Chapter 505

"Thank you." The young mother beamed at the compliment about her baby, her eyes crinkling into crescents. "She's seven months old now. Every time we go out, she gets showered with praise."

Evelyn Carter's gaze lingered on the baby's plump cheeks. "It's not just cuteness. Look at how her eyes curve when she smiles—she has such a blessed little face."

The mother laughed even brighter. As she adjusted items in the stroller, she suddenly lowered her voice. "Could you do me a favor?"

"Hmm?"

"I need to grab breakfast." She gestured toward the distant buffet counter. "I was so busy finding a seat earlier that I forgot to get food. Could you watch her for just a minute?"

Evelyn's brow furrowed slightly. "We've only known each other for ten minutes."

"I trust my instincts." The mother deftly lifted the baby from the stroller. "She's very well-behaved. As long as someone holds her to watch the birds outside, she won't cry."

The warm little bundle suddenly settled into Evelyn's arms, making her hold her breath instinctively.

The baby showed no shyness, squirming in the crook of Evelyn's arm before grinning up at her with a toothless smile.

Professional instincts immediately took over. Evelyn adjusted her hold with practiced ease.

"Oh my!" The mother gasped. "You hold her like a pro! Are you—"

"An OB-GYN." Evelyn brushed it off lightly. "I've handled plenty of newborns before."

"No wonder!" Relief washed over the mother. "I'll be right back!"

Before Evelyn could respond, the woman was already jogging toward the buffet.

Evelyn looked down at the baby in her arms. The little one's skin was as smooth as a freshly peeled egg, her dark, grape-like eyes staring up unblinkingly.

"Hello there, sweetheart."

Suddenly, chubby fingers reached out and grabbed the tassels of Evelyn's silk scarf.

"Ooh!" The baby kicked her stubby legs excitedly, babbling incoherent sounds.

Evelyn's heart melted instantly. She discreetly shifted her chair back to give the baby a more comfortable perch.

Fascinated by this gentle stranger, the baby began exploring every detail of Evelyn's clothes with pudgy fingers.

"Do you like Auntie that much?" Evelyn tapped the tiny nose playfully.

Giggles erupted, revealing faint dimples on those round cheeks.

Then, a pair of lean, masculine hands reached in from the side and smoothly took the baby.

Evelyn's heart lurched. She looked up into Alexander Hamilton's deep-set eyes.

"You startled me," she exhaled.

Alexander cradled the baby expertly, one hand supporting her bottom, the other protectively against her back. "Where did this child come from?"

"Another guest at our table." Evelyn reached to take her back. "Give her to me."

Instead of releasing the baby, Alexander sat beside her. "Yesterday we talked about children, and today you manifested one?"

"Don't be ridiculous." Evelyn glared. "Her mother will be back any second."

Alexander arched a brow. "Leaving an infant with strangers?"

"I thought the same." She reached again. "Hand her over."

To her surprise, the baby didn't cry. Instead, she became engrossed with the crystal cufflinks on Alexander's shirt sleeve, tiny fingers batting at them persistently.

What shocked Evelyn more was how naturally Alexander held the child—his technique flawless.

"When did you learn this?" she couldn't help asking.

Alexander's gaze darkened as he pulled the baby closer. "After we separated. Auntie Marry taught me."

The air between them froze instantly.

Evelyn lowered her lashes, masking the ripple of emotion in her eyes.

"Your milk is getting cold." Alexander's quiet reminder drew her attention to the cup before her.