Chapter 747

Alexander Hamilton's nerves instantly tightened.

Evelyn Carter's eyes visibly brightened at the mention of the medical forum. He had to act fast—otherwise, he'd be left alone with a crying baby for the next two days.

"Dr. Wilson," Alexander spoke first, his tone deliberately calm. "What a coincidence to run into you at the medical forum. Which hotel are you staying at? If traveling together is inconvenient, just give us the address."

He strained to control his voice, but an icy edge still seeped through. If not for his concern about Evelyn's opinion of him, his words might have been far less polite.

Evelyn offered Gregory Wilson an apologetic smile.

That subtle expression instantly drew a clear boundary between closeness and distance.

A pang of bitterness rose in Gregory's chest, but he quickly let it go. He had been deliberately keeping his distance lately, and Evelyn had never reached out. The night market bustled with crowds, yet an invisible wall seemed to stand between them.

"I'm staying at the Pearl Hotel," Gregory said, then added to Evelyn, "The forum is at the convention center—just use your GPS. Feel free to contact me if you need anything."

Evelyn suddenly asked, "The forum starts today, so you must have arrived yesterday?"

The question seemed abrupt, but Gregory answered earnestly, "I got here yesterday afternoon. I was delayed with business in Hudson City and almost missed it."

"We arrived yesterday afternoon too," Evelyn said, visibly relieved, her smile softening. "And we're staying at the same hotel."

Gregory looked genuinely surprised. "What a coincidence."

Alexander scoffed. "Indeed. Too much of one."

"The hotel was arranged by the organizers," Gregory explained helplessly.

"Of course," Alexander said, his lips twisting into a smirk. "The world is full of coincidences."

Gregory didn't bother clarifying further. Instead, he glanced at the baby in the stroller. "I heard about the Langley family's situation. Such a lovely child—Vincent Croix truly doesn’t know what he’s throwing away."

Evelyn tensed. "Miss Langley entrusted us with the baby in confidence. If word gets out—"

"I understand," Gregory said with a bitter smile. "I have no connection to Vincent. Even if he asked around, he wouldn’t get anything from me. Besides, I genuinely know nothing."

Evelyn looked remorseful. "I’m not doubting you. It’s just that this child has suffered enough already..."

"I get it," Gregory said gently, though a flicker of disappointment crossed his eyes. "May I hold her?"

Evelyn hesitated. "That depends on whether she’ll let you."

Alexander raised an eyebrow but stayed silent.

The baby usually smiled at everyone, but apart from Evelyn and Alexander, she cried whenever anyone else held her. Even Margaret Hamilton and Grace Anderson, who had cared for her for so long, could only manage brief moments.

Gregory, unaware of the gravity of the situation, reached out confidently—he had always been good with children.

"Waaah—!" The baby burst into tears instantly.

Gregory froze, awkwardly patting her back. The little one only cried harder, tiny arms flailing.

Nearby tourists cast curious glances.

"That baby is wailing so hard—was she taken by a stranger?" someone murmured. "Though that man looks decently dressed..."

Gregory, embarrassed, quickly placed the baby back in the stroller.

The crying stopped abruptly.

Alexander and Evelyn exchanged startled looks, both poised to comfort the child.

"This little one..." Gregory forced a smile. "She’s not even a year old yet, right? Stranger anxiety is normal."

As the baby quieted, the onlookers gradually lost interest.

Alexander exhaled inwardly, warmth flooding his chest. The baby only recognized him and Evelyn—this bond felt almost like a blood connection.

Gregory chatted with Evelyn for a few more minutes about the forum before excusing himself. Though they were staying at the same hotel, he chose a different path.

Some people were destined to be passing figures. He had long since learned to accept regret.

Back at the hotel, while Evelyn showered, Alexander quickly texted Emily Zade, demanding a full investigation into the forum organizers.

The information came swiftly—it was a pharmaceutical company he had once donated equipment to.

Alexander immediately contacted them for an invitation.

Though surprised, the company’s director, recalling that Mrs. Hamilton was a doctor, rushed to prepare two fresh invitations overnight.

By morning, the courier arrived.

Alexander handed the still-freshly-printed invitations to Evelyn, who had just finished dressing the baby.

"You’ll be returning to the hospital after the New Year. Opportunities like this are rare," he said, though it went against his true feelings. "Go if you want. Don’t worry about me."

Evelyn took the invitations, hesitating. "But what about the baby?"

"I’ll take care of her," Alexander said immediately. "If you’re okay with it, I can bring her along. The convention center is huge—we’ll just wander around."