Chapter 697

Evelyn's fingertips turned ice-cold as a chill shot up her spine. She suddenly remembered the meaningful look Lydia had given her before leaving.

The letter's account abruptly ended at the university student's assault. The messenger claimed it was the victim's final cry for help before losing consciousness, with the phone destroyed in the car accident. Though lacking physical evidence, he staked his life on its authenticity.

Emily had already launched an investigation per Alexander's orders. "Mr. Hamilton, Mrs. Hamilton," she reported, "the victim was found in time, and the attackers confessed. They claimed it was retaliation for interfering with their harassment of a girl. The police protected her identity."

"The case will proceed normally, but those thugs are penniless—prison is their only punishment. As for that student..." Emily's voice darkened. "His entire life, his family... ruined."

Dead silence filled the room.

Alexander broke it first. "Contact the best hospital. All treatment costs come from my personal account." He always kept business and personal expenses separate, funding pre-project expenditures privately.

The old Alexander treated all lives with equal indifference. But after weeks in the village, he'd finally understood the struggles of ordinary people.

Wind chimes tinkled as Baby Chloe played happily in her stroller. Suddenly, chaotic footsteps sent her wailing in fright.

Alexander scooped up his daughter one-handed while still reviewing documents. A knock interrupted him.

"Enter."

His secretary sounded uneasy. "Mr. Hamilton, Mr. Laurent and Ms. Lydia barged in. Reception couldn't stop them..."

As Alexander's former fiancée and daughter of Banyan Group's CEO, no employee would dare physically restrain Lydia.

"Prepare the conference room." Alexander didn't blame the staff. Once the door closed, his eyes turned glacial. "They're faster than I expected. I underestimated Leonard."

Evelyn's pulse jumped. She'd thought Lydia was merely obsessed with Alexander—not involved in Leonard's schemes. Just how deep did her complicity run?

Alexander stood with the baby. "Time to face them. Coming?"

Lily clenched her brother's hand, jaw set. "I'm going! If they lie, I'll expose them!"

"Remember—no direct confrontations." Alexander ruffled her hair before turning to Evelyn. "You?"

She pressed her lips. "In what capacity?"

This was Hamilton Group versus Banyan Group—Alexander versus Lydia. As his ex-wife, her presence was awkward.

"Just keep me company." He jiggled the baby. "You stayed with me last night. Today we've got two... no, three kids. More fun."

Emily discreetly excused herself. In the conference room, Leonard criticized the tea-serving secretary: "This is how Hamilton Group receives us now?"

The secretary smiled wordlessly and left.

"Father!" Lydia hissed. "Don't you see? Before, you'd be in the VIP lounge. Now they've dumped us in this generic room. Alexander suspects something. Your arrogance only makes it worse."

Leonard paled. "Then what?"

"Play pitiful." Lydia's eyes gleamed. "Without evidence..."

The door swung open before she finished. Alexander entered carrying an infant, trailed by two preteens like a kindergarten field trip. Evelyn followed last, seeming like a misplaced spectator.

Lily and her brother commandeered armchairs, glaring at their enemies. Before Leonard could adjust his expression, Alexander's icy voice cut through:

"Have you investigated, Mr. Laurent?"

Leonard forced a smile. "My oversight in discipline—I was too focused on advancing the project..."