Chapter 863

The hormonal fluctuations of pregnancy made Evelyn Carter unusually sensitive. She'd witnessed countless expectant mothers breaking down in her clinic, never imagining she'd one day be caught in the same emotional whirlpool.

Vivian Dempsey handed her a glass of water. "You've been wound too tight lately."

"That last child..." Vivian hesitated. "I know you never let it go. Now that things are finally looking up, you're even more terrified, aren't you?"

Evelyn's fingers turned pale around the glass. She'd always been the epitome of rationality and restraint—even during her divorce from Alexander Hamilton, she'd maintained perfect composure.

This was exactly what worried Vivian most. "Cry if you need to. Scream if you want. I'll always be in your corner." She squeezed Evelyn's cold hand. "Whatever you decide, I've got your back."

When Alexander returned from completing paperwork, he immediately sensed the charged atmosphere. "Do I have something on my face?"

"No." Evelyn quickly schooled her expression, discreetly pinching Vivian's arm.

Vivian snorted. "Some people are getting cocky now that they've got a daughter. Let me warn you—if you ever make Evelyn suffer—"

"Vivian!" Evelyn cut her off.

Confusion flickered in Alexander's eyes, but he wisely didn't press. Turning to Evelyn, he said, "All the paperwork's done. Though..."

He hesitated. "Adoption regulations require a forty-year age gap for single men adopting girls. So I temporarily used Mother's name."

Evelyn nodded. "That's probably for the best."

"And..." Alexander studied her face. "For the mother's name... I put yours."

The air froze.

Evelyn's fingers drifted unconsciously to her abdomen—a movement Alexander didn't miss.

"If you're uncomfortable, I can—"

"Don't." Evelyn's voice was soft. "Leave it as is."

Bianca Langley suddenly stood. "I should go." She forced a smile. "Now that this is settled, I should celebrate."

But everyone could see her unsteady steps, her frail silhouette like tissue paper.

Evelyn didn't stop her. Some wounds needed to be endured alone.

Vivian also rose. "I need to catch up on sleep." She shot Alexander a warning glare before leaving. "Remember what I said."

Only when they were alone did Alexander ask quietly, "Did something happen?"

"Perhaps Miss Langley's situation has affected everyone's mood." Evelyn changed the subject. "Is the baby's paperwork all complete?"

Alexander recognized her evasion but respected it. "Everything's done. Though..." He paused. "When we take her out, people might assume we're a family of three."

Evelyn gazed at the sunlight beyond the window. A family of three... Soon to be four.

"Would you like to take a walk?" Alexander offered.

She shook her head. "I should return to the hospital. I can't keep taking time off so soon after coming back."

She needed work to distract her. Those secrets buried deep weren't ready to surface yet.

Alexander studied her profile. Sunlight through the glass scattered gold flecks across her lashes. Suddenly, he felt simply being allowed to stand beside her was fortune enough.

Having weathered countless storms, he'd finally learned patience.