Chapter 513

Baby Chloe blinked her big round eyes, curiously looking back and forth between the adults. The cheerful sounds of the playground couldn’t distract her. Her tiny hand clutched Evelyn’s sleeve, and she babbled softly.

Vivian turned away from Alexander, her tone losing some of its edge. "She’s such a well-behaved baby. Not shy at all."

"Miss Langley has a bright personality. The child takes after her." Evelyn gently squeezed the baby’s chubby hand.

Vivian leaned down closer to the baby. "Did I scare you earlier, sweetheart? I didn’t mean to raise my voice."

Baby Chloe giggled and reached for Vivian’s hair.

Seizing the moment, Vivian scooped the baby up and turned to thrust her into Alexander’s arms. "Miss Langley entrusted you with her. You should be the one taking care of her."

Alexander took the baby smoothly, his movements practiced as if he’d done it a thousand times. The little girl squirmed in his arms before settling comfortably against his chest.

"You two talk." He patted the baby’s back, his gaze calm.

Evelyn tugged at Vivian’s sleeve. "Should we go grab breakfast first?"

"I’m too angry to eat!" Vivian shook her off, then suddenly turned back. "Gregory, thanks for driving me here. If you’ve got other plans, don’t let me keep you. I’ll treat you to dinner another time."

Gregory’s eyes remained fixed on Alexander. "There’s still something I need to handle."

The two men’s gazes locked, the air between them turning icy.

Vincent fidgeted nervously. "Bro, maybe we should—"

"Vincent," Alexander cut him off, "go home first."

"But—" Vincent looked helplessly at his older brother.

Gregory’s voice was cool. "Don’t wait for me."

Vincent, desperate, grabbed Evelyn’s bag strap. "Why doesn’t everyone stay? The more, the merrier!"

Vivian rolled her eyes. "An ex-husband and a colleague? They’re already out of the running."

An awkward silence fell over the group.

Vincent whispered into Gregory’s ear, "Bro, this is Alexander’s turf..."

"It’s a public place. Just a few words." Gregory didn’t budge.

Alexander gently bounced the baby in his arms. "Perfect timing. I have something to say to Dr. Wilson too."

Evelyn stepped forward anxiously. "Can’t you talk things over properly?"

"Men’s business." Alexander waved the baby’s tiny hand at her. "Don’t worry. I’m still holding her."

Baby Chloe yawned on cue, resting her head against his shoulder.

Vivian dragged Evelyn away. "Leave them to it!"

Amid the laughter and shouts from the playground, the three men stood like statues.

Alexander carefully adjusted the baby’s sun hat before placing her in the stroller, his touch as gentle as if handling fragile treasure.

"How would you like to proceed, Dr. Wilson?"

"The guest defers to the host."

Alexander gave a slight nod. "Follow me."

Vincent trailed behind, wishing he could vanish into thin air.

The restaurant was nearly empty. Sunlight streamed through the floor-to-ceiling windows, glinting off the polished marble floors.

With a gesture from Alexander, waiters swiftly set up a privacy screen around their table.

"Do you need me to—" Vincent started.

"Sit." Alexander’s tone brooked no argument.

The purple clay teapot steamed, filling the air with its fragrance. Alexander poured the tea with practiced ease, sliding a cup toward Gregory.

"Thanks." Gregory took a sip. "Go ahead, Mr. Hamilton."

Alexander leaned back in his chair, his gaze sharp. "I’m getting back together with Evelyn."

The teacup clinked against its saucer.

"This isn’t a discussion. It’s a notice." Alexander tapped the table lightly with his fingers. "Thank you for looking after her before. If you ever need anything, I’ll do my best to help."

Gregory set his cup down slowly, his eyes narrowing behind his glasses. "Is this you marking your territory?"

"No." A faint smile curved Alexander’s lips. "This is me removing an obstacle."