Chapter 410

Vivian Dempsey took a deep breath, her initial agitation gradually subsiding. Two decades of friendship helped her regain composure quickly.

Natalie Stapleton blinked and murmured, "Actually, this might be for the best."

Evelyn Carter turned to her with a faint smile. Natalie immediately flushed and stuck out her tongue. "Evelyn, I was just thinking out loud."

"No, you're right."

Vivian propped her chin on her hand, thoughtful. "Alexander Hamilton has been chasing you for so long. Did he really give up this time?"

Evelyn's gaze drifted to the man and woman standing side by side in the distance. She nodded slightly. "Seems like it."

"You've rejected him plenty before. Why did it suddenly work this time?"

Even Evelyn wasn't entirely sure.

But it didn't matter anymore. Men and women thought differently, and she had no interest in deciphering his motives.

Natalie's words had struck a chord.

Perhaps this was the best possible outcome.

The moment she decided to terminate the pregnancy, her story with Alexander had already ended.

Who he chose to be with now was none of her concern.

From his perspective, with the past irreparable and his childhood sweetheart returning, choosing Annabelle Taylor made perfect sense.

Vivian patted her shoulder. "Come over for dinner tonight? My dad heard you're back and wants to see you."

"See me?"

"Yeah."

"Because of Simon Stapleton?"

Vivian pouted. "Probably. Dad still feels guilty about what happened."

Evelyn shook her head. "It's not that I don't want to. My sister Emily is coming home tonight, and I already promised her."

"Bring her along! Your parents know me anyway. Consider it a welcome-back dinner."

After a moment's thought, Evelyn called home.

That afternoon, when Anthony Taylor came to relieve her, she mentioned the plan.

A flicker of envy crossed his eyes, but his tone remained cautious. "Of course. You just got back from the UK—spend time with them. Once your mother's better, we'll throw you a proper welcome dinner too. Vivian, make sure your father comes."

Vivian glanced at Evelyn's expression and laughed awkwardly. "Sure, we'll see."

Vivian drove Evelyn home to pick up Andrew and Grace Anderson, along with Emily, who had just finished school.

Emily had tanned noticeably and lost weight, but her eyes sparkled with energy.

Evelyn watched her sister in the rearview mirror and smiled. "How's college life?"

Emily rolled her eyes. "Meh. Peter Harrison said university would be easier. Lies! It's more exhausting than high school."

"Has Peter reached out lately?"

"A few times, but he seems busy."

"I see."

"Oh, he asked about you."

"What did he say?"

"The usual—how you're doing, if work's keeping you busy. When I mentioned you were in the UK, he seemed surprised."

"Anything else?"

"Nope."

Evelyn nodded. "Peter's swamped with work. Don't bother him too much."

"Got it. I never message him first—he's the one who occasionally texts me."

Evelyn relaxed slightly.

Emily was naive, but Peter was calculating. His chats with her were likely just to gauge her relationship with Alexander. After all, he still worked within the Hamilton Group's sphere—information was power.

Vivian answered a call and covered the receiver. "Dad wants to know if we prefer Chinese or Western food."

"Either is fine."

"There's a Western place up ahead. For Chinese, we'd need to turn around."

Evelyn frowned. "I thought we were eating at your place?"

Vivian sighed. "Dad says Grandma needs quiet, so he changed it to a restaurant to avoid disturbing her."

Evelyn understood.

She turned to her parents. "Chinese or Western?"

Andrew checked the GPS. "Don't turn around. The overpass will be jammed this time of day."

Emily raised her hand excitedly. "Western! I've never tried it!"

Vivian relayed their choice and continued driving, soon parking outside an upscale Western restaurant.

Mr. Dempsey stood at the entrance in an elegant traditional suit, looking sprightly.

"Uncle Dempsey," Evelyn greeted politely.

He welcomed them warmly. "Come in! Your table's ready."

The restaurant's opulent decor screamed luxury.

Evelyn tugged Vivian's sleeve discreetly. "This is too much."

Vivian shrugged. "Dad loves making a show. Tell Emily to order whatever she wants—no holding back."

The long table seated three on each side.

Evelyn helped her parents, unfamiliar with Western cuisine, order truffle fried rice. Emily eagerly picked several exotic dishes.

She chose a steak for herself, cutting it with practiced ease.

Mr. Dempsey smiled. "Evelyn, your knife skills are as precise as a surgeon's."

"You flatter me, Uncle. How's Grandma Dempsey? Let me know if she needs anything."

"Much better. The doctor said rest is all she needs." He paused, expression turning serious. "Evelyn, I actually invited you today to ask a favor."

She set down her fork. "Go ahead."