Chapter 391

Alexander Hamilton tucked his phone into his inner suit pocket.

Evelyn Carter wanted to take it back, but she couldn’t exactly strip his clothes off in public. Besides, with his reflexes, she stood no chance against him.

The sterile scent of disinfectant mingled with a hint of citrus, lulling her into a deep sleep.

In her drowsy haze, she thought she heard him murmuring something.

She strained to listen, but exhaustion pulled her under before she could make out the words.

"Dr. Carter?"

She opened her eyes to find several faces hovering over her.

Olivia Lightfoot blinked her round eyes excitedly. "You're really back!"

Two unfamiliar children peeked out shyly from behind Olivia.

"Who are...?"

"You forgot?" Olivia grinned, her eyes crinkling into crescents. "These are the twins you delivered!"

Clang—

Alexander's thermos hit the floor.

Olivia frowned. "What are you doing here?"

His face went pale as he scrambled to pick it up. "I'll... get a cleaner."

As he turned, he bumped into a passing visitor and stammered apologies.

Olivia rolled her eyes. "Wasn't he supposed to be all cool and composed? Why's he acting like an idiot now?"

Natalie Stapleton mused, "He probably... misunderstood."

"Misunderstood what?" Olivia's eyes widened. "Don't tell me he thought you and Dr. Carter—"

"Weren't you taking the kids to pediatrics?" Natalie smoothly interrupted.

"Oh! Right!" Olivia grabbed the children's hands. "Dr. Carter, I'll be right back!"

The room fell quiet.

"Evelyn," Natalie asked softly, "who was that man earlier?"

"Distant relative." Evelyn changed the subject. "How did you find me here?"

"Mr. Hamilton contacted me this morning and asked me to bring breakfast."

Evelyn froze.

"You were still asleep when I arrived," Natalie continued. "His whole side had gone numb, but he refused to move until I got here. Only then did he carefully lay you down and say he was going for hot water."

It was a habit Evelyn had maintained for years.

"About what Olivia said earlier..." Natalie hesitated.

Evelyn finally understood.

The phrase "the twins you delivered" could easily be misconstrued.

"Let him think what he wants." Evelyn lowered her lashes. "Four years ago, I'd just started my residency. There was no time for pregnancy or childbirth."

"The fact that he reacted like that means children matter to him," Natalie said meaningfully.

A sharp pang pierced Evelyn's chest.

She forced composure. "Why are you defending him so much today?"