Chapter 767

Evelyn stood outside the study door, her fingers hovering in midair.

Alexander's low, icy voice seeped through the crack: "At all costs. I want to see them bankrupt and liquidated."

Her breath hitched.

After weathering the storms between the Andersons and the Hamiltons, she was no stranger to corporate cutthroat games. But hearing Alexander speak in that tone sent a shiver down her spine.

She slowly curled her fingers back.

"Who's there?" The study door swung open abruptly.

Alexander stood at the threshold, his stern expression melting the moment he saw her. He tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear. "Why aren't you asleep? Did the baby fuss?"

Evelyn shook her head. "I came down for water and saw your light still on."

Her gaze drifted to the facedown phone on his desk.

"Just business." He closed the door smoothly. "Let me walk you back."

In the bedroom, Baby Chloe slept soundly, tiny fists clenched tight.

Alexander leaned down to kiss the child's forehead, then brushed his lips against Evelyn's. "Rest. I'll join you soon."

The door clicked shut softly.

Lying in the dark, Evelyn replayed his ruthless words earlier. The merciless corporate titan versus the tender husband—which was the real Alexander?

Back in the study, the voice on the phone hesitated. "Mr. Hamilton?"

"Proceed." His tone frosted over again. "I want the acquisition draft before dawn."

Hanging up, he massaged his temples. The computer's blue glow sharpened his angular features.

"Sir, Mrs. Hamilton was just—"

"She worries about me." His lips curved unconsciously at Evelyn's mention. "Prepare two approaches—one diplomatic, one aggressive."

At 4 AM, Evelyn jolted awake from a nightmare.

Annabelle's shrill voice echoed in her ears: "He'll discard you like he did me!"

She sat up gasping, her nightgown damp with sweat.

A faint noise came from downstairs.

In the kitchen, Alexander was carefully measuring formula powder. Steam softened his usually rigid profile.

"The water's boiling over." Evelyn's voice startled him.

He jerked, splashing hot water onto the counter.

As they scrambled to clean up, heart-wrenching wails erupted upstairs.

"I'll go!"

"Let me!"

They raced for the stairs simultaneously.

Baby Chloe's face was flushed from crying, only calming when she saw both parents. One tiny fist gripped Alexander's sleeve, the other clutched Evelyn's nightgown.

"Sandwiched again." Alexander chuckled ruefully.

Evelyn wiped the baby's tears, then glimpsed silver glinting at his collar—the wedding band she'd placed on his finger, catching the first light of dawn.