Chapter 704

This move was even more ruthless than I had imagined—it aimed to uproot the Laurent family completely.

The conference room fell deathly silent. No one dared question his decision now.

News spread faster than wildfire. By dusk, word of Leonard Laurent being taken away by the police had exploded through the business circles.

The executives who had been uneasy earlier now secretly breathed sighs of relief.

"Mr. Hamilton truly has foresight. If he hadn't acted decisively, we'd all be implicated when Leonard's poisoning scheme came to light."

"The way Mr. Hamilton handled the Laurents with dignity during the meeting... such magnanimity..."

Xiao Zhao weaved through the buzzing office area and gently knocked on Alexander Hamilton's door.

"Mr. Hamilton, Miss Lydia is here at reception. She refuses to leave, insisting on seeing you."

Leonard had been escorted away in full view of everyone. The Laurent ship was clearly sinking.

Yet Lydia remained composed, maintaining her delicate, pitiable demeanor as she stood in the most conspicuous spot of Hamilton Group's lobby.

Alexander listened to the report and let out a cold laugh. "I underestimated her. Even dignity is just a bargaining chip to her. If she truly decides to fight me, it'll take real effort."

Xiao Zhao ventured cautiously, "Will you see her? She says she's at her wits' end about how to save Leonard."

A glint flashed in Alexander's eyes as he caught the crucial detail.

After a thoughtful pause, he said, "I need to call Evelyn first."

Xiao Zhao couldn't help a small smile. "Mr. Hamilton, you're really embracing married life now."

The corner of Alexander's mouth lifted slightly. "This is how I should be."

The call connected quickly.

"...That's the situation. I might be home late," he said, his voice uncharacteristically gentle. "Let Mom know for me."

Evelyn's voice came through the receiver. "Actually, I'm taking the baby to see my mom and Emily today. I'll probably be back even later than you."

"Taking the baby with you?" Alexander instinctively softened his tone.

"Yes. She only wants me now—Auntie Wu and Auntie Bai can't even hold her." Evelyn sighed. "Consider it a little outing for them."

The image formed vividly in Alexander's mind, making his voice even tenderer. "I'll pick you up when I'm done here. It's time I visited Auntie Grace too."

After hanging up, Alexander adjusted his tie and strode toward the elevator.

The moment Lydia spotted him, she lunged forward, clutching desperately at his sleeve.

"Alexander..." Tears streamed down her face like pear blossoms in the rain. "Dad was taken away... What should I do..."

Alexander stepped back half a pace without expression. "Didn't you want to see your father? Let's go."

Lydia seized his sleeve again, wailing loudly for all to hear. "The police said they're taking Dad back to the town—"

Alexander glanced at the gathering employees and lowered his voice. "We'll talk in the car."

Having just severed ties with the Laurents that morning, being seen leaving with Lydia now would inevitably raise eyebrows.

A cold glint flickered in Lydia's eyes before she resumed her fragile act. "Alexander... You're all I have now..."

Stone-faced, Alexander led her out.

The moment they left, the reception area erupted.

"Wasn't that Miss Laurent? Didn't Mr. Hamilton just—"

"Could they still be involved privately?"

Xiao Zhao materialized behind them. "Is the reception team's material prepared?"

The gossiping receptionists instantly fell silent.

Watching Alexander's departing figure, Xiao Zhao frowned deeply. Emily had repeatedly warned her to be wary of the Laurent father-daughter pair before leaving. This storm was likely just beginning.

Alexander had traveled this road to the town before. He started the car smoothly and headed straight for the highway entrance.

Noticing he didn't even turn on the GPS, Lydia's eyes flashed with something strange, but she still took the passenger seat with red-rimmed eyes.

Alexander's grip on the steering wheel tightened slightly, his gaze suddenly sharpening.