Chapter 512

Vivian Dempsey had been fuming lately, her glare at Alexander Hamilton sharp enough to burn holes through him.

The air between them crackled with tension.

Alexander heard every word but didn’t even flinch. His gaze slid past Vivian, settling on Evelyn Carter with the calm of deep, still waters.

Evelyn tugged discreetly at Vivian’s sleeve. "It’s not what you think. I’ll explain later."

"There’s more to it?"

"Yes. It’s complicated."

"I haven’t touched a single cent of his five million. I can return it anytime—no way I’d let him use it against you."

"It’s not about the money," Evelyn said, her voice softening as she glanced at Alexander. "Vivian doesn’t know about Miss Langley. I’ll fill her in."

Alexander gave a slight nod. "She’s standing up for you. I understand."

Evelyn offered an awkward smile.

Vivian pulled her aside, whispering fiercely, "What’s going on with you and Alexander? Did he do anything to you in the capital?"

Evelyn’s lashes trembled. "...No."

"Right. I heard his fiancée went with him. He wouldn’t dare try anything."

"Yeah." Evelyn frowned. "Things are messy enough. Why did you bring Dr. Wilson?"

Vivian sighed. "I know how you feel, but Gregory and I go way back. You rejecting him is one thing—I can’t just cut ties because of that."

Evelyn had no rebuttal.

Gregory Wilson had come to help Vivian today. She had no right to interfere.

Vivian patted her shoulder. "Relax. Gregory isn’t the type to cling. Once you move on, he’ll let go."

Evelyn forced a nod.

Vivian changed the subject, cooing at the baby in Evelyn’s arms. "Whose little one is this? Where are her parents?"

No one in the room looked like they had kids.

Evelyn adjusted her hold gently. "She’s the daughter of a friend of Mr. Hamilton’s. Her mother went hiking and left her in our care for a couple of days."

Our care.

The indifference in Alexander’s expression flickered, warmth glinting in his eyes.

Vivian gasped. "Her mother must be out of her mind! Trusting you is one thing, but Alexander? Does he even know how to handle a baby?"

Evelyn chuckled. "Let’s not get into that. Any progress on that trump card you mentioned?"

"That’s actually why I’m here." Vivian lowered her voice conspiratorially. "Besides checking on you, I was hoping to run into someone."

"Who? At the hotel?"

"Ever heard of the Langleys from Oceancrest?" Vivian’s eyes lit up. "They’re big in venture capital. The eldest daughter, Bianca, is vacationing here. My grandmother had some ties to their family—might be worth a shot."

"Oceancrest Langleys?" Evelyn’s eyes widened. The coincidence was unreal.

"Yeah." Vivian sighed. "But it’s a long shot. The connection’s too old. She might not even know."

Evelyn winced. "You’re an hour too late."

"You met her?"

"The Bianca Langley you’re looking for is the baby’s mother." Evelyn suggested, "Hiking trips don’t last more than a few days. The Dempsey Group is stable for now—you could wait."

Vivian stomped her foot. "I can’t wait! This is a golden opportunity!"

She froze, suspicion narrowing her eyes at Alexander. "This hotel is his. Bianca suddenly comes to Hudson City, stays here, leaves her kid with you two... Did you arrange this?"

Alexander didn’t deny it. "Miss Langley is indeed my guest."

"Then why did she go hiking now?" Vivian exploded. "Did you send her away? What’s your game, Alexander?"

Alexander sighed. "I didn’t know you were coming. How could I predict your actions?"

Vivian faltered.

"If I really wanted to stop you, wouldn’t it be easier to just not invite her?"

Vivian flushed. "...You’d actually help me?"

Alexander didn’t answer, looking away.

Evelyn jumped in. "Bianca left on her own. The scenery here is perfect for clearing her head. Calm down."

Vivian took a deep breath. "Fine. For your sake."

Evelyn murmured, "Keep it down. The baby’s right here."