Chapter 702

Leonard Laurent and Lydia Laurent froze momentarily when they spotted the little girl beside Alexander Hamilton. But needing his favor, they quickly composed themselves.

Lydia's gaze swept over Lily Waters, inwardly scoffing at the country bumpkin while forcing a saccharine smile. "Alexander, who's this adorable little one?"

She reached to pat Lily's head, but the girl nimbly dodged.

Big eyes blinking, Lily declared, "I don't like strangers touching my hair, miss."

Lydia's smile stiffened.

Alexander smoothly intervened, "Let's eat. The child's hungry."

Leonard passed over the menu, probing, "Mr. Hamilton, I heard you enjoyed these dishes last time. I had them specially prepared."

"Whatever." Alexander's disinterested reply shifted when his eyes landed on Lily. "Add dessert. Children love sweets."

Misinterpreting this as softening toward Lydia, Leonard launched into emotional appeals. "At my age, everything I earn is for Lydia's future. If I can't secure her inheritance—"

Alexander's gaze turned icy. Once, such words might have moved him. Now they only tasted bitter.

When Alexander remained silent, Leonard excused himself. "I'll visit the restroom."

Alexander noted Lydia's subtle signal to her father with a slight nod.

Lydia had dressed meticulously—dewy makeup and a frothy dress transforming her into a porcelain doll. Biting her lip, she leaned closer. "Alexander, let's wait outside for Father—"

Crash.

Lily "accidentally" overturned an entire blueberry cake onto Lydia's dress.

"Sorry, miss!" Lily blinked innocently.

Lydia's face darkened as she suppressed fury. "It's...fine."

Alexander stood. "Since your father avoids business discussions, we're done."

"Alexander!" Lydia blurted. "Did you...really reconcile with Evelyn?"

His eyes sharpened. "Her choices are hers alone. But remember this—harm her, and you harm me."

He took Lily's hand and strode out.

Meanwhile, Evelyn Carter pushed a stroller near the Hamilton estate.

The affluent neighborhood boasted tree-lined streets dotted with pocket parks. Well-lit paths and 24/7 security ensured safety.

Margaret Hamilton had been overjoyed by Evelyn's visit with Lotus Waters and Baby Chloe, even forgetting her own son. Only midway through dinner did she ask, "Where's Alexander?"

Evelyn answered calmly, "He took Lily to meet a client. Said he's cultivating her business acumen."

Lotus ate quietly, offering nothing.

Margaret sighed. "That boy—too busy even for children."

Evelyn changed subjects. "Aunt Margaret, Miss Langley has matters to handle. The baby may stay awhile."

"Wonderful!" Margaret beamed. "I've been so lonely."

But when she reached for the baby, Chloe burst into tears.

Margaret fretted, "Too eager—I startled her."

Evelyn frowned. The baby usually welcomed strangers. Thinking of Bianca Langley's absence, her heart ached.

After dinner, Evelyn strolled with the stroller. Chloe giggled at the night sky, dark eyes crinkling like crescent moons.

As they turned homeward, Evelyn glimpsed a figure darting into shadows.