Chapter 803

The plane touched down at Hudson International Airport. Evelyn Carter gazed out the window at the familiar skyline and exhaled softly.

Alexander Hamilton observed her expression and wordlessly handed her a glass of warm water. "Tired?"

"I'm fine." She accepted the glass, her eyes drifting to Adrian Valentine and Baby Chloe in the back row.

Adrian was expertly feeding the infant, his movements practiced beyond his early twenties. Sunlight streamed through the window, casting a gentle glow around him.

"Mr. Valentine," Evelyn turned to face him, "have you thought about what we discussed?"

He looked up, his eyes clear behind his glasses. "Dr. Carter, I've decided. My parents left me an old house in the west district. I'll take Chloe there first."

Alexander frowned slightly. "The security there isn't ideal."

"I know." Adrian patted the baby's back. "But it's home. And..." He hesitated, a shy smile appearing. "I want Bianca to have a real home when she returns."

Evelyn and Alexander exchanged a glance.

"Mr. Valentine," Evelyn chose her words carefully, "you're so different around Miss Langley."

Adrian's ears turned pink. He stared at the sleeping infant, his voice barely audible. "I know I'm awkward... But when I see her, I can't control myself."

Alexander suddenly chuckled. "You've known Bianca for a while, haven't you?"

Evelyn looked at him in surprise.

Adrian's fingers absently traced the edge of Chloe's blanket. "Yes. I first saw her work in my professor's collection. Those mountain landscapes... The composition was alive. I wanted to meet her ever since."

"So it was love at first sight?" Evelyn asked.

"No." He shook his head. "It grew over time. Every meeting made me love her more."

A brief silence settled over the cabin. The baby smacked her lips in sleep, tiny fingers clutching Adrian's collar.

"We're here." Alexander glanced outside. "Stay with us at the estate for a few days?"

Adrian opened his mouth to refuse when Chloe stirred awake. Her round eyes locked onto Evelyn, and she immediately reached out with grabby hands.

"Someone doesn't want to leave her godmother." Alexander raised an eyebrow.

Evelyn's heart melted. She took the baby, who snuggled into her embrace with satisfaction.

Watching them, Adrian hesitated. "Maybe... a few more days? I need to arrange the house and contact the wedding planners in Seaview City."

"Of course." Alexander agreed easily. "Grandmother will enjoy having Chloe around."

As they exited the airport, the setting sun stretched their three shadows long across the pavement. The baby giggled, one hand tangled in Evelyn's hair, the other yanking Alexander's tie.

"This child..." Evelyn shook her head fondly, making no move to stop her.

Adrian stood aside, suddenly speaking up. "I prepared a surprise for Bianca."

"Oh?"

"At the place we first met." His smile turned bashful. "You must come on our wedding day."

Alexander nodded in understanding. "We'll be there."

When they parted, Chloe's face crumpled with impending tears. Evelyn quickly knelt, pressing her forehead to the baby's. "Sweetheart, godmother will visit tomorrow."

Adrian fumbled with the crying child until Alexander produced a colorful pinwheel from his pocket, finally distracting her.

"That girl..." Evelyn watched the departing taxi with an empty feeling.

Alexander pulled her close. "Missing her already?"

"Yes." For once, she admitted it freely. "Do you think Adrian can really take care of her?"

"Don't worry." His gaze deepened. "He's more capable than we think."

During the drive home, Evelyn remained distracted. Alexander suddenly took her hand. "What's on your mind?"

"I was wondering..." She spoke softly. "Does love really change who we are?"

After a pause, Alexander pressed her palm against his chest. "Can you feel my heartbeat?"

She froze.

"It races every time I see you." His voice turned rough. "My heart doesn't obey me either."