Chapter 511

Alexander's arm stiffened abruptly, his voice tight. "What did she just call me?"

The baby sensed the shift in atmosphere, thinking she'd done something wrong. She babbled at Evelyn again, "Ma...ma..."

This time, the word was unmistakably clear.

Evelyn's eyes instantly welled up, but a gentle smile curved her lips. "I'm not your mama, sweetheart."

The little one persisted, tiny hands patting Evelyn's shoulders. "Mama! Mama!"

Evelyn turned away abruptly, her lashes trembling violently.

She had once been so close to motherhood—close enough to feel that tiny heartbeat beneath her fingertips.

Alexander lowered his gaze to the ground, his Adam's apple bobbing.

Frustrated by Evelyn's lack of response, the baby stretched her chubby arms toward Evelyn's face, her whole body leaning forward.

"She wants you to hold her," Alexander murmured softly.

Evelyn took a deep breath and gathered the soft bundle into her arms. The child immediately snuggled into her embrace, the warmth and milky scent seeping through fabric, yet tightening the ache in Evelyn's chest.

The sycamore leaves rustled. The playground was silent except for the faint creak of a swaying swing.

"Evelyn—!"

Vivian's voice sliced through the quiet like lightning.

As Evelyn turned with the baby in her arms, Vivian was already rushing over, her eyes darting between the infant and Alexander. "What on earth...?!"

"Shh." Evelyn raised a finger to her lips.

The baby in her arms blinked her grape-like eyes, curiously studying the new auntie.

Vivian melted instantly, poking the baby's cheek. "Oh my god, whose little angel is this?"

"Be gentle," Evelyn sighed. "I'm not exactly skilled at handling babies."

Vivian had already whipped out her phone, snapping a dozen photos. "I leave for a few days, and you're suddenly holding a baby?"

"This is Mr. Hamilton's friend's—"

"Wait!" Vivian suddenly turned and waved. "Look who I brought!"

Vincent ducked his head and called out, "Bro."

"Hmm."

Gregory's gaze lingered on the baby and Alexander for a moment.

"Dr. Wilson." Alexander smiled smoothly.

"I came to see Evelyn."

"So did I."

Alexander turned naturally to Evelyn. "Let me take the baby. You two talk."

Gregory's expression frosted over instantly.

Evelyn settled the baby and walked over. "Dr. Wilson."

"I heard you fell ill in the capital?" Gregory's gaze softened. "Are you feeling better now?"

"I'm fine."

"Between us..." Gregory gave a bitter smile. "It feels like we've suddenly become strangers."

"Maybe it's just been too busy lately."

"White Coat's started shedding," Gregory said quietly. "He misses you."

"Ma...mama!" The baby squirmed like a pretzel in Alexander's arms, tiny hands desperately reaching for Evelyn.

Each "mama" was a knife to Evelyn's heart.

"She's asking for you." Alexander carried the child over steadily.

Evelyn took the baby. "She must think I'm her mother."

"Kids this age do that." Alexander's lips curved faintly.

Gregory's expression eased slightly. "Where's the baby's mother?"

"Busy, I suppose." Evelyn nuzzled the baby's forehead. "Oh, Dr. Wilson, the handover for Anderson Group will take time. White Coat might need you to—"

"He'll always be your dog," Gregory interrupted. "I'll take care of him until you return."

In the corner, Vincent was doing his best to become invisible.

"I was just giving Miss Dempsey a ride," Gregory explained gently.

Vivian nodded vigorously. "Dr. Wilson is an absolute angel! Unlike certain people who only know how to cause trouble..."