Chapter 887

Evelyn Carter stared at her phone screen, fingers hesitating over the keyboard for several seconds.

Alexander Hamilton's lunch invitation arrived with its usual punctuality. She pressed her lips together, her reply unconsciously softening in tone.

"The surgery was successful. Both mother and baby are doing well. Thanks for asking."

At the Hamilton Group's penthouse, Alexander's lips curved slightly as he reread the brief message. His fingertips traced the words on the screen.

Vincent Wilson's confident assurance echoed in his mind: "This emoji is guaranteed to make her smile."

A cartoon puppy holding flowers bounced across the display. Alexander held his breath, waiting for a response.

Ding.

Six black dots appeared in the chat bubble.

Alexander's brow furrowed. He immediately dialed Vincent's number.

"Alex..." Vincent's voice oozed guilt. "Maybe... this isn't her style."

Evelyn's social circle was small but refined. She'd always been slow to adopt internet trends, preferring life's tangible moments. Even her emoji collection had been forced upon her by Vivian Dempsey.

Among all the women Vincent had dated, none resembled Evelyn.

The call ended with a decisive click.

Alexander massaged his temples. Trusting Vincent's dating advice had been pure folly.

Meanwhile, Vincent clutched his phone, forehead beading with sweat. He'd royally screwed up.

The conference room's atmosphere turned glacial.

Executives exchanged nervous glances, dress shirts clinging to sweat-drenched backs. The CEO's brief absence had transformed him into a storm cloud.

"Was it the financial report...?"

"Nonsense! Clearly your marketing team messed up!"

"Quiet," the senior director whispered. "My money's on marital troubles."

Instant silence.

At precisely 5:00 PM, Alexander strode out. The executives exhaled in unison, making immediate plans for a stress-relieving bar trip.

Outside the hospital, Alexander froze mid-step.

Evelyn emerged from the outpatient wing, face pale as parchment. One hand braced against the wall, her brow pinched in discomfort.

Alexander covered the distance in three strides. He seized her bag with one hand while steadying her shoulder with the other.

Evelyn looked up into his worried gaze. For some reason, that ridiculous puppy emoji flashed through her mind. The corner of her mouth twitched, laughter nearly escaping.

Alexander misinterpreted the expression as pain. In the next instant, her feet left the ground as he swept her into a bridal carry.

"What are you doing?" Evelyn gasped.

"Don't speak." He marched purposefully back toward the building.

Patients gawked from the hallway. Evelyn thumped his shoulder. "Put me down! It's just morning sickness!"

Alexander paused, glancing down. "Just morning sickness?"

"I'm an OB-GYN," she said dryly. "Think I can't tell the difference?"

Relief washed over him, but he still insisted on carrying her to the car. He settled her gently into the passenger seat, fastening the seatbelt with excessive care.

"You left early, and you looked so pale..." Guilt laced his voice.

"Long surgery today. No early shift tomorrow." Her words cut off as she clapped a hand over her mouth.

Alexander immediately reached over, patting her back with featherlight touches. Each motion treated her like the most fragile treasure.