Chapter 826

Vivian Dempsey had always been straightforward, unable to keep her thoughts bottled up. She slammed the table and stood up, looking ready to pick a fight.

Bianca Langley cradled the steaming tea Evelyn Carter handed her, her face blurred by the rising vapor. She used to love iced Americanos, even in the dead of winter, but now she found comfort in the warmth of this cup.

"Miss Dempsey, I know all about that loan," Bianca's voice was feather-light. "Vincent Croix interfered and prevented you from getting the final payment. I was in no position to help at the time."

"Oh, forget it!" Vivian waved her hands dismissively. "Back then, you were the only one willing to lend me money. It's fine—I've already paid it all back!"

Evelyn watched her best friend, knowing there was no stopping her. She sipped her tea quietly. This weekend had been far too eventful.

Bianca wasn’t ignorant about finance—she just didn’t care for it. As Vivian recounted how Vincent had systematically crushed others to dig up information about her, everything Alexander Hamilton had hinted at finally clicked.

"He must be feeling quite pleased with himself now," Bianca said, her tone eerily calm.

Even the usually oblivious Vivian sensed something was off. "Miss Langley, if you want to vent, I know some people. We could ambush him after dark, rough him up, and force a confession!"

Though Alexander had never spelled it out, Bianca knew the investigation into Adrian Valentine’s car accident had ended with his burial. Vincent had orchestrated it flawlessly—the hit-and-run driver was gravely ill and out on bail, while the friend who’d lent the car was completely innocent. Adrian had died for nothing.

Evelyn and Alexander thought she was in the dark, but she’d already uncovered the truth.

"That’s not a bad idea," Bianca mused seriously. "Too bad coerced confessions aren’t admissible in court."

Vivian shot Evelyn a pleading look.

"It really wouldn’t work," Evelyn agreed. "And it’s too dangerous. If he turns the tables..."

She swiftly shut down Vivian’s reckless suggestion, then turned to Bianca. On the surface, Bianca seemed perfectly normal—but that very normalcy unsettled her.

Though impulsive, Vivian always listened to Evelyn. Before leaving, she refrained from offering any more ill-advised schemes, instead promising to help Bianca find a quiet house close to nature.

It was the first time Bianca had ever wanted to escape the noise.

After seeing Vivian off, Evelyn was about to have a serious talk with Bianca when Aunt Margaret knocked on the door, holding a document. "Someone just delivered this..."

It was a court summons.

Evelyn’s heart clenched. She and Aunt Margaret immediately watched for Bianca’s reaction, but the woman remained unnervingly composed.

"Don’t worry," Bianca didn’t even glance at the summons. "I knew he’d pull this. He’s never accepted the divorce ruling. This is probably about custody."

She was absolutely right.

Even the usually gentle Aunt Margaret couldn’t contain her anger. "He’s never raised that child for a single day, and now he dares to fight for custody? Bianca, don’t worry—we’ll all testify for you!"

"Thank you," Bianca said softly, looking at Aunt Margaret as if seeing her own mother.

Aside from her parents, no one else in this world would stand by her unconditionally. The thought of causing them more pain twisted her heart.

Aunt Margaret gently smoothed Bianca’s stray bangs. "Silly girl, I’ve watched you grow up. I know what matters most to you."

Evelyn understood she meant Baby Chloe and sighed inwardly. Vincent had no idea how to care for a child. If he won custody, the baby would only become leverage against Bianca.

But this wouldn’t be an easy legal battle.

As an OB-GYN, Evelyn knew nothing about the law. She could only contact Attorney Han, whom she’d worked with before.

A top lawyer in Hamilton Group’s legal department, Attorney Han quickly provided professional advice: "Given the other party’s lack of parental involvement, the odds of winning are high, but the process will be tedious."

Evelyn wasn’t afraid of the hassle—she only feared for the baby’s well-being.

That night, Alexander wasn’t just handling corporate affairs in his study. He personally reached out to a lawyer specializing in custody cases.

Evelyn was surprised, then realized Attorney Han, as Alexander’s trusted subordinate, must have reported her inquiry.

"Any solutions?" she asked as he hung up. "Attorney Han didn’t charge a consultation fee, but he didn’t have any brilliant ideas either."

"There’s a way," Alexander reassured her. "Attorney Han’s classmate specializes in these cases. She’s helped many 'Purple Ribbon Mothers' regain custody."

Evelyn relaxed slightly. "That’s good. But I’m worried Vincent might resort to desperate measures—like snatching the baby. Even if we win the case..."

Her concern was valid. With Vincent’s character, nothing was beneath him.