Chapter 429

Alexander's gaze lingered on her face for a few seconds before he suddenly chuckled lowly. Flexing his wrist, he said coolly, "What's left to discuss between us?"

"Did you hurt your wrist?"

"An OB-GYN shouldn't worry about orthopedic matters."

A phone ringtone cut through the tension.

The name "Lydia" flashed prominently on the screen.

He answered without hesitation.

"Alex, are you home yet?"

"Just entered the neighborhood."

"I bought you some bruise oil. Remember to have Auntie Marry massage your wrist."

"Mhm."

"Thank you for today. I would've embarrassed myself without you."

"If you can't walk in them, don't force yourself to wear high heels."

"But you're so tall. I look tiny without heels." Lydia's voice turned sugary. "Besides, Annabelle looks stunning in heels. I just thought—"

"Don't imitate her."

"But I want you to like me..."

Alexander rubbed his temples. "I don't like women in high heels."

"Really?"

"Yes."

"Do you prefer straight hair or curls?"

"Straight."

"No wonder you kept looking at Evelyn earlier..."

His brow furrowed. "Don't speak nonsense. Mind your manners."

"Okay."

"Get some rest."

"Then hurry home."

"Mhm."

"You're not downstairs yet?"

"Ran into someone."

"An acquaintance?"

He lit a cigarette, tone distant. "Hardly."

"As long as it's not Annabelle." Lydia ventured timidly, "Alex...who do you think is prettier? Me or Annabelle?"

"That Chapter is closed."

"Alright. Goodnight."

Hanging up, Alexander glanced at Anthony. "My girlfriend's waiting. Excuse me."

Without waiting for a response, he turned and disappeared into the night.

Anthony called softly, "Terry?"

"Let's take a cab back to the hospital."

In the taxi, Anthony seemed to wrestle with unspoken words.

On his third hesitation, Evelyn spoke first. "What is it?"

"If you've moved on, look forward."

"I know." She stared out the window. "I didn't stop him to reconcile."

"Then why?"

"It doesn't matter now. I just don't want him taking it out on Vivian and the Dempseys."

......

Teresa's recovery progressed well—she could now change TV channels herself.

Though Evelyn suggested Anthony rest at home, both ended up staying overnight.

At dawn, she approached the hospital room with breakfast, hearing laughter inside.

The moment she pushed the door open, her expression darkened. "What are you doing here?"

Peter stood impeccably suited. "Visiting Aunt Teresa."

"Terry, your friend has been waiting awhile."

Evelyn thrust the food at her father. "Come with me."

In the stairwell, she whirled around. "What's your game?"

"Just paying respects."

"Drop the act!"

Peter shed his pretense. "Heard you went to Alexander. When's he reinstating me on the project?"

"He refused."

"Funny. I thought you had him wrapped around your finger."

"You overestimate me."

Peter narrowed his eyes. "Did he say no, or did you not even try?"

She met his gaze squarely. "I have zero intention of helping you. Threatening my family? We'll sink together—let everyone see who you really are!"

"Fine by me." His smile turned icy. "Forgot to mention—your dad borrowed money from my mom yesterday."

Evelyn's stomach dropped. "Did she lend it?"

"Not only that, she asked me to pick up Grace from the coach station. Crowded places can be so...accident-prone. Oh, and your sister insisted on tagging along—"

"Peter!"

"Beg him or sleep with him—I don't care. This project is mine. Otherwise..." He leaned closer. "Think Alexander can protect your family forever?"

"You're despicable!"

"Morality doesn't pay the bills."

A phone shrilled between them.

"Eve! Mom's coming home tonight!"

Evelyn shot Peter a wary look. "I'll get her."

"No need! Peter volunteered!"