Chapter 509

Vincent Wilson stood frozen at the doorway, as if struck by lightning.

He blinked hard and pinched himself. The sharp pain confirmed he wasn’t dreaming—Alexander Hamilton was cradling a cherubic infant, expertly feeding her a bottle.

Evelyn Carter sat nearby, calmly reviewing documents.

"Al—Alexander..." Vincent’s voice trembled. "This..."

"Close the door," Alexander said without looking up. "You’re letting in a draft."

Vincent mechanically shut the door and stumbled toward the table. His gaze darted between the baby and Evelyn before settling on Alexander. "This child..."

"Hmm?" Alexander gently patted the baby’s back. "What about her?"

Vincent swallowed hard. "When did you—"

"Did you bring the documents?" Alexander cut him off.

"Y-yes." Vincent fumbled through his briefcase and produced a manila envelope. "Emily compiled everything as requested."

Evelyn finally glanced up and took the file. "Thank you."

Vincent stared at her flat stomach, his questions lodged in his throat.

Alexander shot him a look. "Spit it out."

"This baby..." Vincent pointed. "Is she...?"

"Not mine," Alexander stated flatly.

Vincent exhaled—then tensed again. "Then...?"

"Not Evelyn’s either," Alexander added.

Vincent’s mind short-circuited. "Then whose—?"

The baby suddenly giggled, tiny fingers clutching Alexander’s tie. He gazed down at her with uncharacteristic tenderness. "A friend’s."

"Oh." Vincent eyed them skeptically. "She’s...adorable."

Alexander raised an eyebrow. "Want to hold her?"

"No!" Vincent recoiled. "I’d drop her."

Silence settled over the room, broken only by the baby’s coos and the rustle of Evelyn’s papers.

Shifting uncomfortably, Vincent finally whispered, "Alexander...isn’t this moving a bit fast?"

Alexander smirked. "Fast?"

"It’s barely been days, and now there’s a baby..." Vincent peeked at Evelyn. "Does Dr. Carter know?"

Evelyn didn’t look up. "I do."

Vincent inhaled sharply.

Alexander cleared his throat. "Is the documentation complete?"

"Yes! Emily said the rest will arrive tomorrow."

Evelyn closed the file. "This is already very helpful."

Alexander turned to her. "Need anything else?"

"This should suffice." She paused. "Thank Emily for me."

Vincent glanced between them, sensing the odd tension. He coughed. "Well...if that’s all, I should—"

"Mm." Alexander nodded. "Drive safely."

Vincent edged toward the exit, stealing backward glances. At the door, he whirled around. "Alexander!"

"Yes?"

"This baby..." He pointed. "Really isn’t yours?"

Alexander deadpanned. "Who exactly would I have had her with?"

Vincent’s eyes flicked to Evelyn.

She took a sip of water, unperturbed.

"Get out," Alexander ordered.

Vincent fled. As the door clicked shut, he heard the baby’s delighted laughter and Alexander’s soft murmur: "Good girl."

The world had gone mad.