Chapter 725

The boardroom was filled with old foxes—every single one of them troublemakers Alexander Hamilton had personally dealt with during his tenure. Now that he was absent, they couldn’t resist crawling out of the woodwork.

Evelyn Carter stepped into the meeting room in her stilettos, her fingertips slightly chilled. She’d arrived half an hour early, yet the weight of their scrutinizing gazes pressed down on her like a suffocating fog.

"Mrs. Hamilton, are you certain about terminating the partnership with the Laurent Group?" someone asked with thinly veiled sarcasm.

She ran her fingers over the fountain pen, mimicking Alexander’s signature tone. "Do you have an objection?"

The room fell dead silent.

Emily Zade, ever the perfect assistant, slid the documents forward. The resolution to sever ties barely passed. But then, unable to contain themselves, someone blurted out, "Where exactly is Mr. Hamilton? The rumors are—"

"Business trip," Evelyn cut in coldly. "Spread another word, and you’ll deal with the consequences."

She narrowed her eyes just as Alexander would—a move that instantly silenced the old vultures.

Back in the CEO’s office, Evelyn collapsed into the leather chair. Emily hovered anxiously. "They won’t let this go, Mrs. Hamilton."

"I know." Rubbing her temples, she forced herself to focus on the files.

By the time the city lights flickered to life outside, she realized she’d missed dinner. The words slipped out before she could stop them: "Alexander, what about this—"

The empty office gave no reply.

She stared at the vacant chair across from her. A month ago, she’d complained about his constant presence. Now she was talking to thin air.

The phone rang abruptly.

"Ms. Carter, the search is over." The detective’s voice was heavy. "No trace of Mr. Hamilton was found."

Her grip tightened on the phone. "Chances of survival?"

A pause. "Theoretically—"

"I understand." She cut him off. "Keep this confidential."

Hanging up, Evelyn fixated on the framed photo on the desk—Alexander’s arm around her waist, grinning like a child who’d stolen candy.

Now the jar had shattered.

At the Hamilton estate, Baby Chloe babbled over her blocks. Margaret Hamilton asked gently, "How was today?"

"Fine." Evelyn smiled as she took the child, but her eyes reddened the moment she looked down.

Lily Waters tiptoed closer. "Dr. Carter, you miss Alexander, don’t you?"

The block slipped from Evelyn’s fingers. She scrambled to pick it up, but tears hit the floor first.

"I—" Her voice cracked. Pressing her palms to her face, she whispered, "Yes. I miss him."

This was what longing felt like—an overwhelming tide with no shore in sight.