Chapter 706

Alexander Hamilton fought against his fading consciousness, trembling fingers fumbling inside his suit jacket. His phone was still there. Without hesitation, he pressed the emergency contact.

It was Evelyn Carter's number.

Beep—beep—

The endless ringing pierced the silent car interior.

"The number you dialed is currently unavailable..."

The robotic female voice repeated coldly. Alexander clenched the phone until his knuckles turned white. Finally, he understood how Evelyn must have felt all those times she'd called him.

Lydia Laurent watched him through the rearview mirror, her lips curving into a saccharine smile. "Alexander, don't waste your energy."

His bloodshot eyes snapped up. "What did you do to her?"

"How would I know?" Lydia tilted her head with an innocent giggle. "I've been with you the whole time."

Gritting his teeth, Alexander dialed Grace Anderson instead.

"Mr. Hamilton?" Grace's voice trembled with concern. "Is Evelyn alright?"

"She... isn't with you?" His voice strained.

"No, I thought she was with you!" Grace's tone turned frantic. "What's going on?"

Alexander suppressed the turmoil inside. "It's nothing. She must be running late."

After hanging up, he glared at the back of Lydia's head. "Did Leonard send you?"

Lydia's laughter tinkled like wind chimes. "Alexander, remember when we were children? You promised to protect me forever."

The car turned onto a pitch-black forest path.

"Now it's my turn to protect you," she whispered. "We're going somewhere no one will ever find us. Together forever—"

Alexander wrenched the door open and leaped out.

——

Evelyn stood at the old house's gate with Baby Chloe in her arms as Grace rushed out to meet her.

"Mom, did Alexander call?" she asked urgently.

Grace nodded. "He said you were coming to visit and asked if you'd arrived."

Evelyn's heart lurched. She pulled out her phone—three missed calls glared back at her.

The return call only met with an automated shutdown message.

"Something's wrong." Her voice shook.

Grace paled. "How could—"

"Mom, watch the children." Evelyn handed the baby over and turned to run.

The gate suddenly rattled with knocking.

Two police officers stood outside. "Are you Evelyn Carter?"