Chapter 744

Kindness during travels always warms the heart.

When the rice noodles arrived, Evelyn Carter had just picked up her chopsticks. Alexander Hamilton had already deftly opened the disposable utensils. He scooped a spoonful of clear broth noodles, blew on it gently, and offered it to Baby Chloe. The little one's eyes lit up at the first taste, tiny hands waving for more.

"Slow down." Alexander wiped the broth from her lips with a bib, his touch as delicate as handling fragile porcelain.

They were the only customers in the shop. The owner, with nothing better to do, turned on the TV and sat nearby. "You're quite skilled with kids, young man. In all my years running this place, I've rarely seen fathers as attentive as you."

Evelyn lowered her head over her noodles, the corner of her mouth twitching. They'd been mistaken for a family so often on this trip that she'd stopped bothering to correct people.

Alexander, however, uncharacteristically chatty, replied, "Traveling with a child requires extra preparation. By the way, any recommendations for lesser-known spots around here?"

His tone was casual, but beneath the table, his fingers discreetly opened a map. Evelyn caught the subtle movement, amusement flickering in her eyes.

The owner perked up immediately. "Head east ten minutes to Seaside Park—it's the off-season, so hardly any crowds. Oh, and the shopping district's hosting a New Year's market..."

A breaking news report cut him off mid-sentence.

"Latest developments in the alleged poisoning case involving Leonard Laurent, former CEO of Banyan Group..."

Alexander's fingers stilled. Evelyn's chopsticks hovered mid-air as both turned toward the screen.

"Damn shame!" The owner slapped his thigh. "Killing a college student over a piece of land—karma's biting back now, huh? Heard Banyan's stock's in freefall."

The news cut to a young man in a wheelchair at a rehabilitation center. Evelyn's chest tightened; the hot broth suddenly felt impossible to swallow.

"Consequences come full circle," Alexander said quietly, his knuckles whitening.

The owner suddenly leaned closer, scrutinizing him. "Hey, you look just like that Hamilton Group CEO! Saw him on short videos yesterday—"

Cough cough cough! Evelyn choked violently on chili, face flushing crimson. As Alexander handed her a napkin, she shot him a frantic look: Let's go!

"Really?" Alexander remained impassive. "Guess I'll have to work harder to actually become a CEO someday."

The owner roared with laughter. "You're way better than him! Online rumors say that Hamilton guy nearly married the Laurent daughter after his divorce—whole family's a mess..."

Evelyn bit her lip hard. Baby Chloe's sudden "ba-ba!" from the stroller shattered the awkward tension.

Stepping outside, they were greeted by a sky painted in sunset hues. Evelyn finally burst into laughter, the baby giggling and waving her arms in response.

"Seaside Park?" Alexander pushed the stroller, the tips of his ears still faintly pink.

Salty ocean breezes brushed their hair as Evelyn gazed at the fiery clouds. The past suddenly felt as distant as another lifetime.

"Let's go." She nudged a pebble with her foot. "Since we're here."