Chapter 759

Anthony Taylor was busy directing the servants with the luggage, leaving him no time for anything else.

Emily Anderson spotted Evelyn Carter and immediately rushed over like an excited little bird, clinging tightly to her sister. "Evelyn! Thank goodness you pushed me to learn English—it came in so handy abroad..."

Seeing her younger sister's animated expression, Evelyn felt her own reservations gradually melt away.

"I knew you'd do well," Evelyn said with a smile, pulling a carefully prepared gift from her suitcase. "Here, this is for you."

She handed Emily a box of Southern-style pastries and a pressed flower collection from the region.

Emily's eyes lit up as she accepted the gifts, but when she noticed Alexander Hamilton watching Evelyn with a fond smile, she couldn't resist teasing. "Evelyn, did you pick these out alone, or...?"

"Don't like them?" Evelyn arched a brow. "I can always swap them for medical journals—perfect for your pre-study sessions."

Emily immediately ducked behind Grace Anderson, not daring to say another word.

Evelyn proceeded to distribute gifts to the elders. Margaret Hamilton and Grace were delighted, but Teresa Taylor's reaction was the most touching.

"This... is really for me?" Teresa's voice trembled, her eyes glistening.

Evelyn shifted slightly, but the tears in her birth mother's gaze softened her heart. "I hope you like it." She then retrieved an elegant wallet. "And this is for Mr. Taylor."

She and Alexander had scoured all of N City to find it. Having no idea what Anthony might prefer, she'd relied entirely on Alexander's input.

Anthony accepted the wallet, his fingers trembling with emotion. "This is the first gift I've ever received from my daughter... I'll start using it right away!"

The paternal love once squandered on Annabelle Taylor had finally found its rightful recipient. Evelyn felt something icy within her begin to thaw.

Alexander, observing this, suggested they all have dinner together. Since the house wasn't prepared, he simply ordered catering from a hotel.

Soon, it was the ninth day of the new year.

Over these days, the two of them had taken turns caring for Baby Chloe, helping the little one adjust to being with other family members. On Evelyn's first day back at work, the baby was surprisingly well-behaved—it was Evelyn who struggled to part with her.

Alexander used the excuse of testing the baby's adaptability to insist on driving Evelyn to the hospital. When they said goodbye, both wore identical expressions of concern.

"We're only apart for a few hours," Evelyn sighed. "What are we going to do when Miss Liang returns?"

"I've already thought about it," Alexander said firmly. "No matter what, we're going to be her godparents."

He emphasized the word "we."

Evelyn's mood lightened slightly. Once back in her office, she threw herself into work. During the first-day briefing, she found herself seated next to Gregory Wilson.

Gregory joked, "When I heard you were returning today, I braced myself for Alexander's interrogation. Surprisingly, he's been unusually restrained this time."

"He did mention it," Evelyn replied, unaware of the unconscious shift in her tone. "But he's better now. He said it's your choice."

Gregory smiled knowingly. "I'm from Hudson City, after all. It's time I settled down. The Central Hospital gave me my start—I can't forget that." He paused. "Could you... pass that along to him?"

Thinking of Alexander's jealousy, the two shared a laugh.

Evelyn's presentation was particularly successful. When she mentioned the Hamilton Group's charity project, the audience responded enthusiastically. Only afterward did she realize she'd inadvertently advertised for Alexander.

She dialed his number.

"Evelyn?" He answered instantly.

"Did I... interrupt something?"

"Not at all. Go ahead."

She briefly explained the situation.

"We were just discussing this project," Alexander said, amusement in his voice. "Want to listen in?"

"You're in a meeting?" Evelyn was startled.

"Mhm."

"Then I shouldn't—"

"Afraid of what?" His low chuckle sent warmth through the line. "You're a major shareholder. My personal seal is in your hands."

"...Just focus on your work!"

Before hanging up, she faintly heard someone ask, "Your lover?"

"My wife."