Chapter 535

The nurse pushed the door open, frowned at the crowded room, and retreated without a word.

Alexander Hamilton supported Anthony Taylor as they entered slowly. His voice was low and respectful. "Mr. Taylor, Mrs. Taylor."

Evelyn Carter looked up sharply. Her breath caught when she saw Anthony behind Alexander.

This was even more chaotic than she'd imagined.

"Get out!" Andrew Anderson slammed his hand on the table, pointing at Alexander with fury. He turned to Anthony, his tone slightly softer but still guarded. "Sir, if you're with him, you should leave too."

Since Annabelle Taylor's disruptive visit, he'd been wary of all strangers.

Emily Anderson, lying in the hospital bed, blinked in confusion.

Evelyn gently squeezed her sister's hand and stepped forward to intercept her father. "Dad, this is a hospital. We need to keep quiet."

Andrew snorted and shoved Alexander hard.

Alexander didn't budge, silently absorbing the anger directed at him.

"I'm Anthony Taylor." Anthony stepped forward, his voice gentle but laced with unmistakable guilt. "Evelyn's biological father."

Andrew's pupils constricted. "You're that mistress's father?"

"...Yes." Anthony smiled bitterly. "But the one we've wronged most is Evelyn. Thank you for raising her so well all these years."

"Hah! Your family certainly knows how to raise daughters!" Andrew sneered. "We may not be rich, but at least we taught our children to be decent human beings!"

Anthony had no rebuttal. He could only bow deeply. "I failed as a father."

"The one you wronged is Evelyn!" Andrew's voice trembled. "You nearly killed her as a child, and now you want to waltz in and play daddy?"

Anthony paled but couldn't argue.

"We're not here to take Evelyn away." Anthony spoke with difficulty. "If possible, I'd like our families to become one. Emily will be our daughter too."

Emily clutched her sister's hand in panic. "Evelyn, what are they talking about?"

"Don't be afraid." Evelyn soothed, patting her sister's back. "Just focus on recovering."

Grace Anderson silently wiped her tears in the corner. The air in the room felt frozen.

Alexander's gaze remained fixed on Evelyn, his eyes filled with concern.

"Let's take this outside!" Andrew suddenly stood. "This is a hospital, not a place for arguments."

Grace grabbed her husband's arm worriedly. "Calm down..."

"I know what I'm doing." Andrew strode toward the door, shooting Alexander a glare over his shoulder. "Stay away from my daughter!"

In the hallway, cold wind seeped through the window cracks.

Alexander suggested, "There's a teahouse nearby—"

"No need!" Andrew cut him off, but seeing Evelyn shiver, he immediately removed his coat. "Wear Dad's jacket."

Evelyn shook her head. "You'll catch a cold."

"I'd rather freeze than let you wear his clothes!" Andrew glared at Alexander. "Mr. Hamilton here already has a fiancée!"

Alexander's expression hardened. He pulled out his phone. "Emily Zade, issue the statement canceling the engagement immediately."