Chapter 699

Lydia Laurent's fingers clenched the fabric of her sleeve, her nails digging into her palms without her noticing. She blinked her large, watery eyes, her voice barely above a whisper. "Can I... not say it?"

Lily Waters tilted her head, studying her. The child's clear voice rang out sharply in the conference room. "But you were the one who brought it up first, weren't you?"

A flicker of disgust flashed in Lydia's eyes as her gaze swept over Lily's faded cloth shoes. She quickly replaced it with a sweet smile. "What's your name, sweetheart? You're adorable."

She reached out to touch Lily's face, but the girl dodged with surprising agility.

Lily immediately ducked behind Evelyn Carter. "Don't touch me."

Leonard Laurent frowned and snapped, "Where did this wild child come from? No manners at all. Did you pick her up from some backwater village?"

Evelyn instantly shielded both children behind her, her gaze sharp. "Mr. Laurent, watch your words. These children are under my care now."

Leonard's face darkened instantly. He had always prided himself on being part of the Hamilton family's inner circle—this kind of disrespect was unheard of for him.

Alexander Hamilton spoke coldly. "Mr. Laurent, you really don’t recognize them?"

Leonard immediately plastered on an ingratiating smile. "Mr. Hamilton, you must be joking. Why would I know some country kids?"

He was certain these children had been brought here by Evelyn. Alexander, ever the pragmatist, would never involve himself in something so trivial.

But Alexander's next words sent a chill down his spine.

"They're from Lotus Pond Village. Born and raised there. You didn’t even know that? Your project research is clearly lacking. Perhaps we should terminate it now to cut our losses."

His tone was calm, but brooked no argument.

Cold sweat broke out on Leonard's back. Alexander had brought these village children here—this was clearly a reckoning.

Remembering the fates of those who had crossed Alexander before, Leonard's legs nearly gave out. "Mr. Hamilton, I must have lost my mind this time. For the sake of our families' relationship, please show mercy..."

Alexander arched a brow but remained silent.

"My wife passed early, leaving me only Lydia. She’s been spoiled since childhood. If something happens to me, what will become of her?" Leonard pretended to wipe away nonexistent tears.

Lydia immediately burst into dramatic sobs. "Alexander, please... My father had no idea... We’ll compensate the villagers, I promise..."

She turned to Lily and her brother, tears welling in her eyes. "Sweetheart, I swear—"

Evelyn pulled the children and Bianca Langley’s baby closer. The baby stared curiously at the crying Lydia, confusion written across her tiny face.

Alexander suddenly pressed the intercom. "Emily, come in."

The Laurents held their breath.

"Bring a cushion."

The secretary quickly returned with a soft cushion. Alexander gestured for it to be given to Evelyn.

Evelyn looked at him, puzzled.

Emily placed the cushion respectfully behind Evelyn’s back. "Mrs. Hamilton, is this comfortable?"

The title "Mrs. Hamilton" made everyone freeze.

Alexander said mildly, "The mahogany sofa is too hard. This will help."

Evelyn’s ears turned pink. "That’s not necessary—"

"Use it." His tone left no room for refusal.

Emily retreated to stand outside the door.

Lydia’s sobs cut off abruptly.

Leonard’s forehead glistened with sweat. "Mr. Hamilton—"

"Mr. Laurent." Alexander cut him off. "Out of respect for our elders, I’ll give you this courtesy—turn yourself in."

Leonard’s face twisted. "You’re sentencing me without trial?"

"You know exactly what you’ve done." Alexander’s gaze was ice. "If you don’t go willingly, I’ll have no choice but to fulfill my civic duty."