Chapter 517

Her arm was suddenly nudged.

Evelyn turned to meet Vivian's astonished gaze.

She gave a slight nod to indicate understanding.

After Annabelle's "socialist brotherhood" rhetoric, Lydia's petty schemes were transparent as glass.

"Vixen," Vivian muttered through clenched teeth.

"Why is Sister Evelyn so quiet?" Lydia blinked her innocent doe eyes.

Alexander frowned and interrupted: "This has nothing to do with Evelyn."

"True, it's between Brother Alexander and Sister Annabelle." Lydia nodded obediently, then shot Evelyn a meaningful look. "Sister Evelyn wouldn't interfere, right?"

Evelyn chuckled softly and walked deliberately toward Annabelle. "Miss Taylor, are you here today to have Mr. Hamilton arbitrate the division of the Taylor family assets?"

Hatred churned in Annabelle's eyes. "Our parents are both ill. Alexander has been managing the company."

"Acting as caretaker only." Evelyn's gaze sharpened. "Taylor Group ultimately belongs to Anthony and Teresa Taylor. Mr. Hamilton has no authority to dispose of it."

"Stop pretending to be noble!" Annabelle sneered. "Calling him 'Mr. Hamilton' now clearly shows you're guarding against him. You use his connections but refuse to open your heart. Wake up, Alexander!"

Alexander approached with the child and took Evelyn's hand. "Let's go."

"Wait." Evelyn shook off his grip, staring directly at Annabelle. "If it were me, I'd take the money and leave. The Taylors raised you all these years, and Mr. Hamilton honors past affections—that's already the best outcome. If you keep pushing..."

Her peripheral glance at Lydia turned icy. "Be careful playing with fire."

"You stole everything from me and expect me to accept it?" Annabelle became hysterical. "I'll go to Mom and Dad! They love me most—"

"Evelyn!" Vivian rushed over in alarm. "You're so pale!"

Alexander immediately set down the child to examine her. "Where does it hurt?"

The world spun before Evelyn's eyes, darkness flickering at the edges of her vision.

"Faking illness?" Annabelle mocked. "Even Dr. Carter resorts to such cheap tricks?"

Lydia leaned in for closer inspection. "Is Sister Evelyn truly unwell?"

Evelyn weakly curved her lips. "Disappointed, Miss Laurent?"

Lydia's expression stiffened before quickly reverting to innocence. "Your health comes first, sister."

Alexander studied Lydia thoughtfully.

"Mr. Hamilton." Evelyn's breath was faint. "Please ask a waitress to assist me."

"Still drawing lines at a time like this?" Alexander simply swept her up into his arms.

"Don't—" Evelyn's stomach churned violently. "Put me down—"

Her feet barely touched the ground before she vomited.

Alexander gently patted her back. "You were fine this morning. What happened?"

Vivian held the child nervously. "Should we go to the hospital?"

"Can't Dr. Carter diagnose herself?" Lydia asked with feigned concern.

Annabelle sneered. "Hard to diagnose a fake illness."

"Enough!" Alexander snapped.

Evelyn retched up bile, then weakly met Lydia's gaze. "Apologies for ruining your plans, Miss Laurent."

Lydia's smile froze. "You jest, sister."

Suddenly Alexander lifted Evelyn facing him, letting her rest against his shoulder.

The scent of citrus enveloped her.

"Better?" he murmured.

"...Yes."

Alexander instructed Vivian: "Please watch the child. Ask the front desk if you need anything."

Before leaving, he gave Lydia a cold look. "Tell your father it's time to announce the canceled engagement."