Chapter 827

Alexander Hamilton immediately dialed Emily Zade.

"Deploy all available security personnel near the estate," his voice was low. "Focus on protecting Baby Chloe during outings."

Bianca Langley stood nearby, her fingers unconsciously tracing the rim of her teacup.

She remained silent.

When the lawyer asked for her signature, she mechanically completed the paperwork.

Vivian Dempsey had found her several nice properties.

Their scheduled viewings kept getting postponed by the relentless rainy season.

The old Bianca would never have cared about the rain.

She used to be a wild rose in full bloom—storms only made her more radiant.

But not anymore.

Her battered heart couldn't withstand even the slightest turbulence now.

She needed to stay clear-headed until her final mission was complete.

Vincent Croix struck back swiftly.

He submitted a visitation petition to the court with a paternity test report.

The report's origins were suspicious.

He'd never once held the baby since her birth.

Investigations revealed he'd sent someone to infiltrate their former marital home.

A few strands of soft baby hair were found tucked in the crib's seams.

"This case is difficult to fight," the lawyer wiped his sweat as he reported to Alexander. "Unless we prove major misconduct, the visitation rights can't be denied."

Alexander massaged his temples. "Buy us as much time as possible."

When Evelyn Carter heard the news, her fingers twisted together unconsciously.

"I'd love to have someone beat him up right now," she said bitterly.

Alexander scoffed. "Once isn't enough. Best make sure he forgets he ever had a child."

They exchanged a glance, reaching a silent understanding.

Bianca suddenly spoke. "I want to see Vincent."

Her voice was soft but resolute.

"Will you both come with me?"

This was the first time she'd mentioned the baby since returning.

In the teahouse across from the hospital, the four of them sat facing each other.

Vincent's expression darkened upon seeing Alexander and Evelyn.

"Mr. Hamilton," he said with a forced smile, "meeting privately during litigation seems inappropriate."

Alexander leisurely poured a cup of jujube tea.

"We're just here for tea," he said meaningfully, glancing at Evelyn. "We won't say a word."

Evelyn picked up the thread. "If anyone should worry about confidentiality, it's you, Mr. Croix."

Vincent was rendered speechless.

Bianca kept her head down, her fingertip circling the cup's edge.

"I remember you hated tea," Vincent said suddenly.

"People change," she replied flatly, as if discussing the weather.

A calculating glint flashed in Vincent's eyes. "How's the baby? She must be saying 'Dada' by now?"

"I wouldn't know," Bianca looked up. "You want custody? Take it."

Evelyn nearly knocked over her cup.

Alexander squeezed her hand under the table.

"You don't know?" Vincent shot to his feet. "How could you treat your own child like this!"

Bianca smirked. "Compared to you wanting her gone, what's this?"

Vincent's expression shifted abruptly.

He softened his tone. "I was wrong before. The child's innocent—I just wanted to see you—"

"You've seen me now," Bianca cut him off. "Say what you need to say."

The aroma of tea slowly unfurled in the air.

Vincent's performance had only just begun.