Chapter 840

Vincent Croix stood before Alexander Hamilton with a wine glass, his posture oozing sycophantic humility.

Alexander watched him coldly, seeing right through the charade. Refusing this toast would fuel Hudson City’s business gossip by morning.

The Liang family affair was already a sensitive topic. Adding speculative whispers could twist the narrative beyond recognition. His reputation meant little, but Evelyn and Baby Chloe didn’t deserve collateral damage.

"Mr. Hamilton, the honor?" Vincent pushed the glass closer.

Alexander’s lips twitched as he clinked glasses with the speed of swatting a fly.

Guests exchanged uneasy glances. No one dared breathe a word—one man was a titan of industry, the other a notorious loose cannon.

Vincent’s smile never faltered. "Your decisiveness inspires me. Our new company launches next month—I’d value your presence."

The casual words hid daggers. Alexander’s temple throbbed, knuckles whitening.

"Certainly." The two syllables grated through clenched teeth.

Their host swooped in to defuse tensions. Both men seamlessly shifted to hollow corporate pleasantries. Vincent praised Alexander’s philanthropy; Alexander countered by strong-arming him into funding a school.

That night, while rocking Chloe to sleep, Alexander recounted the exchange to Evelyn.

"He agreed on the spot. If he backtracks, I’ll make him regret it."

Evelyn stifled a laugh. "Extortion much?"

"Redistributing wealth," he said without remorse. "Fighting fire with fire."

Two days later, Vincent materialized like a specter at a charity gala.

"What a coincidence." He approached with champagne, eyes darting between them. "Bringing family to work events, Mr. Hamilton?"

Evelyn stepped forward smoothly. "The organizers invited me to give a medical lecture, Mr. Croix."

"Of course." Vincent feigned enlightenment. "Perfect timing—I’d like to donate a primary school in Chloe’s name. Your thoughts?"

Alexander’s gaze turned glacial.

Evelyn rested a hand on his arm, meeting Vincent’s stare head-on. "Let’s be clear. You’re not taking Chloe. Ever."

Vincent’s expression darkened. "How versed are you in custody law, Doctor?"

"Less than you," she conceded mildly. "But hospitals teach us plenty. Like recognizing absentee parents who suddenly want involvement—ones who don’t even know their child’s mango allergy."

The verbal blade found its mark. Veins bulged at Vincent’s temple, but the setting shackled his temper.

Alexander shifted protectively in front of Evelyn. Together, they formed an impenetrable wall.

Vincent studied them before a mirthless smile curled his lips. "This isn’t over."

As he turned, his champagne flute shattered against the floor.