Chapter 408

After Fiona Longwell left, the house fell into complete silence.

Grace Anderson gazed at the table full of cold dishes and sighed softly. "I'll reheat the food."

Andrew Anderson instinctively reached for his cigarette pack, but Evelyn Carter stopped him. "Dad, don't."

"The Hamiltons?" Andrew scoffed.

Evelyn's heart tightened.

"I always wondered why anyone would bother demolishing this dump. So it's Alexander Hamilton's doing?"

"..."

"Evelyn, that apartment near the hospital—was it arranged for you?"

Evelyn lowered her eyes. "In a way, yes."

"Is he still bothering you?"

"...Not anymore."

"Now they send someone else to negotiate the demolition. Has he given up?"

Evelyn recalled their conversation in the hospital stairwell and nodded slowly.

The lighter flicked open with a sharp click.

Andrew lit his cigarette. "Last one."

Grace returned with the reheated dishes, but the family ate without appetite.

"Here's an idea," Grace said, taking Evelyn's hand. "We don't have to take the apartment. We can keep renting here. The compensation isn't much, but you can save it for your future."

Andrew exhaled smoke in silence.

"Andrew, say something."

"Your mother's right. Renting is fine."

That night, Evelyn lay in her sister's old bed.

Her phone screen lit up with a message from Anthony Taylor: Terry, did you and Alexander have a fight?

Evelyn replied: No.

He’s not answering my calls.

He might be busy. Do you need something?

I wanted to check on Margaret.

With Alexander taking care of her, Mrs. Hamilton should be fine.

Given our families' history, I should visit. Could you go in my place tomorrow?

It would be awkward to show up right after their confrontation.

Evelyn dialed Auntie Marry instead.

Auntie Marry sounded delighted. "Madam will be so happy to see you!"

"Tomorrow... Alexander won't be there, will he?"

"You're not coming with the young master?"

"No."

"Did you two... argue? Did that Annabelle Taylor cause trouble again? The young master already—"

"We'll talk tomorrow." Evelyn cut her off.

Hanging up, she confirmed two things: Alexander wasn't home, and he wouldn't be back tomorrow.

The next morning, Evelyn arrived at the Hamilton estate with a fruit basket and supplements.

Margaret Hamilton looked well. "The fire looked worse than it was. It never reached us."

Evelyn peeled an orange. "As long as you're unharmed. Next time, just call the police."

"My blood pressure has been high lately. I meant to consult a doctor."

"Give me your records. I'll ask for you."

Margaret beamed. "Having a daughter is such a blessing. That son of mine is nowhere to be found."

Auntie Marry handed over the log. "The young master is at the hospital with Mrs. Anderson. He’s trying to spare the young madam the trouble."

Noticing Evelyn's expression, Margaret changed the subject. "How is your mother recovering?"

"She needs rest."

"About what happened back then..." Margaret hesitated. "Your mother has suffered all these years too."

"I understand."

"Let's eat." Margaret gestured toward the dining room.

Just as Auntie Marry was about to notify the kitchen, the doorbell rang.

Margaret frowned. "Who could that be at this hour?"