Chapter 603

Alexander Hamilton stood quietly, listening to their conversation.

Evelyn Carter rubbed her temples, her left hand still clutching her phone. She could almost predict her father's disapproval of her continued association with Alexander.

Yet Andrew Anderson's reaction was unexpected.

"Alright," his voice softened suddenly over the phone. "Your mother and I will wait with Emily at the hospital entrance. Are you almost here?"

Evelyn froze.

She instinctively glanced at the congested traffic outside. "It'll be a while. It's cold—don't come out yet."

"Got it. Drive safely." Andrew hung up before she could respond.

Evelyn stared at the darkened screen, her lashes fluttering slightly.

"What did you do?" She turned abruptly to Alexander.

"Hmm?"

"My father's attitude." She pointed to the scar on his forehead. "Last time, he looked ready to hit you again. Why the sudden..."

Alexander spread his hands. "I genuinely don't know."

Evelyn pressed her lips together, her heart pounding.

This was too strange. Her father was notoriously stubborn. How could he change his mind overnight?

Unless...

Her gaze lingered on Alexander's healing wound. The bandage had been removed, but the scab hadn't fully fallen off.

"I swear," Alexander said, noticing her suspicion. "I didn't do anything."

Evelyn took a deep breath. "My father doesn't change his mind easily."

"Maybe he had a change of heart?" Alexander offered weakly.

Evelyn shot him a glare, her nerves frayed the entire ride.

Only when the car pulled up to the hospital entrance did she relax slightly, spotting her parents and sister waiting by the curb.

Alexander parked and immediately stepped out to assist. "Uncle, Auntie, please get in first. I'll handle the luggage."

The trunk was packed with carefully selected gifts.

Andrew remained silent but didn't reject Alexander's attentiveness, accepting the help without protest.

Evelyn helped Emily into the backseat, discreetly studying her father's expression. Seeing he merely ignored Alexander without any signs of anger, she finally exhaled in relief.

"Dad, Mom and I will take care of Emily. Why don't you sit in front?" she ventured.

Andrew grunted in acknowledgment.

Alexander swiftly circled to the passenger side and opened the door. "After you, Uncle."

Another noncommittal grunt as Andrew slid into the seat.

Evelyn's eyes widened.

The shift was too abrupt.

Her gaze darted between her father and Alexander until Emily subtly tugged her sleeve.

The sisters exchanged a knowing look.

Emily leaned in, whispering, "Dad's been different toward Mr. Hamilton these past few days."

Evelyn frowned, mouthing a correction: "Don't call him that."

Emily stuck out her tongue and lowered her voice further. "Uncle Taylor visited me often recently. At first, Dad ignored him, but then suddenly..."

Evelyn's pulse quickened.

Had Anthony Taylor convinced her father?

But that didn't sound like her father at all.

"Anything else?" she murmured.

Emily shook her head. "I was going to ask you."

Through the rearview mirror, Alexander watched their silent exchange.

Their eyes met briefly in the reflection—both equally perplexed.

An uneasy silence settled over the car until they reached the Anderson family home.

Evelyn gazed at the familiar street, her attention instinctively drifting toward the Hamilton estate before shifting next door.

The irony of fate.

The Anderson family staff recognized Alexander's car and opened the gates for direct entry.

The moment the car stopped, Andrew jumped out to assist Emily.

Evelyn handed over the crutches. "Be careful."

"I'm fine, sis." Emily winked, gesturing behind her.

Evelyn turned and locked eyes with Alexander.

He stood by the car, empty-handed—the family's seamless coordination had left no room for his assistance.