Chapter 561

Evelyn stared at the documents in her hands, her thoughts drifting far away. The name on the ultrasound report was like a thorn, pricking her heart with a dull ache.

Alexander approached with a cup of floral tea, placing it gently beside her. The fragrant steam curled upward, but failed to dispel the shadow over her brow.

"What's on your mind?" he asked.

She shook her head, pulling the Ragdoll cat closer against her chest. The soft fur against her fingers brought her back slightly, and she resumed flipping through the files.

Alexander didn't press further, retreating to his own workspace. The office was silent except for the rustling of paper.

At three in the afternoon, he abruptly closed his laptop. "Time to go."

Evelyn didn't look up. "Where?"

"Meeting some key members of Anderson Group." He walked over and tapped the personnel file she was reviewing. "Face-to-face talks are better than just reading reports."

She closed the folder, her gaze lingering on the names circled in red.

"Give me five minutes."

As she stood, the cat nuzzled against her with a pleading whimper. Alexander seized the opportunity to scoop it up, expertly tucking it into a pet carrier.

"You're bringing it along?" Evelyn frowned.

He lifted the carrier and gave it a slight shake. "Can't just leave her here alone."

Seeing the cat's pitiful eyes, she didn't object further.

The restaurant was the most exclusive private dining spot in the city. The moment they entered, the manager personally escorted them to the innermost private room.

Four people stood in unison when the door opened.

"Mr. Hamilton."

Evelyn noted that three of them were the individuals she had highlighted in the files.

Alexander smoothly pulled out a chair for her. "This is Evelyn Carter, the new CEO of Anderson Group."

The four exchanged knowing glances.

"An honor to meet you, Ms. Carter," the bespectacled man spoke first. "I'm Zhou Ming from Finance."

The others introduced themselves in turn. Evelyn memorized each—they headed Finance, HR, Marketing, and R&D, the core departments.

Only after the pleasantries did Alexander speak again, his tone measured. "Evelyn is new here. She'll be relying on your support."

The words were polite, but everyone caught the underlying message.

Zhou Ming immediately responded, "Don't worry, Mr. Hamilton. We'll give Ms. Carter our full cooperation."

"Absolutely," the Marketing Director chimed in. "Just let us know what you need, Ms. Carter."

Evelyn lifted her teacup, studying their expressions through the steam. Their deference was surface-level; their eyes held scrutiny.

"As the new head of Anderson Group, I do need your support," she set the cup down, her voice steady. "But what I truly hope for is the same level of dedication you've shown Mr. Hamilton."

The room fell silent.

Alexander's lips curved slightly as he tapped the table twice. "Evelyn's words are mine."

The statement struck like thunder, leaving the four visibly unsettled.

Zhou Ming recovered first. "Naturally! Ms. Carter is young and capable. We're honored to work with her."

The others echoed enthusiastically, their attitudes noticeably warmer.

From the corner of her eye, Evelyn caught Alexander's satisfied look. She understood—he was paving her way. But his method was undeniably bold.

Midway through dinner, conversation turned to company affairs. Zhou Ming lowered his voice during a toast. "Ms. Carter, there's something you should know."

She set down her chopsticks. "Go ahead."

"The board of directors recently..." He hesitated, glancing at Alexander.

Alexander, focused on feeding the cat, didn't look up. "Anderson Group's matters are entirely Evelyn's decisions now."

Zhou Ming took the hint. "A few senior board members have voiced discontent about the leadership change, especially Director Wang..."

Evelyn listened impassively before nodding. "Thank you for the heads-up, Director Zhou."

When they left, the night was deep. Alexander carried the pet carrier and suddenly asked, "How do you feel?"

Evelyn gazed at the distant neon lights. "Smoother than expected."

"Those four have worked under me for five years. Their competence isn't in question." He paused. "Their loyalty is for you to verify."

She turned to him. "Why go this far to help me?"

The night breeze lifted her hair. Alexander reached out as if to tuck it behind her ear but stopped mid-motion. "Consider it... atonement."

The Ragdoll mewed softly in the carrier, breaking the delicate tension between them.

Evelyn looked away. "Let's go back. Tomorrow's another battle."

She didn't see the restrained tenderness in Alexander's gaze as he watched her leave.