Chapter 529

"Evelyn." Alexander's voice was low when he suddenly spoke. "Do you think... if I ask Bianca to be Baby Chloe's godfather, she'd agree?"

"..." Evelyn kept folding the baby clothes without looking up. "That depends on your relationship."

"We've known each other since childhood. Don't meet often, but we're on good terms."

"Then ask her yourself." Evelyn placed the neatly folded clothes into a storage box. "But remember, blood ties matter. No matter how terrible the biological father is, he's still her dad."

Alexander's eyes darkened. "I know."

"Or..." Evelyn finally looked up. "Are you aiming to be her stepfather?"

He frowned. "Don't be ridiculous."

A cheerful children's melody drifted from the musical mobile.

Evelyn listened carefully and finally understood why the baby had suddenly learned to say "Daddy."

The mobile kept repeating: "Daddy's daddy is Grandpa..."

Alexander heard it too.

His expression shifted.

"Daddy..." The baby cooed again, this time with startling clarity.

Alexander crouched down and gently pinched her chubby cheek. "Learn to say 'Mommy' first."

He added silently: Your real father wouldn't be happy hearing that.

Evelyn sighed.

Where would Bianca and Vincent's marriage lead? A facade of stability, or complete separation?

Either way, this child's childhood would lack paternal love.

"Your concerns back then were justified," Alexander murmured.

Evelyn remained silent.

They understood each other without words.

How would such an adorable child face a cold, indifferent father when she grew up?

Vincent was successful now. Other women and children might enter the picture.

Where would that leave her?

Just imagining it made Alexander's chest tighten.

He glanced at Evelyn.

She was meticulously organizing the baby's clothes, movements gentle.

The tiny garments still carried traces of milky fragrance.

...She was the one who truly ached for this child.

Losing interest in the mobile, the baby stretched out her arms for a hug.

Alexander produced a wind-up plush bird from a bag and twisted the key.

"Chirp chirp!"

Instantly captivated, the baby reached for it.

"Did Miss Langley prepare this?" Evelyn asked.

"I bought it." He dangled the toy before the baby, then extended a hand. "Let me take care of her. You go handle your work—but don't overdo it."

Evelyn hesitated. "...When did you get this?"

"Last night."

"You went down the mountain?"

"No." Alexander shook his head. "With you and the baby here, I'm not going anywhere."

"Then where's the toy from?"

"The Kids' Wonderland area." He licked his lips, looking slightly abashed. "Bought it from a child."

Evelyn froze.

"The lollipop I gave you too."

"...How much did you pay?"

"Had no cash." Alexander admitted. "Kids don't understand money. I gave him my cufflink."

That cufflink was worth a small fortune.

"Though today at the restaurant, I saw him drop it down a drain."

Evelyn: "..."

"I've asked the front desk to compensate his mother when they see her."

"How much?"

"Ten thousand, plus waived accommodation fees for their stay."

"..."

When Evelyn stayed silent, Alexander grew anxious. "Not enough? Should I add more?"

"This is fine."

"Okay."

"I haven't reviewed the documents Vincent Wilson sent. I should get to that."

A flicker of disappointment crossed Alexander's eyes, but he nodded. "Alright."

Evelyn squeezed the baby's tiny hand. "Auntie will play with you later."

The baby's lips suddenly trembled, on the verge of tears.

Seizing the opportunity, Alexander caught Evelyn's wrist. "She needs you."

She pulled free. "I have work. Haven't touched those files since returning from the capital."

"Bring them here?"

"..."

"Or I could bring the baby to your room?" he proposed. "I'll keep her quiet."

Evelyn glanced between him and the teary-eyed baby, biting her lip.

"Better stay here." Alexander stood. "All her things are in this room—more convenient."

Before she could respond, he was already striding out. "I'll get your documents."

Moments later, Alexander returned with her files and favorite water cup.

After pouring warm water, he guided her to the study. "Work here. We'll stay outside."

After a brief hesitation, Evelyn finally sat down.

The rest had cleared her mind. She quickly sorted through the personnel files of Anderson Construction.

True to his word, Alexander kept disturbances minimal—just occasional laughter while playing with the baby.

At 9:30 PM, a knock interrupted. "Bedtime for the baby."

Evelyn paused the summit recording she'd just opened.

This child had a peculiar sleeping habit—needing to be the "filling" in a human sandwich.

Without someone lying on either side, she'd fuss endlessly.

When Alexander mentioned bedtime, his subtext was clear: Time to become sandwich bread.