Chapter 418

Andrew Anderson's Adam's apple bobbed as he struggled to speak.

Evelyn Carter took one look at her father's expression and understood. "You said before this had nothing to do with Alexander Hamilton."

"Well..."

She shook her head slightly.

Never mind. Grandma Dempsey's life was what mattered.

Her father was keeping things from her to spare her feelings.

After all, she'd just had that ugly confrontation with Alexander.

Evelyn wasn't ungrateful. She had no right to blame anyone for this.

Her phone vibrated suddenly.

Emily Anderson's name flashed on the screen.

Stepping out of the hospital room, she answered. "What is it?"

"Are you free to talk?" Emily's voice was hushed.

"Go ahead."

"That woman from the demolition company is back, pressuring us to sign. Mom and Dad didn't want me to tell you—I'm calling behind their backs."

"What are their plans?"

"Mom wants to borrow money from relatives back home. Dad's texting friends..."

Evelyn inhaled deeply. "I'll handle it. Stop taking those part-time jobs."

"Okay, I won't do it again."

"Has Peter Harrison contacted you?"

"No, but I called to apologize—"

"Don't bother him anymore."

"...Okay."

"When is Mom leaving?"

"In a few days. That woman is really pushing..."

Evelyn considered. "How's your class schedule this week?"

"Not bad. That's why I thought I could work—"

"Stay home with them. I'll figure out the money."

After hanging up, she returned to bid her father goodbye.

Outside the hospital, she dialed Alexander's number.

The call rang endlessly. No answer.

A second attempt—straight to voicemail.

She tried Vivian Dempsey instead.

"Grandma's surgery went well. Now we wait for recovery." Vivian sounded exhausted.

"Your father's factory—"

"With Hamilton Group making moves, who'd dare work with us?" Vivian gave a bitter laugh. "I told Dad he might as well retire."

"Vivian, give me Nathan York's contact."

"You're reaching out to him?"

"Yes."

"...This isn't just about my family, is it?"

"More than that." Evelyn cut her off. "Just send it."

It took thirty minutes for Nathan to accept her friend request.

"You wanted me?" His tone was wary.

"Where's Alexander?"

"He didn't take your call?"

"Phone's off."

Silence stretched for several seconds.

"Hold on." Nathan abruptly disconnected.

Five minutes later, her phone rang again.

"Alex is swamped today." Nathan chose his words carefully. "Let me be blunt—he's determined to end things. You saw how it was last night..."

"He won't see me?"

"...It wasn't him who answered earlier."

"Who then?"

"Some woman." Nathan sighed. "Picked up from his bed at nine this morning."

Evelyn's grip tightened on her phone.

"I see."

"You can tell me what you need."

"Do me a favor." Her voice remained steady. "Tell me where he'll be tonight."