Chapter 520

Evelyn Carter's internal clock never missed a beat.

She should have been awake by now.

Alexander Hamilton carried the baby to Evelyn's hotel room, only to find the door wide open. The housekeeper was making the bed, but the room was empty—even the luggage had vanished.

"Where's the guest staying here?" His voice turned icy.

The housekeeper flinched at his expression. "M-Miss Carter checked out early this morning..."

"Where did she go?"

"She said she was visiting her sister at the hospital..."

The tension in Alexander's shoulders eased slightly. Evelyn had been worried about Emily Anderson ever since returning from the capital. Visiting her made sense.

"What time did she leave?"

"About... half an hour ago."

Thirty minutes. Enough time for Evelyn to leave the mountains and reach the city. Alexander immediately pulled out his phone and dialed her number.

Beep—

The mechanical tone rang in his ear.

No answer.

His grip tightened unconsciously. He knew Evelyn—either she wasn't checking her phone, or she was deliberately ignoring him. Either way, calling again was pointless.

Yet the inexplicable unease in his chest only grew stronger.

Standing in the barren room, flashes of Evelyn's pale face filled his mind. Then, a terrifying realization struck him—

The last time she'd disappeared without a word, she'd gone to the hospital for an abortion.

And yesterday's sudden nausea...

Alexander's blood ran cold.

He swiftly handed the baby to the hotel manager, gave brief instructions, and rushed to the parking lot. His hands trembled slightly as he started the car.

The entire drive, he kept dialing—first Evelyn, then Olivia Lightfoot when Evelyn didn't answer, then Vivian Dempsey when Olivia didn't pick up. Over and over, the calls went unanswered.

Only when he reached the city did Vivian finally call back.

"Miss Langley is back?" Her voice dripped with impatience.

"...No."

"Then why are you calling me?"

Alexander ignored her tone. "Is Evelyn with you?"

"No." Vivian's voice sharpened with alarm. "What's wrong with Evelyn? Did something happen?"

He hung up without answering.

At the OB-GYN Department of Central Hospital, a nurse blocked his path. "Sir, this is the maternity ward. Men aren't allowed—"

"I'm looking for Evelyn Carter." His voice was hoarse. "She used to work here."

The nurse recoiled at his bloodshot eyes. "D-Dr. Carter is in Dr. Lightfoot's office..."

The door burst open just as Olivia was whispering something to Evelyn.

"Holy—!" Olivia jumped. "What the hell is your toxic ex doing here?"

Alexander's gaze locked onto Evelyn. Only when he confirmed she was unharmed did the tension in his shoulders ease slightly.

"This is a hospital!" Olivia stepped protectively in front of Evelyn. "You break it, you pay for it!"

"Fine." His voice was rough. "Any amount."

He strode to Evelyn, his eyes dropping to her flat stomach. His Adam's apple bobbed violently.

Evelyn looked up at his red-rimmed eyes and frowned. "Didn't reception tell you? I came to see Emily."

His breathing remained ragged. When he spoke, the words were barely audible. "Is it...?"

"It's not what you think." She turned away. "Just stress delaying my cycle."

Alexander seized her wrist. "Don't lie to me."

Evelyn pointed to the test results on the desk. "See for yourself."

His stare remained fixed on her abdomen, as if trying to see through fabric to the truth.