Chapter 516

Evelyn's fingers twisted together unconsciously.

"My parents are getting older, and with everything that's happened recently..." Her voice was soft. "The house purchase has been one problem after another, and Emily's injuries haven't fully healed. Let's wait a while longer—until they've had time to recover—before I tell them."

Vivian nodded. "Your parents have loved you all these years. Finding out you're not biologically theirs will be hard for them. But if they see how well your birth parents treat you, they'll feel reassured."

Just then, a bright voice called out, "Evelyn!"

Lydia bounded over in light-colored casual wear. Vivian narrowed her eyes. "Isn't that Alexander's little fiancée? Wait—why is she here too?!"

Following her gaze, Evelyn saw Annabelle trailing behind Lydia, whispering something to her.

"Lydia, your status is different now. You need to mind your image," Annabelle's voice carried over.

Lydia immediately slowed her steps, walking properly up to them. "Hello, Evelyn. Hello, Vivian."

Vivian smirked coldly. "Miss Laurent, you should be careful who you befriend. Some people smile to your face while stabbing you in the back."

"Annabelle is really nice," Lydia blinked innocently. "Evelyn, is Alexander still at the hotel?"

Evelyn countered, "You haven't contacted him?"

"I didn’t want to come at first," Lydia stuck out her tongue playfully. "But Annabelle said Alexander was here alone with no one to take care of him. She said if I didn’t come, it might affect the relationship between Hamilton Group and Banyan Group."

Vivian scoffed. "Then why is she tagging along?"

Annabelle's expression flickered but quickly smoothed over. "Lydia is young. As her elder sister, of course I need to look after her."

"Are you looking after her—or using her?"

"Miss Dempsey, what an interesting way to phrase things."

"Dogs wouldn’t understand human speech anyway," Vivian jerked her chin toward the restaurant. "Alexander is inside discussing business. If you want him, go in yourself."

Lydia hesitated. "Wouldn’t that disturb his meeting? Annabelle, why don’t you go check? You’re so capable—you could definitely help."

Annabelle paused thoughtfully. "Fine. You wait here."

Once Annabelle was out of earshot, Vivian stomped her foot in frustration. "Does that woman really think everyone else is blind?"

Evelyn gestured subtly to remind her Lydia was still present.

Grudgingly, Vivian moved aside. "Have a seat, Miss Laurent."

Lydia sat down obediently. "Is there some misunderstanding between you and Annabelle?"

"What misunderstanding could I possibly have with her?" Vivian rolled her eyes. "You, on the other hand—watch out or you’ll end up being someone else’s pawn."

Lydia pointed cheerfully at her head. "I’m very smart, you know."

Evelyn observed Lydia quietly.

Ever since Sophia’s warning, she’d been paying close attention to the girl’s every move.

That day, Alexander had clearly shown disgust toward Annabelle and specifically told Lydia to stay away from her. If Lydia hadn’t told her, how would Annabelle have known Alexander was here?

On the surface, it seemed like Annabelle was using the opportunity to get close to Alexander, but in reality...

Evelyn’s gaze lingered on Lydia’s guileless smile.

Sure enough, it wasn’t long before Alexander stormed out with a dark expression, the baby in his arms. Annabelle followed behind him, her eyes red.

"What are you doing here?" Alexander quickly moved to Evelyn’s side.

Evelyn glanced past him. "Did Dr. Wilson and the others leave?"

"Yeah," Alexander’s tone was grim. "Are you done here? The baby needs to be fed."

Lydia called out timidly, "Alexander..."

Alexander nodded curtly. "I’ll have your father send someone to pick you up later. In the future, consult him before acting. Don’t listen to outsiders giving you orders."

Lydia looked at Annabelle. "Annabelle, why are you crying? Alexander, how could you—"

Annabelle’s gaze locked onto Evelyn, burning with hatred.

Alexander stepped protectively in front of Evelyn. "Mr. Anderson chose to hand An Group over to Evelyn. She never tried to take anything from you."

"Now that she’s the one you cherish most, of course you’d defend her!"

"Exactly," Alexander’s voice was icy. "So don’t provoke her."

Annabelle’s voice trembled. "Are you really going to destroy me completely? I have no job, no income—what about over twenty years of friendship—"

"That friendship was built on lies," Alexander’s eyes were sharp. "If not for Mr. Anderson’s sake, do you think someone who deceived me would still be standing here unharmed?"

Annabelle’s face went deathly pale. "Would you kill me for her?"

Lydia hurriedly grabbed Alexander’s arm. "Alexander, don’t be like this..."

Then she reached for Evelyn’s hand. "Evelyn, please talk to him—"

Annabelle’s expression twisted viciously.

A sudden realization struck Evelyn.

If both she and Annabelle were gone...

Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Lydia gazing up at Alexander, an odd light glinting in her eyes.