Chapter 526

The crystal chandelier in the hotel corridor cast shimmering reflections across the marble floor.

Evelyn Carter cradled the baby as she hurried past the restaurant entrance without a single glance inside.

Alexander Hamilton caught up in three quick strides. "At least have some soup before you go."

He reached for the child. The baby immediately stretched out tiny arms and nestled into his embrace.

Watching their affectionate interaction, the phrase "father-daughter bond" flashed through Evelyn's mind. She quickly dismissed the absurd thought. "I'm tired."

"What did the doctor say?" Alexander balanced the baby with one arm while grasping her wrist with the other.

"The medical advice didn't include having dinner with you." Evelyn tried pulling free.

Alexander didn't budge. "What if she wakes up hungry at midnight? You'll order formula from room service?"

At the far end of the restaurant, waitstaff were setting a table before floor-to-ceiling windows.

Alexander settled into a seat with the baby, but Evelyn deliberately chose the farthest diagonal chair.

"Miss Carter," a server approached with a cart, "Mr. Hamilton specially arranged this nutritional menu."

Twelve delicate dishes fanned out across the table, centered around six steaming soup terrines.

Evelyn frowned at the feast. "Feeding a pig?"

"I skipped lunch too." Alexander calmly tied a bib around the baby's neck. "Try the mushroom soup. The chef was brought in from Yunnan."

When the aroma of black chicken soup wafted over, Evelyn's stomach finally surrendered.

As she sipped the broth, she suddenly asked, "What's this chef's salary?"

"Impressed?" Alexander placed steamed fish on her plate. "I'll give him a raise tomorrow."

The baby suddenly babbled and slapped the table.

Evelyn set down her spoon. "Feeding time."

Alexander had already prepared the bottle with practiced efficiency, as if he'd done it countless times.

Just as the nipple touched the baby's lips, exaggerated laughter erupted from the entrance.

"Mr. Hamilton! What a coincidence!" Leonard Laurent dragged his daughter forward. "Lydia wanted to try the chef's specialties—we never expected to see you here!"

Lydia Laurent peeked timidly from behind her father. "Alexander... Evelyn..."

Alexander didn't look up. "Something urgent?"

"We came to thank Miss Carter for last time—"

"Unnecessary." Alexander cut him off. "She's helped too many people to remember."

Evelyn stood with the baby. "Enjoy your conversation."

Alexander grabbed the diaper bag. "I'm coming with you."

Lydia suddenly darted in front of Evelyn. "Your baby is adorable!" Her hand shot out toward the infant's face.

Evelyn pivoted away as the startled baby flinched at the shrill voice.

"Miss Laurent," Evelyn shielded the child, "if you need something, speak to Mr. Hamilton. Don't frighten the baby."