Chapter 769

Alexander Hamilton's extravagant midnight snack delivery left the entire OB-GYN department speechless. The lavish meal boxes piled high at the nursing station drew curious glances from every night-shift nurse.

Evelyn Carter massaged her temples at the mountain of food. Ever since Alexander started driving her to and from work, the hospital gossip mill had been working overtime. This spectacle only confirmed everyone's suspicions.

"Drink it while it's hot." He deftly arranged the utensils and slid a steaming bowl of chicken soup toward her.

She mechanically lifted a spoonful to her lips. The warm broth soothed her exhaustion from the long shift. After several sips, color finally returned to her pale cheeks.

"There's a Four Seasons nearby," Alexander noted the dark circles under her eyes. "I booked a suite."

"No need." She set down her spoon. "Cardiology is taking over the case. I finally have a free weekend."

His eyes lit up. "How about the new hot springs resort? I heard—"

"I have plans." She cut him off.

His grip tightened around the car keys, but he asked no further questions. During the drive home, Evelyn slumped against the seat in exhausted sleep. He turned off the music and slowed to a crawl.

Dawn filtered through the sheer curtains when Evelyn jolted awake. The warmth at her waist made her freeze—Alexander's arm encircled both her and Baby Chloe.

"Shh." He silently mouthed the word.

She realized why when she remembered last night's chaos—the baby had been crying inconsolably when he carried her home. Auntie Marry changed her into pajamas while Alexander spent half the night soothing their daughter.

"She's been sleeping through the night lately." Evelyn stroked the child's soft hair.

"Maybe she missed us this morning." His whisper was barely audible.

The words pierced Evelyn's heart. Trust took years to build but only seconds to shatter.

They spent the entire morning glued to Chloe's side. The toddler kept looking up to confirm their presence before returning to her yarn ball. Peanut the Ragdoll cat lounged nearby, occasionally batting at the rolling strands.

As afternoon shadows lengthened, Evelyn reached for her coat.

"Invite your friend here?" Alexander suggested, absently twirling Chloe's ribbon headband.

"We made plans." Thinking of his late-night international conference calls, she refused firmly. Gregory Wilson was trouble enough—she didn't need additional complications.

His puppy-dog eyes followed her to the door. Evelyn hardened her resolve and shut it behind her, catching the sound of Chloe's delighted giggles inside.

Alexander was twisting balloons into animal shapes. Once the child tired, he pulled out his phone and dialed Vivian Dempsey.

"Calling for business, Mr. Hamilton?" Vivian's tone turned wary.

"I hear Dempsey Group wants the medical equipment distribution rights?"

A pause. Then icy clarity: "Don't think throwing me deals will work, Alexander. Evelyn sees through that—and so do I."