Chapter 406

Vivian Dempsey shot to her feet, her expression darkening. "What are you doing here?"

Evelyn Carter looked up to see a familiar figure.

Annabelle Taylor, usually so haughty, stood drenched and shivering, a white towel wrapped around her trembling body, her wet hair clinging to her face.

"I came to see my mother."

Vivian scoffed. "Now you show up? While Mrs. Taylor was hospitalized, it was Evelyn and Mr. Taylor taking care of her. And you? Hiding at home like a coward?"

"I wasn't—"

"Weren't what? No one chained you down. You could've come anytime."

"I—"

"Annabelle—"

Alexander Hamilton arrived in haste, visibly startled to see Vivian and Evelyn. "Vivian, you're visiting Evelyn?"

Vivian's gaze flickered between them before she let out a derisive laugh. "Mr. Hamilton, you'd better call me Miss Dempsey. I wouldn't dare presume familiarity."

Alexander carried a medicine bag. Vivian reached for it. "Mrs. Taylor's medication? Give it to me."

Evelyn stopped her. "Teresa's meds are delivered by a dedicated staff."

Understanding dawned on Vivian. She gave Annabelle a pointed look. "Ah, so you were picking up Miss Taylor's medicine."

Alexander handed the bag to Annabelle. "Go back to your room first."

"Alexander, I want to see Mom—"

"Mrs. Lightfoot is resting," Alexander turned to Evelyn. "Last night, there was an emergency. We went to your office—"

Vivian stepped between them. "Say whatever you need to say right here."

Alexander took a deep breath. "The Hamilton family estate caught fire last night. The wooden structure made it spread quickly. My mother had a hypertensive crisis—I had to go back. By the time the fire was put out, it was past midnight. The police needed statements—"

Evelyn asked, "Is Margaret alright?"

"Just shaken, nothing serious."

Evelyn glanced at Annabelle. "Were you injured?"

Annabelle murmured, "Minor burns on my arm and chest."

Vivian sneered. "How thoughtful of Mr. Hamilton to personally fetch your medicine."

Annabelle hurried to explain, "I insisted on coming to see Mom. I delayed Alexander. Dr. Carter, please don't misunderstand—"

Evelyn smiled faintly. "No misunderstanding. If not for this 'detour,' I wouldn't have gotten to see Mr. Hamilton at all."

"Mom just fell asleep," Evelyn said. "If you want to see her, keep quiet."

Annabelle shook her head. "Then I won't go in." She turned to Alexander. "You should talk properly with Dr. Carter." Then she signaled Vivian. "Miss Dempsey, shall we go?"

Vivian crossed her arms. "Stop pretending to be considerate. I haven't forgotten how you nearly burned Evelyn to death!"

"I wasn't in my right mind—"

"Attempted murder is attempted murder!" Vivian's voice rose. "Enjoy prison food!"

Suddenly, Alexander grabbed Evelyn's wrist and pulled her into the stairwell.

"Everything I said was true." He shut the door behind them. "There's nothing between Annabelle and me."

Evelyn nodded. "I know."

"Mr. Taylor and Mrs. Lightfoot asked me to look after Annabelle. She really was hurt in the fire. I was just helping with her medication." He paused. "Is Vivian pressing charges against Annabelle on your behalf?"

"Does it matter?"

"If it is, I'll find you a lawyer." Alexander frowned. "I'll make sure she's comfortable in prison."

Evelyn gave a small laugh. "Let's discuss it after Teresa wakes up."

"You look exhausted." Alexander's gaze softened. "I'll watch over Mrs. Lightfoot this afternoon."

"You've been up all night. Get some rest."

Alexander suddenly said, "I need a dressing change too."

"Then go to the Burn Department." Evelyn turned to leave.

Her wrist was caught again.