Chapter 525

The setting sun cast long shadows of three figures along the garden path.

Evelyn Carter cradled the baby, softly humming a lullaby. The infant giggled in her arms, tiny hands reaching for the strands of hair that had slipped loose.

A sudden cold gust swept through.

Evelyn instinctively looked up to see a tall figure approaching. The man wore a tailored dark gray suit, his polished shoes clicking sharply against the cobblestones.

His presence seemed to drop the temperature around them.

The baby's laughter ceased abruptly. Her face scrunched up before she burst into loud wails. Evelyn tightened her hold protectively, eyes wary as they locked onto the newcomer.

Alexander Hamilton stepped forward, shielding them both.

"Mr. Croix."

The man halted. His gaze lingered on the child in Evelyn's arms for a brief second before flickering away.

"Mr. Hamilton. What a coincidence."

His voice carried the bite of winter, even this simple greeting laced with frost.

The baby cried harder, her face flushing crimson. Evelyn gently patted her back, turning slightly to block the man's piercing stare.

"You're frightening her," Alexander said, his tone darkening.

Vincent Croix's lips twitched. "Apologies. It's simply my nature."

His features were undeniably striking, but the shadows between his brows made direct eye contact unbearable. His pallid skin looked almost translucent in the twilight, giving him the appearance of a statue carved from ice.

It struck Evelyn then—this was Bianca Langley's so-called "ex-husband."

"Where is Bianca?" Vincent cut straight to the point.

Alexander narrowed his eyes. "Mountain climbing."

"And she left the child with you?"

"Yes."

Vincent gave a curt nod and turned to leave, as though staying another moment would be an intolerable waste.

"Wait." Alexander's voice stopped him. "This is your daughter."

Vincent's back stiffened for a fraction of a second before he regained composure. He didn't turn around. Just a detached "Hmm" escaped him.

Evelyn watched his retreating figure dissolve into the gathering dusk, an inexplicable tightness gripping her chest.

The baby's cries gradually subsided, her tiny fists still clutching Evelyn's collar, tear droplets clinging to her lashes.

"It's alright, sweetheart," Evelyn murmured, though her heart ached for Bianca's misfortune.

Alexander reached over, his touch impossibly tender as he wiped the child's tears away.

"How could they ever have been together?" Evelyn couldn't help asking.

Alexander stared at where Vincent had disappeared, expression unreadable. "Some people only realize what they've lost when it's gone."

A night breeze stirred, carrying the first chill of evening.

Evelyn bundled the baby closer in her coat, lips curling bitterly. "When he's old and sick, he'll regret abandoning his daughter."

"No." Alexander shook his head. "That's not what he'll regret losing."

"Then what?"

"Bianca."

Evelyn froze.

Alexander's quiet words carried unmistakable clarity: "The deeper his hatred burns now, the more it will destroy him later."

Street lamps flickered on suddenly, illuminating his profound gaze.

"How do you know?"

A wry smile touched his lips. "Because I was once that blind."