Chapter 399

Alexander Hamilton's gaze lingered briefly on Evelyn Carter's phone screen before he casually looked away.

He walked to the window and pulled the glass pane shut.

"The mountain breeze is chilly at night."

Evelyn's phone rang abruptly.

Alexander turned to her, the corner of his mouth lifting slightly. "Should I step out?"

Evelyn glanced at the caller ID and shook her head. "No need."

She answered the call and put it on speaker.

"Dr. Carter..."

Annabelle Taylor's voice came through the line, and Alexander's brow immediately furrowed.

"What do you want?" Evelyn's tone was icy.

Annabelle hesitated. "I heard you took care of Mom all night... You must be exhausted."

"..."

"Dr. Carter?"

"Get to the point."

Annabelle choked back a nervous laugh. "Fine, I'll be direct."

"Speak."

"Now that Mom and Dad have acknowledged you, are you planning to move back into the Taylor family home?"

Evelyn scoffed. "What are you really trying to say?"

"The Taylor family can be yours. Alexander can be mine. We both get what we want. How about it?"

"Not interested."

Annabelle's voice sharpened. "You want to have your cake and eat it too?"

"The Taylor family's assets were always rightfully mine. What gives you the right to bargain with me?"

"Mom and Dad loved me for over twenty years! They won't leave me with nothing!"

Evelyn laughed derisively. "You think I'm the one competing with you?"

Annabelle took a deep breath. "You're just a doctor. What do you know about running a company? Their life's work would crumble in your hands."

"And you, a law graduate, are suddenly an expert?"

"...Alexander has been managing the company all these years. And I'm his fiancée now."

"If he can help you, why can't he help me?"

Annabelle snapped, "Didn't you swear to cut ties with him?"

Evelyn fell silent for a beat.

"True."

Annabelle pressed her advantage. "Let Alexander handle the company. You keep all the profits. You can still pursue your medical dreams in England. Everyone wins."

"I'll take care of the Taylor family's company."

Alexander's cold voice cut in. He had moved behind Evelyn without either woman noticing.

"Alexander?!" Annabelle gasped.

He took the phone from Evelyn. "Stop harassing Evelyn. I only promised your parents I wouldn't let you kill yourself. As for the rest..."

He left the threat hanging in the air.

The line went quiet for a long moment.

"After twenty years of friendship, this is how you treat me?"

"Friendship?" Alexander's laugh was bitter. "The friendship where you pretended to be Evelyn from childhood and strung me along as your backup plan for decades?"