Chapter 527

Lydia Laurent took a half-step back, startled by Evelyn Carter's sudden coldness. Her fingers twisted nervously at her skirt hem as her eyes reddened slightly. "Evelyn, did I say something wrong?"

Evelyn adjusted Baby Chloe in her arms. "No."

Alexander Hamilton intervened smoothly. "Mr. Laurent, the restaurant will be closing soon."

Leonard Laurent's gaze lingered on Evelyn before he smiled abruptly. "Miss Carter, I heard you're quite close with Vivian Dempsey from Dempsey Group?"

Evelyn lifted her eyes. "You're well-informed."

"Here's the thing," Leonard rubbed his hands together, "one of our production lines malfunctioned. We'd like to borrow Dempsey's backup equipment. If Miss Dempsey agrees, we're willing to split profits 60-40."

Evelyn gently patted the baby's back. "Their official website lists contact information."

"It's just..." Leonard gave an awkward chuckle, "our companies have some...history. A direct approach might lead to rejection. If you could facilitate an introduction..."

Alexander cut in sharply. "Mr. Laurent, is Dempsey Group experiencing cash flow issues?"

Leonard's expression froze. "I...only just heard about it."

Evelyn slipped the bottle into the baby's mouth without looking up. "I'll relay your request to Vivian, but she doesn't have decision-making authority."

"That would be greatly appreciated!" Leonard beamed. "If we get the equipment, we can adjust to 70-30!"

Lydia inched forward timidly. "Evelyn, your baby is adorable. May I—"

"No." Evelyn shut her down immediately.

Tears welled in Lydia's eyes as she glanced pleadingly at Alexander. He merely signaled a waiter. "Escort Mr. Laurent to the VIP lounge."

Once the Laurents were gone, Evelyn immediately stood with the baby. "I'm returning to our room."

Alexander caught her wrist. "They're suspicious?"

"That production line excuse was laughably transparent." Evelyn's lips curled coldly. "Dempsey Group does need capital, but not enough to collaborate with competitors."

Baby Chloe suddenly reached for Alexander with a gurgle. As he took her, his fingers brushed Evelyn's hand. "Miss Langley's investment arrives next week."

Evelyn's head snapped up. "They don't know?"

"Clearly not." Alexander bounced the baby lightly. "Leonard moved too hastily."

Evelyn grabbed the diaper bag. "I'll call Vivian."

Back in the suite, Evelyn had just laid the baby down when she began whimpering. Quickly retrieving a fresh diaper, Evelyn performed the change with practiced ease.

The doorbell rang as Evelyn studied the baby's face—her sharp brows mirroring Vincent Croix's, but those dimples when she smiled were all Evelyn.

Alexander stood at the doorway when she answered. "That was fast."

"Mm." He handed her a bag of baby supplies. "Leonard plans to visit Elder Dempsey personally."

Evelyn accepted the bag with a scoff. "The equipment was never the real objective."

Alexander suddenly reached to tuck a stray lock behind her ear. "You've got powdered milk in your hair."

The intimate gesture froze them both. The baby's delighted giggles broke the tension. Evelyn stepped back hastily. "I...need to prepare her bottle."

Alexander remained in the entryway. "Need help?"

"No." She turned toward the kitchenette. "Unless...you want to see her?"

He approached the crib, gently stroking the baby's cheek. She immediately grabbed his finger to chew.

"She's teething." His voice softened.

Evelyn paused while mixing formula. "Started last week."

Silence settled over the room, punctuated only by the baby's coos. Milky lamplight enveloped the trio, casting interlaced shadows across the floor.