Chapter 86

The mention of their unborn child felt like a blade piercing through Alexander Hamilton's chest.

His fingers trembled slightly.

Margaret Hamilton scoffed. "Who are you trying to fool with this pitiful act now?"

Alexander's Adam's apple bobbed. "That was my child too."

"Oh? So you do remember."

"If I had arrived just ten minutes earlier—"

"It wouldn't have mattered," Margaret cut him off. "Evelyn Carter was determined to cut ties with you completely. Otherwise, she wouldn’t have gone this far."

It felt as if a piece of his heart had been carved out.

He pressed a hand hard against his chest, each breath tasting of blood.

That day in the hospital corridor, Evelyn's eyes had said it all.

Even if he had stopped her then, the outcome wouldn’t have changed.

Margaret suddenly stepped closer. "Is the child in Annabelle Taylor’s belly really yours?"

"Of course not!" Alexander snapped his head up. "She was already five months pregnant when she returned. We hadn’t seen each other in years."

A mocking smile twisted Margaret’s lips. "So you sacrificed your own flesh and blood to raise someone else’s child?"

Alexander's knuckles cracked audibly.

"This was your choice. I hope you think it was worth it."

A shrill ringtone shattered the tension.

"Annabelle" flashed on the screen.

"Answer it," Margaret turned away.

Alexander declined the call immediately. "Everything was already arranged this morning."

The phone vibrated furiously again.

When it rang for the third time, Margaret massaged her temples. "Just pick up. She won’t stop until you do."

"I’ll turn it off."

"If you dare shut it off, she’ll storm over here the next second," Margaret sneered. "And I have no desire to see her right now."

Alexander strode into the living room with a darkened expression.

The moment he answered, Annabelle’s shrill voice pierced his eardrums. "Why aren’t you answering? Who are you with? Men or women? How many? Are you doing something shady?"

"......"

"Say something, Alexander! Your silence means guilt!"

"......"

"You’re admitting it, aren’t you? Are you seeing that Dr. Carter again—"

"Yes! I came to see Evelyn!" Alexander exploded suddenly. "Is that what you wanted to hear?"

The sound of shattering glass came through the phone.

"Fine, Alexander! Who was it that chased after me for over twenty years? Who got on his knees begging for another chance?"

"I never begged!" Alexander’s voice was hoarse. "By the time you got married and pregnant, I already had a wife and child!"

"Then why did you still choose me in the end?" Annabelle let out a sharp laugh. "Admit it—you could never forget me!"

Alexander chuckled lowly.

"What’s so funny?" Annabelle’s voice suddenly wavered. "Unless... you’re having regrets?"