Chapter 315

"Evelyn, the overseas assignment pays double! Come visit me this summer—I'll cover all your expenses."

Emily Anderson shook her head like a windmill. "No way! You work so hard for that money. I'll just video call you."

Evelyn Carter ruffled her sister's hair. "My little girl's growing up."

After dinner, Emily insisted on going home with her.

The girl had always been clingy, trailing after her like a shadow since childhood.

Evelyn's heart softened, and she took her sister back to the apartment.

Late at night, Emily curled up against her, voice muffled. "Evelyn... he came to see me today."

"Hmm?"

"My... ex-boyfriend."

It took Evelyn a moment to remember—the boy who'd nearly torn Emily from their family.

Strange how she'd already forgotten his name when it hadn't been that long.

"What did he say?"

Emily scoffed. "Called me a gold-digger for not following him to Beijing. Said I'd regret it when he made it big."

"How do you feel?"

Emily burrowed deeper into her embrace. "At first I was upset—like I'd given up too soon. Then I realized... what's love compared to having you, Mom, Dad, and my best friends? Wouldn't I be an idiot to abandon you all for some guy?"

Evelyn patted her back. "I'm not the best person for relationship advice."

"Are you kidding?" Emily lifted her face. "You married Alexander, then dated Peter! You're practically an expert!"

Evelyn smiled bitterly.

Her marriage to Alexander Hamilton had fast-forwarded straight to polite coexistence—they'd never even properly dated.

As for Peter Harrison...

That was nothing but an elaborate con.

If she hadn't kept her wits about her, she'd be worse off than Natalie Stapleton by now.

"Honestly, I envy you. Getting to experience pure love at your age."

"Regretting not dating in high school?"

"Not regret... just acknowledging life's trade-offs."

"Like what happened to Vivian? Destroying herself for love?"

Evelyn pinched her sister's cheek. "You got lucky—that boy was amateur hour."

Emily blinked smugly. "Or maybe I was just too smart for him?"

"Well..."

"Evelyn! I'm your sister! I might not be as brilliant as you, but I'm not far behind!"

Studying Emily's bright eyes, Evelyn felt a sudden disorientation.

She resembled their mother—gentle and delicate.

Emily took after their father, with round cheeks and an endearing playfulness.

Ding—

A phone notification chimed.

Probably Teresa Taylor's nightly check-in.

Emily grabbed the device lightning-fast. "Who is it?"

Evelyn tensed. "Probably the hospital..."

"Nope." Emily waved the glowing screen. "Someone named Alexander Hamilton."