Chapter 742

Evelyn Carter froze when the greenhouse door swung open.

The sight before her bore no resemblance to her memories. Where flower stands once stood, solid wood furniture now occupied the space. Medical tomes lined the shelves against the wall, their pages dappled with sunlight filtering through the glass ceiling.

Baby Chloe babbled excitedly, reaching for a pot of blooming primroses. Alexander Hamilton swiftly plucked a few blossoms. His slender fingers wove the petals into a delicate bracelet, which he gently fastened around the baby's wrist.

"You can return to the hospital after the New Year." His voice was soft. "The lighting here is perfect for reading."

Evelyn approached the bookshelf, tracing the spines with her fingertips. Some of these original medical texts weren't even available in the hospital library. The top shelf held volumes she knew intimately—the very ones Annabelle Taylor had once sold as scrap.

"Columbia University's collection?" She pulled one out, flipping through the pages.

Alexander stood half a step behind her. "Called in some favors. A few more are still being negotiated—"

"Don't bother." She closed the book firmly. "They're more valuable in the library."

"Then I'll have them photocopied." His gaze lingered on her faint smile.

The greenhouse had been transformed with meticulous care. Soundproof glass muted the outside world, while lush greenery filled the view. Evelyn noticed even the chair height had been adjusted for her, with protective bumpers added to the table corners.

On Minor New Year's Day, Evelyn finally relinquished all company responsibilities. Alexander entered with a fruit platter as she played with the baby in the crib.

"Your chosen partners are all reliable." He handed her a peeled orange. "Seems my decision was right."

She knew he meant the will. They hadn't spoken of it since their argument, but some matters couldn't remain unaddressed.

"I wanted to tear up that document in anger," she admitted, accepting the fruit. "Until I thought you really..." Her voice trailed off.

Alexander's Adam's apple bobbed. The baby suddenly grabbed the rattle from his hand, its cheerful jingle shattering the silence.

"Let's travel before Spring Festival," he changed the subject. "Take Chloe south for a while."

Evelyn arched an eyebrow. "A whole month? But the hospital—"

"Everything's arranged." His eyes held hers. "Consider it making up for..." The words died on his lips.

Their rushed wedding three years ago had left no time for a honeymoon, canceled by their respective careers. Now, watching Evelyn's profile as she bent over their child, that regret burned sharper than ever. Outside the glass walls, wintersweet blossoms unfurled silently against the cold.