Chapter 372

"The baby didn't make it." Gregory Wilson's voice carried exhaustion through the phone. "As the attending physician, I testified in court. Only the mother survived."

"Was it a miscarriage?"

"No." His tone lowered. "There were clear signs of external trauma."

Evelyn Carter's grip on the phone trembled. "Who did this?"

"My duty was to provide the medical report."

A distant call interrupted them. Gregory spoke hurriedly, "Are you sure you won't come see her?"

An inexplicable tightness gripped Evelyn's chest. "No. That's all for now."

Hanging up, she watched seagulls circle outside her window. Unease coiled in her gut.

Click—

The doorknob turned abruptly.

"Who's there?" she demanded sharply.

"Sorry—wrong room!" A timid female voice stammered before footsteps retreated in haste.

Evelyn yanked the door open, catching only a fleeting glimpse of a retreating figure.

That profile made her freeze.

It was achingly familiar.

The same contours she saw every morning in her mirror.

Perhaps a trick of the dim lighting.

Her gaze flickered toward Alexander Hamilton's cabin—the door slightly ajar.

He should be at the wedding.

As she reentered her room, a thunderous crash shook her door.

Knocking erupted—frantic, relentless.

"Identify yourself!"

Silence.

The pounding intensified, wood groaning under the assault.

Cautiously, she cracked the door open.

A towering figure collapsed inward.

The stench of alcohol flooded her senses.

Before she could react, she was pinned against the wall. Scorching lips crushed hers with bruising force.

"Mmph—"

During the struggle, a familiar voice rasped near her ear: "Quiet... It's me."

"Alexander?!"

"Lock it..." He braced against the wall, veins bulging at his temples.

Her fingers brushed his neck—burning feverishly.

"What's wrong with you?"

"Door. Now." His voice was ragged.

She hesitated.

Whispers slithered from the hallway:

"Checked every cabin. Nothing."

"Impossible! Not on deck or in the lobby—he must be here."

Annabelle Taylor and that girl.

Alexander clamped a hand over her mouth. "Not a sound."