Chapter 548

Alexander's gaze lingered briefly on the back seat before he looked away.

"He was drunk and fell. It had nothing to do with me."

"When did it happen?"

"Before we left for the capital."

Evelyn looked up sharply. "You sent me to that summit to keep me away?"

"Not entirely." Alexander tapped his fingers lightly on the steering wheel. "The summit was beneficial for you. As for Simon...his body was found late. It was already badly decomposed. I know how much you respect life. I didn’t want to upset you."

Silence filled the car.

Alexander covered her hand with his. "His ashes were sent back to his hometown for burial. The arrangements were simple."

"You handled it?"

"I hired a local funeral service." He paused. "Consider it...a blessing for our child."

——

In the hotel restaurant, Bianca sipped her coffee leisurely.

Auntie Huang returned the stroller to Alexander and hurried off.

"Well, well," Bianca raised an eyebrow. "This little one seems quite attached to you. Anyone would think she’s yours."

Alexander pulled out a chair, glancing at Evelyn’s slightly flushed cheeks. "Don’t say things like that. I’ll end up in trouble."

Bianca burst out laughing, slapping the table. "Alexander Hamilton in trouble? Now that’s a sight I’d pay to see!"

"I’ve been your free babysitter, and this is the thanks I get?"

"Blame Dr. Carter," Bianca winked at Evelyn. "He wouldn’t dare lose his temper now."

Alexander shook his head in resignation. "Fine. This one’s on me."

Bianca suddenly turned serious. "Honestly, the three of you walking over just now looked like a perfect little family."

Evelyn pressed her lips together. "Just strangers making assumptions."

"Maybe not." Bianca smirked coldly. "If it were me and Vincent, people would’ve called the police."

Evelyn didn’t respond, gently handing the baby over. "She missed you."

"Thank you both for looking after her." Bianca took her daughter, who immediately snuggled into her arms.

Evelyn lowered her lashes. "She was very well-behaved."

Her chest felt hollow, as if a piece had been carved out.

Bianca kissed her daughter’s cheek. "Mommy missed you too."

Noticing Evelyn’s subdued expression, Alexander asked, "Are you staying here for a while longer?"

"Yes," Bianca smiled. "Feel free to come by and help with babysitting."

"Of course," Evelyn agreed immediately. "Thank you again for everything."

"Don’t thank me yet," Bianca teased. "I’ll be bothering you both plenty more."

Though she joked, her arms tightened around her daughter.

Evelyn watched them, a pang of sorrow tightening her chest.

"Oh," Bianca suddenly remembered, "I invited someone else you know."

Just then, Vivian arrived in a flurry.

Dressed more formally than usual, even her greeting was stiff—except for the pointed way she ignored Alexander.

"Miss Langley, here’s the proposal."

Alexander skimmed it and gave an almost imperceptible nod.

Evelyn exhaled in relief—it seemed well-prepared.

"Miss Langley," Vivian’s voice was tense, "I promise I won’t let you down."

Bianca cheerfully produced a contract. "Sign here."

Vivian’s hand trembled slightly. Even after signing, she seemed dazed.

Evelyn nudged her, snapping her out of it.

"Miss Langley!" Vivian clasped Bianca’s hands excitedly. "I’ll remember this kindness for the rest of my life!"

Bianca glanced at Alexander and Evelyn. "Thank them. I promised I’d invest if they took good care of my baby."

The baby giggled in her arms, and Vivian decided the little one was practically a lucky charm.

"By the way," Bianca asked curiously, "what did Alexander do to offend you?"

Vivian snorted. "Best friends and exes are natural enemies."