Chapter 425

Banyan Group.

Evelyn Carter frowned slightly.

The name did sound familiar.

Uncle Dempsey had mentioned that Banyan was once a long-term partner of the Dempsey family. Now Alexander had bypassed them to strike a deal directly with Banyan, causing the Dempsey's financial chain to collapse overnight.

So this Miss Lydia was the treasured daughter of Banyan Group.

No wonder she carried herself with such aristocratic grace—a stark contrast to those social butterflies and college girls who were merely playthings for wealthy men. Lydia's status was clearly in a league of its own.

Margaret Hamilton spoke gently to Anthony Taylor, "Once Annabelle arrives, we'll have a proper discussion."

Anthony nodded. "It's time to settle this."

Vivian Dempsey couldn't resist interjecting, "Uncle Anthony, what exactly are you discussing?"

Margaret explained, "The engagement between Alexander and Annabelle should be dissolved today. We invited Anthony as a witness."

Anthony sighed. "It's the right thing to do."

"Will Annabelle agree?"

"She told me she's willing." Anthony glanced around before adding candidly, "Annabelle can no longer conceive. Alexander adores children, so they'll maintain a sibling relationship moving forward."

Vivian's eyes widened. "So Mr. Hamilton is marrying someone else?"

Margaret's gaze flickered subtly toward Evelyn. "People must move forward. When one party has let go, the other should too—so both can start anew."

Her words deftly explained the situation while preserving Evelyn's dignity.

Everyone present understood the subtext—except Lydia, the outsider. Margaret clearly wanted to keep past complexities from her.

Yet Alexander had specifically brought Lydia to this family gathering.

What did that signify?

Margaret suddenly chuckled. "Lydia is considerably younger than Alexander."

Alexander responded flatly, "Eight years."

Lydia tilted her head playfully. "When Alexander was in college, I was just a third grader. He seemed like a giant back then!"

"Not much taller now," Alexander quipped, placing a rib on her plate. "Eat more. You might still grow."

"I'm twenty-five!" Lydia pouted. "But no matter—I have heels! They'll bring me up to your ears."

Margaret said affectionately, "Heels hurt your feet. Just make him bend down when needed."

A phone vibrated.

Vivian texted: 【Is she marrying Alexander?】

Evelyn replied: 【Not sure.】

【His recent deal with Banyan—was this the reason? But he was flirting with others just days ago!】

Evelyn sent a confused cat emoji.

The doorbell rang.

Auntie Marry answered: "Miss Annabelle."

"Is Alexander here?"

"The young master has arrived."

Annabelle entered slowly, her gaze freezing when it landed on Evelyn.

Vivian rolled her eyes. Evelyn sipped her water.

"Aunt Margaret. Dad." Annabelle's voice was strained.

Margaret said evenly, "Have you eaten?"

"Yes."

"Then join us in the living room. We have guests today."

Annabelle wore a high-necked, long-sleeved outfit that covered every inch of skin.

Passing the dining area, she shot Evelyn another complicated look.

Lydia suddenly stood. "Annabelle."

Her posture was uncharacteristically stiff, fingers twisting together.

Annabelle forced a smile. "Lydia."

"I..."

Alexander pulled her back down. "You've done nothing wrong."

Lydia stared at her plate, absently poking the food with her chopsticks.

"Now that everyone's here," Margaret cleared her throat, "Annabelle, you understand why we asked you to come today?"

Annabelle paled but nodded slowly.

"With your father present, let's speak plainly." Margaret's tone remained calm. "How your engagement with Alexander began is no secret. But he has new plans now. It's time to close this Chapter."

Annabelle locked eyes with Lydia. "Lydia, have you truly decided to marry Alexander?"

Lydia stood again, eyes reddening. "Annabelle, I'm sorry. I know Alexander has always loved you—"

Alexander's brow furrowed, clearly unwilling to revisit the past.

Annabelle smiled bitterly. "Just answer me this—do you genuinely love him?"