Chapter 701

Evelyn Carter gave a slight nod. "You first."

She remained guarded, ready to refuse if his request was unreasonable.

Alexander Hamilton's gaze softened. "Move back to the Hamilton estate with the children. It's the only way I can rest easy."

He meant the ancestral Hamilton residence—a place Evelyn knew well.

Returning there with Lily Waters, her younger brother Lotus, and Bianca Langley's child would indeed be safer.

Even Leonard Laurent wouldn't dare cause trouble at the Hamilton estate.

Seeing her hesitation, Alexander added, "I'll stay in the guest room. The master suite is yours and the children's. And... Mr. and Mrs. Taylor miss you terribly."

His consideration was thorough.

Evelyn nodded gently. "Alright."

Daisy Lee immediately understood, turning to arrange for the chauffeur to deliver their belongings to the Taylor residence first.

A pang of disappointment struck Alexander, but he consoled himself with the progress made.

The phone rang abruptly.

This time, it was Lydia Laurent herself.

Alexander frowned but answered.

Silence lingered for seconds before Lydia's timid voice came through. "Alexander... are you still angry?"

His tone remained neutral. "How's your father?"

Feigning concern wasn't his strength, so he kept it brief.

Having witnessed her father's cowardly tactics of hiring thugs as scapegoats, Lydia decided to take matters into her own hands.

"Much better. Alexander, I want to apologize on his behalf... Could we meet tonight? At that private dining club—"

One of their few shared memories.

Disgusted by her faux innocence, Alexander cut in, "We can discuss this over the phone."

Evelyn suddenly brushed his arm lightly.

He caught her meaning instantly.

Lydia pressed on, "Some things are too sensitive for a call... Whatever you want to know, I'll make sure Father tells you..."

Alexander glanced at Evelyn, seeing the resolve in her eyes, and reluctantly agreed through gritted teeth. "Fine. Tonight."

Better to end this quickly.

Besides, Lydia's implication suggested Leonard would be present—a small relief.

The day passed swiftly.

Alexander divided his time between caring for the baby and handling work, while Evelyn took Lily and Lotus shopping.

As the appointed hour arrived, Evelyn couldn't help but laugh at Alexander's grim expression. "You're being too obvious."

Playing the charming seducer clearly didn't come naturally to him.

Suddenly, Alexander proposed, "Come with me?"

"No," Evelyn refused firmly. "My presence would make them clam up."

"What if I wear a hidden camera?"

He might as well have "Paragon of Male Virtue" tattooed on his forehead.

Lily suddenly raised her hand. "Let me go with you, brother! I'll help keep an eye on you for Evelyn!"

Evelyn's eyes lit up. "Perfect."

Though reluctant, Alexander was grateful for the small ally—at least he wouldn't be facing them alone.

Lily behaved impeccably, only showing nerves when they arrived at the opulent private club.

Alexander gently patted her head. "Just stay close to me."

Looking at Lily, he found himself imagining what his and Evelyn's daughter might look like.

"Thank you, brother." Lily suddenly asked, "You and Evelyn aren't married, are you?"

Alexander smiled bitterly. "You noticed... We're divorced. But I'm trying to win her back."

Lily nodded, only half understanding.

The Laurents had prepared meticulously—even reserving the same private room.

Outside the window, artificial lotus ponds glittered with colored lights.

Alexander recalled the endless natural lotus ponds from the village, finding this manufactured scenery utterly bland.

Lily didn't even glance at it, sitting quietly by his side.