Chapter 780

Last time they were just slightly late coming home, Baby Chloe had wailed inconsolably. Now after staying out all night, Evelyn stood by the crib watching her daughter's peaceful sleeping face, guilt washing over her in waves.

All those lingering romantic thoughts dissolved instantly.

"She slept wonderfully last night," Grace said in a hushed tone. "That sandwich sleeping method you suggested worked like a charm. Once she adjusts more, the nanny can handle daytime while you two take nights. That way you'll both get proper rest."

Evelyn and Alexander exchanged glances.

Their daughter certainly knew how to pick her targets.

When their eyes met, memories from last night surfaced abruptly. Evelyn's ears burned as she quickly looked away.

Alexander's smile froze before twisting into something more rueful.

The older generation remained engrossed in baby talk, oblivious to the undercurrents between them. Under the pretense of childcare and work obligations, they maintained an unspoken truce.

That evening, Alexander didn't retreat to his study as usual.

Evelyn was humming a lullaby when the mattress dipped beside her. Her fingers stilled briefly, but the song continued.

This was his bedroom. She had no right to banish him.

Baby Chloe slept between them like an invisible boundary. Lying face to face, the atmosphere felt stiffer than between strangers, bearing no trace of last night's passion.

Adults do these things. It's normal, Evelyn told herself.

Just as she nearly convinced herself, Alexander spoke: "About last night...I'm sorry."

The suspended tension suddenly dissipated.

Evelyn blinked. "...I'm tired."

She turned away but heard their daughter whimper in sleep. Both jerked upright simultaneously, instinctively patting the baby's back.

Before their little empress, all romantic complications took a backseat.

Once certain Chloe slept soundly again, Alexander whispered, "My stance hasn't changed. If you're willing, we can continue like this. Last night...we can pretend it never happened."

A pause. "But if you're upset, you must tell me."

Evelyn stared at the ceiling, silent.

Between them hung a sheer veil—seemingly within reach, yet impossibly distant.

Margaret observed everything. One day when Evelyn was at work, she summoned her son to the garden.

"The last wedding was too rushed. This time we'll do it properly." She traced Evelyn's photo in the album. "You're living together now, but the baby should have her proper home eventually."

Alexander remained quiet for a long moment. "Mother, if she doesn't want marriage, this arrangement is fine too."

Margaret hesitated, then sighed.

At the office, Alexander was reviewing documents when the intercom buzzed urgently.

"Mr. Hamilton, Vincent from Liang Group is forcing his way up!"

The door burst open before the secretary finished. Vincent stood there trembling, veins bulging at his temples.

"My apologies," he ground out through clenched teeth. "But I can't wait any longer."