Chapter 734

Margaret Hamilton's eyes crinkled with amusement as she gazed at Alexander Hamilton.

Alexander had been eager to showcase his culinary skills in the kitchen, but Evelyn Carter had firmly stopped him with her professional medical knowledge. Allowing him to handle the spatula for this sweet and sour fish was already a concession, considering how long he'd been cooped up.

"Patients need moderate activity," Evelyn said seriously. "But strenuous exercise is strictly prohibited."

Her lips pressed together as she surveyed the perfectly glazed fish on the dining table. Margaret's knowing look left no room for denial. Evelyn had originally planned to make this signature dish herself for safety, never expecting Alexander would have the same idea.

Now she had to quickly switch to stir-fried seasonal vegetables instead.

Just as she rolled up her sleeves, Vivian Dempsey's lively voice exploded behind her. The girl barged in carrying bags upon bags, looking every bit like a relative paying a visit.

"Perfect timing—right at dinner!" Vivian greeted the elders first, then magically produced plush toys from her bags, even remembering Bianca Langley's baby.

Only Alexander was conspicuously left out. He was used to it by now.

Evelyn chuckled. "You arrived just as I was about to cook. What a coincidence."

Vivian wedged herself between them. "Of course! I followed the delicious aroma here."

Grace Anderson and Margaret exchanged smiles before excusing themselves to check on the soup, ushering the children to the living room.

"Why aren't the Andersons here yet..." The elders' chatter faded into the distance.

The Hamilton family kitchen, renovated with modern touches, was spacious and bright. The three of them stood inside without feeling cramped.

Vivian leaned in and sniffed dramatically. "Smells amazing! I forgot how skilled you were."

Evelyn hesitated. "I didn't make this."

She still held the apron Alexander had just taken off.

"Did Auntie...?"

"I made it," Alexander said calmly.

Only the bubbling of the soup pot remained in the sudden silence.

Vivian's expression froze for three full seconds before she abruptly covered her face. "My skin's been allergic lately—can't eat anything too flavorful."

She'd rather faint from hunger than touch a single bite made by that scumbag!

Evelyn pointed at the ingredients, suppressing a laugh. "It's just a simple home-cooked meal tonight. Tell me what you'd like, and I'll make it for you."

Vivian glanced around, suddenly feeling dazed. In the past, Evelyn had seemed like a guest in this house. Now she moved with more ease than the actual host.

"I'll eat anything you make." She linked arms with Evelyn, lowering her voice. "But that guy..."

After confirming Alexander had truly left, Vivian rolled her eyes. "Belated affection is worthless. What's with the sudden act of devotion now?"

Evelyn shook her head gently. "The Andersons are coming tonight, and he really did get hurt because of me. Do me this favor?"

"Fine." Vivian pouted. "Only because he's still somewhat useful. But are you really going back to the mountains? The conditions there are terrible..."

"Baby Chloe needs care." Evelyn's gaze softened. "We'll discuss it after things stabilize."

Mentioning Bianca instantly ignited Vivian's anger, and she launched into a tirade about Vincent Croix. "That bastard is even worse than Alexander!"

Evelyn frowned slightly before changing the subject. "How's the loan situation going?"

"The first few were fine, but later..." Vivian's expression darkened. "Vincent has taken control of the Langley financial operations. Recently he's been biting at everyone like a rabid dog—I almost got dragged into it."