Chapter 426

Lydia Laurent's face flushed crimson instantly. "I... I didn't mean..."

Alexander Hamilton slammed his chopsticks onto the table with a sharp crack. "That's not your place to ask."

His tone was calm, but his eyes were icy.

Anthony Taylor's chopsticks faltered, dropping the greens back onto his plate. Margaret Hamilton looked up in surprise.

Alexander methodically peeled a shrimp, his slender fingers deftly removing the shell before placing the meat in Lydia's bowl.

"Eat."

Lydia bit her lip, not daring to speak.

He peeled another shrimp and handed it to Margaret. "Mother, try this."

"...Alright."

"Uncle Taylor, since you're allergic to seafood, I won't serve you any."

Anthony forced a smile. "No need for formalities."

Alexander's voice was detached. "We were family once. Not anymore."

All eyes turned to Evelyn Carter.

No one noticed the solitary figure on the living room sofa.

Anthony patted Evelyn's hand gently, attempting to ease the tension. "Alexander, even if you're no longer our son-in-law, we've watched you grow up..."

Alexander raised his wine glass. "Uncle Taylor, a toast to you."

Their glasses met, rims perfectly aligned.

Alexander withdrew his immediately after the clink.

Anthony took a sip. "Your mother mentioned you're planning for children now?"

"Yes." Alexander nodded. "We delayed before. Now we want to proceed quickly."

"When's the wedding? Lydia's father and I go way back."

Alexander smiled at Lydia. "That's your call. When should it be?"

Lydia's cheeks pinkened. "I haven't decided yet!"

"Don't discuss this in front of Evelyn..."

Alexander addressed Anthony directly. "The date needs discussion. It's my first time, after all—no experience."

"First time?" Lydia blinked. "Vincent said you were married before."

"Mm. No wedding ceremony."

"Didn't she mind?"

"Probably not."

"Every girl dreams of a romantic wedding!" Lydia turned to Evelyn. "Right, Dr. Carter?"

Vivian Dempsey interjected dryly, "Count me out. I'm anti-marriage."

Evelyn was focused on her meal when addressed, her chopsticks pausing mid-air. "Perhaps... most girls do think that way."

Lydia seized the validation. "See, Alexander?"

Alexander smirked coldly. "Is that the wedding you want?"

"I'm talking about you!"

"I don't care."

"Who wouldn't want blessings when marrying their love?"

Alexander's gaze darkened. "Perhaps she never loved me."

Lydia panicked. "Did I say something wrong?"

"Eat your shrimp. It gets fishy when cold."

"Alexander..."

"Be good."

Watching this, Evelyn suddenly understood.

Marriage was like mortise and tenon—one convex, one concave, fitting seamlessly together.

In their marriage, she had been the convex one, consumed by her career. Alexander had suppressed his true nature, playing the role of the doting husband.

Perhaps he'd merely sought a stand-in to perform the charade of a "happy couple."

How laughable.

"Evelyn, why the smile?" Margaret asked kindly. "Thanks to your herbal adjustments, my blood pressure has improved."

"Maintain stability. Contact me if anything changes."

"Visit often. Don't become strangers."

"My schedule is hectic. I may not come frequently."

"That's alright. We can meet elsewhere."

Anthony suddenly asked, "Alexander, will you live next door after marrying?"