Chapter 880

Evelyn let out a slow, measured breath.

A subtle pang of guilt stirred in her chest.

Alexander's devotion these past months had been undeniable—visible not just to her, but to everyone around them. Yet his excessive caution had begun to weigh on her.

"If I can't even handle these trivial matters, what right do I have to promise you anything?" Alexander's expression was solemn. "You need rest now."

He was terrified she might change her mind. If she said yes, he’d shoulder everything without hesitation.

Evelyn shook her head. "I just wanted to say... thank you. For considering so much on my behalf. For sharing this burden."

The air between them grew thick with unspoken tension.

Alexander's gaze softened to something unbearably tender. For two adults, this proximity felt dangerously intimate.

Just as Evelyn raised her hand, hurried footsteps echoed down the hallway.

"Sis! Alex!" Emily's voice pierced through the door. "There's a mysterious package—can we open it?"

Their eyes met, the same thought flashing between them.

Evelyn bolted upright, momentarily forgetting her pregnancy. Alexander caught her instantly. "Easy. I'll go with you."

His steadying hands guided her downstairs to the living room.

The elders were already gathered around the baby unwrapping gifts. The unopened parcel lay untouched on the coffee table.

Grace Anderson watched Alexander's protective hold on Evelyn, her lips parting as if to speak—then closing again.

Evelyn sensed the odd atmosphere. Alexander must have given them a vague explanation. But now, there were more pressing matters.

"The sender is... Bianca?" Margaret Hamilton's voice trembled as she examined the package. "But she's already..."

Alexander swiftly unwrapped it. Evelyn's eyes welled up at the contents. "She planned this in advance... A timed delivery service."

Inside were neatly arranged photos of the baby, eighteen exquisite gift boxes—each labeled with an age.

Evelyn only opened the one marked for today: a gold-inlaid jade longevity locket, paired with silver bracelets.

In Hudson City, silver bracelets symbolized safety, prosperity, and a hundred-year life.

From the bottom of the box, Alexander retrieved a stack of documents: investment transfer agreements, notarized wills... Everything left to them.

And a handwritten letter in meticulous script.

Bianca had arranged every detail of her affairs. The final lines read: "Learning of her mother's death on her birthday would be too cruel for a child. Let today be her rebirth instead. From now on, she's your daughter."

"Consider these material things my parting gift. Tell her... they're from a friend."

A teardrop had smudged the last period.

"Her tear," Evelyn whispered, tracing the stain.

Alexander carried the items to his study. He'd promised Bianca the baby would know her birth mother's love.

After reading the letter, the elders' eyes grew moist.

"That child had an extraordinary mother," Margaret spoke for them all. "We'll honor Bianca's wish—she'll be our granddaughter in every way."

The rain lasted until dawn. Morning sunlight streamed in, unusually brilliant.

With no work on Sunday, Evelyn slept in—a rare luxury.

When she awoke, Alexander had already returned from his morning run, breakfast arranged by the bedside.

"I think... I overslept," Evelyn admitted, sheepish.