Chapter 798

The night was deep.

Baby Chloe slept soundly in Alexander Hamilton's arms, the living room bathed in the warm glow of a single wall lamp.

Evelyn Carter took a sip of water and said simply, "I was once someone's substitute."

Alexander's expression froze. His Adam's apple bobbed.

Adrian Valentine nearly dropped his teacup.

Bianca Langley interjected smoothly, "Don't look so tense. They're fine now, aren't they?"

Adrian hesitated.

Bianca suddenly asked, "Do you know why I lost my composure when we first met?"

He shook his head.

"Vincent Croix used the same excuse—mistaking me for an alumna." She twisted the ring on her finger. "Later, I learned his first love was his true childhood sweetheart."

Her smile turned bitter. "And I was just a stepping stone for his ambitions."

Adrian grabbed her hand. "I really was there to film an assignment!"

Moonlight filtered through the sheer curtains, making their diamond rings glitter.

At four in the morning, Evelyn saw them to the door.

"Stay the night. The guest room is ready."

Bianca shook her head. "We need to see my parents. To discuss the engagement."

Adrian's eyes lit up. He dashed out like a whirlwind to start the car.

Watching his eager retreat, Bianca turned to Evelyn. "Could you look after Chloe for a few days? We have preparations."

Evelyn and Alexander nodded in unison.

Noon sunlight flooded the bedroom.

Evelyn blinked awake to find Alexander gazing at her with amusement.

"Eleven-thirty?!" He bolted upright.

They scrambled through their routines. Alexander ordered takeout while knotting his tie, Evelyn grabbing her coat as she rushed out.

"I'll drive you." He tucked a sandwich into her bag.

When the medical conference ended that afternoon, Alexander waited at the hospital entrance with Chloe.

"You rented a car?" Evelyn opened the back door.

"Borrowed from the branch office." He adjusted the rearview mirror. "Took Chloe to inspect operations."

Her hand paused mid-tickle. "You brought her to the company?"

"I said she was a friend's child." He shrugged. "My tabloid reputation precedes me."

Evelyn massaged her temples. "Tomorrow's headline: Hamilton heir secretly married with child."

"Saves us an announcement." Smiling, he turned the wheel, guiding them down streets gilded by sunset.