Chapter 59

Evelyn Carter never imagined she'd find herself in such an absurd situation.

Her relationship with Margaret Hamilton had always been harmonious.

Though not as intimate as biological mother and daughter, they maintained perfect mutual respect and care.

This ideal mother-in-law dynamic had spared Alexander Hamilton from ever facing those dreaded "life-or-death" dilemmas.

The cruel irony? When finally confronted with one, the scales balanced his ex-wife against his current partner.

Annabelle Taylor's pregnant belly protruded prominently, yet her grip remained steel-strong. She dragged Evelyn toward the restaurant exit.

The dining room buzzed with chatter, but nobody dared intervene with an emotional pregnant woman—too much liability.

Knowing Annabelle's cervical cerclage procedure, Evelyn resisted struggling, allowing herself to be pulled along.

"Alexander!" Evelyn turned and shouted sharply.

He snapped from his daze and rushed to block Annabelle's path. "Enough."

"Not nearly!"

He tried prying Annabelle's fingers loose. "Come home with me."

"Never!"

Her grip only tightened, making Evelyn gasp in pain.

Alexander's eyes flickered with concern, his hold instantly softening. "Please don't..."

Annabelle sneered and suddenly yanked Evelyn toward the street.

Screams erupted.

Screeching brakes harmonized into chaos.

"Pedestrian hit!"

"Blood! Call an ambulance!"

"Watch the pregnant woman!"

Alexander's blood turned to ice as he shoved through gawking bystanders.

The road became bedlam.

A dozen vehicles sat askew—rear-enders, side-swipes, one plowed into the median.

Drivers spilled out, furious, hunting the cause.

Waiters shielded Annabelle in a safe zone, even providing a chair.

While Evelyn alone faced the storm.

She sat crumpled on the asphalt, encircled by irate motorists.

Alexander threw himself between them. "I'll cover all damages."

"Who the hell are you?" The lead driver eyed them. "Her man?"

"No." Evelyn pushed up from the pavement, pointing at Annabelle. "That's Mrs. Hamilton."

The driver smirked. "Got yourself in a pickle, huh buddy?"

Alexander ignored him, reaching for Evelyn. "Are you hurt?"

She stepped back, voice frosty. "Mr. Hamilton, maintain your distance."