboo leaves whispered in the wind.

Evelyn's fingertips turned cold.

She'd never probed into Alexander Hamilton's past.

During their blind date, he'd been the picture of refinement—nothing like a man averse to marriage.

"She was always kind to me."

"That's because you never saw," Mr. Taylor said bitterly. "How fiercely Alexander fought her over Annabelle."

Dead leaves spiraled across the stone table.

A sudden realization struck Evelyn—she might never have truly understood the Hamiltons throughout this marriage.