Chapter 58

"I'm sorry, Evelyn—"

"I'm tired of apologies." I cut him off, staring calmly out the window.

Alexander Hamilton's knuckles turned white, his jaw clenched tight. "Give me one more week."

"Your promises mean nothing now, Mr. Hamilton."

Annabelle Taylor suddenly rushed over, grabbing his sleeve. "Alex, let's go!"

He shoved her away, his voice dangerously low. "Enough."

"I'm the one causing trouble?" Tears sprang to Annabelle's eyes instantly. "Ever since she showed up, you’ve been obsessed! You won’t even look at me anymore!"

The restaurant chatter quieted.

Nearby diners began glancing our way.

Annabelle raised her voice. "Alexander Hamilton! Who was it that took the long way home just to walk me back every day? Who confessed to me in front of the entire graduation ceremony?"

Her trembling finger pointed at me. "And now, for her, you’re throwing away twenty years of love?"

Vivian Dempsey snorted. "Someone get this woman an Oscar."

Gregory Wilson wordlessly slid his plate of sliced steak toward me. "It’ll get cold."

"Thanks."

Annabelle’s sobs cut off abruptly.

She lunged at me like a furious lioness, nails digging into my wrist. "This is all your fault!"

I stumbled back from the force.

Alexander moved instantly. "Let her go!"

"No!" Annabelle shrieked, hysterical. "I’m taking her to the river! Let’s see who you’ll save when we’re both drowning!"

The restaurant fell dead silent.

Every eye locked onto us.

Annabelle’s swollen belly and tear-streaked face would soften anyone’s heart.

"You swore to protect me forever," she choked out. "Time to prove it."

Alexander’s expression darkened.

Vivian whistled. "Drama of the year."

Gregory stood, shielding me. "Ma’am, do you need medical assistance?"

Annabelle’s pupils dilated.

Her gaze fixed on Gregory’s protective stance—then she yanked my hair with a snarl. "Whore! How many men have you bewitched?!"

Sharp pain shot across my scalp.

I seized her wrist, my voice icy. "Take your theatrics elsewhere."

Alexander finally snapped, scooping her up by the waist.

"Put me down!" She thrashed wildly. "If you walk away today, I’ll jump from the hospital rooftop!"

Outside the window, the sunset bled across the sky.

Rubbing my numb wrist, I signaled the waiter. "A fresh set of cutlery, please."