Chapter 785

Alexander Hamilton frowned slightly, tapping his fingers twice against the glass. "Have your parents settled abroad? Let me know when you're leaving. I'll arrange transportation for you and Baby Chloe to the airport."

This was the furthest extent of friendship could offer.

Their glasses refracted different hues under the lamplight. Alexander suddenly stood and returned moments later with a plate of fragrant fried rice. Evelyn Carter took a small bite—the shrimp was sweet and springy.

"Well," Bianca Langley swirled her wine glass with raised brows, "since when did CEO Hamilton learn to cook? Last I saw you, coffee was your only specialty."

Alexander replied calmly, "A man must learn to be a proper husband."

Evelyn's ears turned pink, her lips leaving a faint imprint on the milk glass rim.

Watching their silent understanding, Bianca swallowed the wedding date on her tongue. Some blessings were meant to traverse mountains and rivers.

When midnight chimes sounded, the conversation turned somber.

"That girl's funeral day," Bianca's knuckles whitened, "Vincent Croix didn't even show his face. But when stocks dipped, suddenly he remembers his devoted husband act." Her冷笑 was icy. "She and I were just different chess pieces on his board."

Alexander's gaze flickered. "I thought he'd wake up sooner."

Evelyn caught the subtext—one regretting past actions, the other regretting poor judgment. Now Bianca had broken free while Vincent descended into madness.

Whiskey swirled in Bianca's glass, amber light reflecting in her eyes. "Lately he's playing the heartbroken lover among socialites—my photo in his office, telling everyone he'll salvage our marriage." She scoffed. "Someone give that man an Oscar."

A chill ran down Evelyn's spine. "What does he actually want?"

"Damage control for stock prices." Bianca drained her glass. "Once the storm passes, erasing this history will be his first priority."

Spring rain pattered outside as Alexander's thumb brushed Evelyn's cool fingertips. They sat in silence till dawn, none willing to mention parting first.

Bianca suddenly chuckled. "Dr. Carter's attachment to Baby Chloe I understand, but Alexander..." She deliberately drew out the pause. "Weren't you the living grim reaper who made children cry before?"

Evelyn's smile turned bittersweet. Alexander's Adam's apple bobbed. "Enough teasing." His gaze at Evelyn held repentance. "We..."

The unspoken words dissolved into a sigh. Evelyn turned away—raindrops streaked the window like tears.

"I'll need you to watch Baby Chloe a while longer." Bianca's abrupt statement made both their hands simultaneously grasp her wrists.

Evelyn's voice trembled. "She's so well-behaved, never fusses at night." Her lashes fluttered. "I got lost as a child—my adoptive parents gave me a second life. Some bonds..."

Warmth spread from Alexander's palm. Evelyn inhaled deeply. "Having lost a child... I cherish every moment with Baby Chloe."

Bianca clasped her cold hands. "Kindness always finds its reward." Rising, her glass clinked as she told Alexander, "Meeting Dr. Carter was your life's greatest fortune."

Night rain drummed against the window—three elongated shadows stretched across the wall.