Chapter 876

The television played news of the arrest of the Langley Group's general manager. Evelyn Carter knelt beside Baby Chloe, helping her stack colorful blocks.

The little girl clumsily grasped the blocks, her bright eyes sparkling with excitement.

Unlike most toddlers who adored plush toys, Chloe showed an unusual fascination for puzzles and brain-stimulating games.

That trait...must have come from her father?

Yet those lively eyes and spirited personality were unmistakably Bianca Langley's carbon copy.

Evelyn stared absently at the TV screen. Alexander Hamilton's prediction had come true—Vincent Croix's former associates had struck with lethal precision.

Snip. Margaret Hamilton's floral shears nearly severed a blooming peony. She set them down with a worried sigh. "The Langleys...oh dear. If this news reaches Canada—"

"It won't." Evelyn reassured softly. "Only Alexander and I know about Miss Langley's situation. The media's entirely focused on Vincent's scandal now."

When Vincent had tried manipulating public opinion to control Bianca, he'd never imagined the backlash would erupt posthumously.

Reporters now dissected every fabricated "heroic rescue" story, even replaying his old interview clips. Meanwhile, his so-called friends were auctioning off his secrets like merchandise.

Margaret relaxed and shifted to discussing Chloe's birthday party. "When I called relatives, everyone promised absolute discretion."

Evelyn tensed. "Do they suspect Chloe's identity?"

"Goodness, no." Margaret chuckled. "They all think you and Alexander faked your divorce and can't hide it anymore."

Relief washed over Evelyn, followed by fresh unease. More people knowing the truth meant greater risks for Chloe's future.

Distracted, she absentmindedly stirred her soup with chopsticks.

"Keep stirring and you'll turn it into paste." Alexander slid a plate of peeled shrimp toward her. "Worried about the party?"

"Yes." She set down her utensils. "How do we explain everything?"

Alexander meticulously deboned a fish fillet. "Don't. Let them speculate. Nobody would dare assume the worst. At most..." His lips curved slightly. "...they'll think Chloe was born during our separation."

His tone made it sound like something to celebrate.

Remembering Margaret's misunderstanding, Evelyn lost her appetite. The soup—made with free-range chicken from Grace Anderson and Teresa Taylor's premium cordyceps—was nourishing, but she couldn't bring herself to drink it.

"Here's the plan." Alexander wiped his hands. "Just smile and nod. I'll handle the rest."

"You have a solution?"

"No." He admitted frankly. "But when I glare, people stop asking questions."

The weekend arrived swiftly.

The Hamilton estate glittered with decorations—rainbow arches in the garden, balloons adorning trees, even the rose bushes pruned into festive shapes.

Anthony Taylor and Teresa arrived early, proudly introducing to guests: "This is our daughter Evelyn." Their grins were irrepressible.

Grace and Emily Anderson bustled about, radiating joy.

Upstairs in the parlor, Evelyn and Alexander entertained Chloe. The toddler flitted about in her puff-sleeved dress like a delighted butterfly.

"Winter's finally over." Evelyn murmured, watching sunlight stream through the windows.

Alexander squeezed her hand. "Rest here. I'll manage the guests."

"I'm not made of glass." She sighed. "Besides, Chloe will get lonely."

Knock-knock-knock.

That energetic rapping could only mean one person. "Come in."

Vivian Dempsey burst in, immediately scooping Chloe into a spin. "Sweetheart! I've missed you so much!"