Chapter 544

The hospital door creaked open softly.

Evelyn Carter stood at the threshold, Alexander Hamilton following closely behind.

"Dad, Mom, I'm back."

Grace Anderson and Auntie Lucy's conversation cut off abruptly. Andrew Anderson's gaze shot toward Alexander like a sharpened arrow, his fury practically scorching through him.

Alexander remained composed, as if this were his first visit. "Good evening, Uncle and Aunt. I ran into Evelyn downstairs and came up with her."

Andrew snorted loudly and turned his face away.

Auntie Lucy recognized Alexander's identity, her eyes darting behind them—only to find the door shut tight.

"Evelyn, wasn't Peter supposed to be with you? Why hasn't he come back? It's already dark..."

Evelyn pressed her lips together. "He—"

"Mr. Harrison had an urgent business trip," Alexander interjected, his tone brooking no argument.

Auntie Lucy wrung her hands nervously. "Mr. Hamilton, this... this is so sudden. He didn't even say goodbye."

"Company emergency." Alexander kept it brief.

Grace quickly smoothed things over. "It's good for young people to be ambitious. Peter is so driven—he'll go far."

Andrew poured water with a stony expression, pointedly ignoring Alexander.

Auntie Lucy cradled her cup, anxiety written across her face. "How long will he be gone? He didn't even say where..."

"Fiji."

"By plane?"

"An island nation in the South Pacific."

Auntie Lucy paled. "That far? He didn't even pack a change of clothes—"

"It's summer year-round there," Alexander said flatly.

Evelyn's fingers twitched. She recalled the rumor—four people went out to sea, but only Alexander returned.

She stole a glance at his profile but found no trace of anything amiss.

The door opened again.

"Andrew, I brought Emily some milk tea," Anthony Taylor said cheerfully as he entered.

Emily Anderson peeked timidly at her father.

Andrew frowned. "What auspicious day is it today? Everyone's crowding in here."

Auntie Lucy took the hint and stood. "With Peter away, I should go tidy up. Grace, I'll visit Emily another time."

Grace saw her to the door.

Andrew glared at Anthony and Alexander. "The ones who should leave aren't leaving."

Alexander stayed silent.

Anthony sighed. "All the fault is mine. Don't take it out on the children."

"A crooked stick will have a crooked shadow!" Andrew slammed his hand on the table. "If that woman hadn't caused a scene at the hospital, we'd still be in the dark!"

Emily puffed up indignantly. "Yeah! Bad woman!"

Anthony's face turned ashen. "A disgrace to the family..."

"Mr. Taylor!" Teresa's caregiver rushed in. "Madam has been looking everywhere for you."

Anthony excused himself apologetically. Alexander escorted him out but turned back.

Andrew's eyes blazed. "Why are you still here?"

"Uncle Anderson," Alexander said gravely, "are you certain only one person came to make trouble yesterday?"

"You think I'm lying?" Andrew's anger flared.

Alexander shook his head. "I'm concerned someone is using a pawn to do their dirty work."

Annabelle's recent actions had been so foolish—it was as if she were being manipulated.