Chapter 85

The night was deep and still when Alexander Hamilton pushed open the door of the old mansion, his fingertips still chilled from the office air.

"Young master, you're back." Auntie Marry took his coat.

"Where's Mother?"

"Madam is copying scriptures in the study."

Alexander frowned. His mother had never believed in such things.

When he opened the study door, his breath caught.

Margaret Hamilton sat at the desk, her slender frame accentuated by the simple homewear. Silver strands now mingled with her once raven-black hair, veins visible on her hand as she held the brush.

"Mother."

Margaret didn't pause her writing. "What brings you back so suddenly?"

"You said you had a headache."

"I took medicine." She dipped the brush in ink. "Your company keeps you busy. There was no need for this trip."

Alexander moved behind her, reaching to massage her temples.

"Don't." Margaret turned her head away. "We both know who you learned this technique for."

Outside, the osmanthus tree rustled in the wind.

"This will always be your home," he said, voice tight.

Margaret finally set down the brush. When she turned, her eyes were red-rimmed. "Then what was Evelyn to you? What about that unborn child?"

A corner of the rice paper lifted in the breeze.

"That girl Evelyn..." Her throat worked. "Her hands were so steady delivering babies, her gaze so tender holding newborns... How much pain must she have felt to..."

Ink bloomed dark across the paper.

Alexander's knuckles turned white.

"What did I promise Evelyn? That you two were clean!" Margaret suddenly hurled the inkstone to the floor. "Now the whole hospital knows my son forced his wife to abort for his childhood sweetheart!"

Black splatters stained the carpet.

"Please calm down—"

"Get out!" Margaret broke into violent coughs. "Since you chose Annabelle, stop pretending to be a filial son before me!"

Auntie Marry rushed in at the noise, gasping at the mess.

As Alexander bent to pick up the shattered inkstone, his mother's hoarse voice came from behind. "Tomorrow... go apologize to Evelyn."

Moonlight through the window lattice stretched his shadow long across the floor.