Chapter 758

Evelyn Carter knew Alexander Hamilton had been instrumental in helping her this time. But giving up her hospital career for him? Absolutely not.

Alexander unclenched his fist, wincing at the stinging crescent-shaped marks on his palm where his nails had dug in. Tiny beads of blood welled up.

"You're too hard on yourself." Evelyn retrieved the first aid kit from the coffee table drawer, expertly disinfecting his wounds. "These may be minor, but they'll sting when wet. Don't do this again."

The antiseptic solution spread cool relief across his skin. Alexander felt the tension in his shoulders ease.

"There's a backlog at the office. I'll need to start tomorrow." He paused. "But don't worry—I've had Emily Zade deliver the files here. You can review your medical literature in the study. I'll take care of Baby Chloe."

He'd cleared most urgent matters before their trip. Yet as CEO of Hamilton Group, the mountain of pending decisions never stopped growing.

Warmth bloomed in Evelyn's chest. "Baby Chloe was entrusted to both of us by Miss Langley. It's not fair for you to shoulder everything alone. Let's take turns until Auntie Wu returns from vacation and our mothers are back home."

The converted greenhouse study was peaceful, just one floor below his office. The baby could easily alternate between both spaces.

Tucking a loose strand behind her ear, Evelyn exhaled. "We'll take it slow."

As Alexander reached for the used cotton swab, his fingertips brushed the back of her hand.

The trash bin sat inches away.

Evelyn could've simply leaned past him to discard it. In that suspended moment of hesitation, Alexander's hand closed around hers—an impulse he couldn't explain.

Both froze.

The last time they'd touched like this was during that frantic escape in the village.

Alexander's pulse hammered against his ribs. The cuts on his palm throbbed, bracing for her to pull away.

An unspoken agreement held them motionless, as if spellbound.

Peanut the Ragdoll cat leapt from the sofa, his fluffy tail swishing against their ankles like a teasing paintbrush.

Any movement now would shatter the fragile pretense.

Their locked eyes spoke volumes in the thickening silence.

Then came the metallic jingle of keys at the front door.

Margaret Hamilton and Grace Anderson's laughter floated in, followed by Teresa Taylor's occasional murmurs:

"...The seaside was breathtaking, though I never learned to swim..."

"We could take lessons..."

"Not for me—this sun gave me such a headache..."

Teresa's words cut off abruptly. Her eyes widened at the sight of Evelyn springing up from the couch. "Evelyn? You're back already?"

Evelyn hadn't expected their return. She stood mechanically, mind blank.

Alexander swiftly withdrew his hovering hand.

"We just got home," Evelyn managed, forcing calm into her voice.

He rose to greet them. "Why cut your trip short?"

Margaret beamed. "No place compares to home. We've agreed to take more outings together."

Grace studied her daughter's flushed face. "Are you unwell?"

"Just tired." Evelyn deftly redirected. "Alexander had it worse—driving, handling luggage, caring for the baby, plus work tomorrow."

Noticing her son's faint smile, Margaret understood instantly. As she searched for an excuse to usher the others away, Anthony Taylor and Emily Anderson barged in, arms laden with shopping bags.