Chapter 557

Morning sunlight filtered through the curtains, casting a warm glow on Evelyn Carter's face.

She slowly opened her eyes, finding herself nestled in a plush bed.

Hadn't she fallen asleep reviewing documents in the study last night?

Rubbing her temples, Evelyn tried to recall the previous evening.

Suddenly, a warm, damp sensation brushed against her palm.

She bolted upright and spotted a ball of snowy fur curled beside her pillow.

A palm-sized Ragdoll kitten was licking her fingers with its tiny pink tongue.

"Meow~"

The kitten's baby-blue eyes sparkled like sapphires as it let out a milky cry.

Instinctively, Evelyn cupped the wobbly creature in her hands.

How did such a tiny kitten end up in her bed?

The sound of a turning lock interrupted her thoughts.

Only one person would enter her suite unannounced.

Alexander Hamilton had become her shadow since she'd checked into this hotel.

"Leave breakfast here," his baritone voice mingled with the clink of porcelain.

The bedroom door creaked open as he entered with a breakfast tray.

His lips curved when he spotted the kitten in Evelyn's arms.

The kitten immediately perked its tail and gave him a soft mewl.

"Care to explain?" Evelyn arched an eyebrow.

"Found it on the street," Alexander set the tray on the nightstand.

"Do I look three to you?"

"Fine," he shrugged. "Bought it from a breeder."

Evelyn studied the tiny creature. "Do you even know how to care for something this small?"

"Not for me," Alexander's gaze turned meaningful. "For you."

"I never said I wanted a cat."

"But you've raised dogs before." He produced a receipt from his pocket. "Purebred Ragdoll with full pedigree papers."

The kitten rolled onto its back, exposing its downy belly.

Evelyn couldn't resist giving it a gentle scratch.

"Did you scam another child at Kids' Wonderland?" A realization struck her.

Alexander stiffened. "Not this time."

"Forgotten the lollipop incident already?"

"That was fair trade," he said solemnly. "My cufflinks could buy a truckload of Alpenliebes."

Evelyn checked the kitten's paws. "This little one needs specialized care. Do you have time for that?"

"Precisely why," Alexander leaned closer, "it's your gift."

His cologne blended with the aroma of breakfast filled the space between them.

Evelyn leaned back. "I don't need gifts."

"But it needs you." He nodded at the bundle in her arms. "The breeder said it's particular about owners."

As if on cue, the kitten nuzzled Evelyn's chin.

"See?" Alexander's smirk widened. "It's chosen you."

Evelyn sighed. "Pets aren't toys."

"Got everything covered." Like a magician, he produced a pet carrier. "Litter box, bowls, toys—all here."

The array of supplies left Evelyn speechless.

"Want to freshen up first?" Alexander reached for the kitten. "I'll watch it."

After a hesitation, she relinquished the tiny creature.

It settled contentedly in Alexander's arms, reminding Evelyn oddly of how he cradled infants.

"Ten minutes for breakfast." She headed to the bathroom, missing the triumphant quirk of his lips.