Chapter 428

After the engagement turmoil, Margaret Hamilton's attitude toward Annabelle Taylor had noticeably cooled. These past few days, with Anthony Taylor present, she had been relatively restrained in her words, careful not to be too harsh.

Annabelle clutched her father's sleeve, her voice trembling. "Dad, I don’t want to go abroad..."

This time, Anthony was unusually firm. "You've lived overseas for years. Your friends and connections are all there. Right now, I need to focus on taking care of your mother. I can’t spare the energy to look after you."

"You’re just afraid of upsetting her!" Annabelle suddenly pointed at Evelyn Carter, her voice rising hysterically. "You’re scared she won’t acknowledge you, so you’re shipping me off to get me out of the way! Ah—"

The antiseptic splashed onto her wound without warning, and Annabelle shrieked in pain.

Evelyn continued calmly, her hands steady. "Disinfecting."

"You did that on purpose!"

"I’ll stop when you stop making noise."

Annabelle bit her lip, then sneered. "At least Alexander didn’t choose you in the end. We’re even."

Vivian Dempsey scoffed. "You got dumped. Evelyn walked away. There’s a difference."

"Then can she give up the Taylor family fortune too?" Annabelle challenged, glaring at Evelyn.

"Annabelle!" Anthony snapped.

"Dad, if she’s so noble, she shouldn’t play both sides! Refusing to acknowledge you but still wanting the money, saying she won’t reconcile but keeping ties." Annabelle lifted her chin. "I’ll go abroad, but half the Taylor assets are mine!"

Anthony’s face darkened. "Are you really so eager for us to die?"

"Just draft the will now. After you’re gone, she and I can fight for our shares."

"Fine. Very well." Anthony was shaking with anger. "Margaret, may I borrow pen and paper?"

Margaret quickly intervened. "Don’t act rashly. Drafting a will is bad luck. Auntie Marry, is Teresa’s meal ready?"

"Yes, yes. I’ll pack it right away."

Margaret turned to Evelyn. "How’s the wound?"

"It needs further examination at the hospital." Evelyn finished bandaging it neatly.

Margaret immediately called the driver. "The car’s waiting downstairs. Annabelle, go straight home after your wound is treated."

Annabelle looked at her father. "Dad, aren’t you coming back to the hospital with me?"

"Where were you when your mother was in surgery? Where were you when she needed someone by her side?" Anthony said coldly. "From now on, go wherever you want. We can’t control you anymore."

Margaret sighed. "Let us know when you get to the hospital."

Vivian said gratefully, "Aunt Margaret, thank you so much for today."

"You’re Evelyn’s closest friend. It’s the least I could do."

As they left the Hamilton residence, Anthony remained silent the entire way.

Vivian couldn’t hold back. "Uncle Anthony, some people aren’t worth torturing yourself over."

Anthony glanced guiltily at Evelyn. "Our indecisiveness has wronged you."

"Just make it up to Evelyn properly from now on," Vivian reassured.

Anthony suddenly stopped. "Evelyn, about the assets..."

"Do whatever you think is best."

"I want to give her a sum of money to buy your peace. The company and properties will be transferred to your name."

Evelyn’s lashes fluttered slightly. "We’ll talk about it later."

A gold Panamera pulled up slowly at the gate.

Alexander Hamilton stepped out and nodded to Anthony. "Uncle Anthony, heading back to the hospital?"

"Yes. I’ve been away too long."

"I’ll have a driver take you."

"Alexander." Evelyn spoke up suddenly.

He looked up. "Yes?"

"Not about last time."

"Then what?"

"About us."

Alexander narrowed his eyes slightly. "Us?"