Chapter 858

Alexander Hamilton shook his head. "She said she shouldn't interfere with the child's life."

Bianca Langley had always been decisive. Her past devotion to the child was genuine, just like her current resolute withdrawal.

Evelyn Carter's fingers trembled slightly. She understood this heart-wrenching pain all too well.

Adult conflicts should never burden children. Yet fate loved its cruel irony.

Noticing her somber expression, Alexander gently changed the subject. "The baby's a girl. We should choose her name carefully to avoid teasing at school."

Evelyn pondered for a moment. "How about Easy? With your surname. This child has suffered enough. I just want her to have a peaceful life."

"You'd let her take the Hamilton name?" His eyes brightened instantly.

"Better than Croix," Evelyn said coldly. "Though Langley would be more fitting. But explaining that would be too cruel."

"I'll ask Miss Langley again tomorrow," she added.

Alexander feared she might reconsider. "Easy is perfect. Though... I thought you'd pick Anderson."

After all, legally they were still divorced.

Evelyn chuckled. "Your circumstances are far better. There's a top-tier kindergarten nearby. Registering under you gives her more advantages."

The light in his eyes dimmed. "So that's why..."

"Hmm?"

"Nothing." He stood abruptly. "I'll be in the study."

Since that night of crossed boundaries, they'd maintained a careful distance at the ancestral home. Even Aunt Margaret, though anxious, dared not pry.

Seeing the dark circles under his eyes, Evelyn's heart softened. "Just sleep here."

Alexander immediately feigned a yawn.

The human heart was never satisfied. Knowing when to stop yet craving more—such was its nature.

At dawn, Evelyn called Bianca.

"Lunch together?" Bianca's voice carried morning drowsiness. "Vivian and I were just heading out."

Alexander's grip on the steering wheel tightened.

"Sure." The moment Evelyn agreed, the car jerked to a sudden stop.

Shielding her, Alexander heard Bianca's concerned inquiry through the phone.

"Traffic jam." Evelyn eyed the gridlocked road. "Might have to run to the hospital."

A shout came from ahead. "A woman's in labor!"

Evelyn bolted from the car. Three kilometers later, she was sprinting in heels.

Chaos engulfed the accident scene. Beside an overturned bus, a pregnant woman lay on a blood-soaked coat.

"OB-GYN here." Evelyn pushed through the crowd. "How long since her water broke?"

The mother wept. "She's two weeks early!"

After examination, Evelyn's face paled. "Full dilation. Delivery must happen now!"

Men quickly turned away. Alexander came sprinting back, holding two black umbrellas high—creating a private space under the public gaze.