Chapter 409

Auntie Marry hurried forward, her voice brimming with joy. "Master Alexander is back! Just in time for dinner. I'll set another place."

The sound of Alexander Hamilton's footsteps grew closer. Evelyn Carter kept her head down but could feel his gaze lingering on her.

It lasted only a moment.

"Mom, are you feeling better?"

Margaret Hamilton patted the empty seat beside her. "Much better. Have you eaten?"

"No."

"Perfect. Join us."

Alexander pulled out a chair and sat across from Evelyn, on the other side of his mother.

Both maintained a deliberate silence.

Margaret explained softly, "Evelyn came to visit me today. I insisted she stay for dinner."

Alexander didn't look up. "Mm. Mom, after dinner, have Auntie Marry pack your things. I've arranged new accommodations for you."

"Why the sudden move?"

"The old house has wooden beams—a fire hazard in winter. And the Andersons next door are renovating. The noise would disturb your rest."

Margaret nodded thoughtfully. "Where are we moving?"

"I bought the unit next to my apartment."

"Your two-bedroom?"

"It's enough for you and Auntie Marry. I'll arrange for a chef."

Margaret glanced at Evelyn, her smile deepening. "Good. You can come home for meals after work."

"Mm."

Evelyn set down her chopsticks. "Aunt Margaret, I'm finished. I need to relieve the night shift at the hospital. Thank you for dinner. I'll send Auntie Marry the adjusted medication plan later."

Margaret stood quickly. "Have some more—"

"I'm really full." Evelyn picked up her bag. "I should go."

"Let Alexander drive you. Taxis are hard to find here—"

"Ride-hailing apps work fine."

Margaret nudged her son. "Alexander!"

He wiped his mouth and stood. "I'll take you."

"No need."

Evelyn strode out of the Hamilton estate.

Taxis were scarce in the suburbs. She added a $20 tip before a driver accepted. The app estimated a 15-minute wait, so she started walking down the tree-lined road.

Emily Anderson called, excited about their family dinner tonight. After hanging up, Evelyn refreshed the app—her ride had been canceled.

The driver apologized profusely. "So sorry, but your location is too remote..."

"I can increase the tip."

"I've already accepted another fare..."

Evelyn hung up. Even raising the tip to $50 yielded no takers.

A horn sounded behind her.

The familiar gold Porsche rolled up, its window lowering to reveal Alexander's sharp profile. "No ride?"

"...It's coming."

His gaze was calm. "Then I'll go ahead."

"Fine."

The window rose, and the sports car roared away.

Evelyn finally hailed a cab on the main road.

At the hospital's cardiology department, she reviewed the adjusted medications and sent the plan to Auntie Marry.

Auntie Marry replied quickly: "Master Alexander left soon after you. Did you meet?"

"No."

"Madam kept urging him to drive you."

"Please thank Aunt Margaret for me."

In the ward, Vivian Dempsey was chatting with Anthony Taylor while Natalie Stapleton fed Teresa Taylor.

Anthony beamed when Evelyn entered. "You're here."

"I visited Aunt Margaret this morning. She's recovering well."

"Good." Anthony gestured to the girls. "Thanks to your friends—Natalie brings soup daily, and Vivian visits often."

Vivian waved it off. "I'm nowhere as thoughtful as Natalie."

Evelyn smiled. "I appreciate you both coming. Dinner on me sometime?"

"Don't. I'm dieting."

Anthony tactfully stood. "I'll take a walk in the garden."

Once Teresa was asleep, the three women settled on a hallway bench.

Vivian couldn't hold back. "What's Alexander playing at? Chasing you while still hung up on his ex!"

Natalie whispered, "Vivian said Alexander took Miss Annabelle to a gathering last night..."

"That bastard Vincent kept it from me!" Vivian stamped her foot. "If Nathan hadn't sent photos, I'd still be in the dark!"

Evelyn frowned. "Wasn't she hospitalized?"

"Who knows..."

Natalie nudged her. "Evelyn, look..."

At the hallway's end, a tall, broad-shouldered man supported a petite woman as they walked slowly, a medicine bag in hand. They disappeared into the elevator.

Vivian rolled up her sleeves. "I'm getting answers!"

Natalie grabbed her. "Don't—"

"Let go!"

"Wait—what does Evelyn think?"

Vivian turned. Evelyn was gazing calmly at the elevator. "No need to ask."

"What do you mean?"

"Between him and me..." Evelyn looked away, her voice barely audible. "We're strangers from now on."