Chapter 563

Evelyn Carter frowned slightly as her gaze swept across the lotus pond. "The scenery here doesn't compare to the mountains at all."

Alexander Hamilton lifted the cat carrier, his eyes never leaving her retreating figure. "Should we head back now?"

He maintained a respectful distance, following her like a shadow. The Ragdoll cat in her arms yawned, revealing a tiny pink tongue.

As they passed through the covered walkway, Alexander deliberately slowed his pace. "If you have any questions about the Anderson project they mentioned earlier, feel free to ask me anytime."

"Thank you." Evelyn stroked the cat's soft fur. "But next time, just make the introduction. I don't want to be the fox borrowing the tiger's might anymore."

The way those four executives had obeyed Alexander's every word had left a bitter taste in her mouth.

Alexander's expression darkened as he stared at their overlapping shadows on the ground. "Understood."

Neon lights stretched their silhouettes long and thin as they exited the private dining club.

"I'll get the car." Alexander pointed toward the nearby shopping district. "Wait here."

Evelyn nodded. The Ragdoll suddenly nuzzled her wrist, its round blue eyes reminding her of Bianca Langley's youngest daughter—those same chubby cheeks and innocent gaze.

After babysitting for a few days, she'd caught herself unconsciously glancing at maternity stores. This sudden maternal instinct made her think of Teresa Taylor's doting love for Annabelle.

Had Annabelle grown up in an orphanage, perhaps she would've turned out kinder.

"Lydia?" A girl's surprised voice rang out.

Evelyn looked up to see Lydia Laurent linking arms with a friend, smiling as sweetly as a porcelain doll in a display window.

"Evelyn!" Lydia skipped over, her skirt fluttering. "What a coincidence!"

The Ragdoll's fur suddenly bristled. It swatted at Lydia's outstretched hand.

"Ow!" Lydia recoiled, a flash of venom in her eyes before she quickly replaced it with a wounded pout. "It doesn't like me."

Evelyn shielded the cat protectively. "She's shy around strangers."

Lydia tilted her head, undeterred. "Let's be friends, okay?" She reached for the cat's ears.

Evelyn sidestepped the gesture. "Your friends are waiting, Miss Laurent."

"They don't mind." Lydia batted her innocent doe eyes. "Are you alone? Want to join us shopping?"

"No."

Lydia suddenly leaned in, overwhelming perfume preceding her. "Do you hate me, Evelyn?"

Evelyn took a step back just as Alexander's car pulled up.

"I'm waiting for someone." She walked toward the parking area, the cat cradled against her chest, her posture radiating aloofness.

Lydia remained rooted in place, her saccharine smile slowly freezing. She pulled out her phone and typed a rapid message.

"Did you find out?" she whispered into the receiver, her eyes turning as cold as poisoned ice.