Chapter 896

Gregory Wilson remained calm, easing Vincent Wilson's worries. "Bro, what about that girl tonight...?"

Gregory had been tricked into a blind date with a family friend's daughter—perfect in every way, yet his heart remained untouched. A single call had summoned Vincent to rescue him.

Vincent saw right through it but couldn't resist pressing further.

The Wilson brothers were polar opposites—one a free spirit, the other steadfast in love. Their elders were beside themselves with frustration.

"She's lovely." Gregory rubbed his temples. "It's my issue. I'll explain to Mom and Dad. You go ahead."

Vincent's eyes lit up. "So I can pursue her?"

Gregory nearly laughed in exasperation.

At the lounge bar, Alexander Hamilton barely caught his breath before slipping into the adjacent café. The window seat offered a clear view of the glass hall where Evelyn Carter and her colleagues gathered.

Though the bar had plenty of empty seats, he kept his distance. Evelyn never said it outright, but he knew she preferred keeping their relationship private at work.

Lunchtime pickups were unavoidable, but after hours, he respected her space.

His phone battery dwindled to 15% with no charger in sight. He flipped through a magazine absently. He could've charged it in the car, but he wanted to stay close—even if she never noticed.

Unbeknownst to him, Evelyn had already spotted him.

The glass hall was bright and spacious, a grand piano tucked in the corner. A musically inclined colleague played an impromptu piece, elevating the lively gathering into something refined.

Evelyn sat near the door, ready to excuse herself. In the glass reflection, she glimpsed Alexander in the café.

Of course it was him.

She sighed softly, but without the expected irritation. Somewhere along the way, she'd grown accustomed to his presence. Strangely, the nausea from her pregnancy seemed to ease whenever she sensed him nearby.

Perhaps this was what security felt like.

The party lasted well into the night. Olivia Lightfoot linked arms with Evelyn. "That was so fun, I won't even need coffee for tomorrow's shift! Let's head out."

Colleagues dispersed in small groups.

At the café, Alexander pretended to read while tracking the lounge bar's movements. The moment Evelyn and Olivia stepped out, he rose—but didn't approach immediately.

Only after they'd walked ahead did he return to his car, using the last of his battery to text: They've left. Let's go home.

Brief and to the point.

Olivia reached for her phone to call a ride, but Evelyn stopped her. "We've got a ride."

"Huh? You didn't drive."

Evelyn pointed to the approaching vehicle. The window lowered, revealing Alexander's sharp profile. He looked perfectly at ease, as if he'd been waiting there all along.

Olivia grinned. "So this is why we got special treatment tonight."

Evelyn pressed a finger to her lips.

With a friend present, Evelyn opted for the backseat with Olivia. Even the seatbelt required extra care now with her pregnancy.

After dropping Olivia off, Alexander asked, "Apartment or the family home?"

"The family home. It's the weekend—time to see the baby and Mom." She wanted to surprise them.

Yet the house stood dark. Neither Margaret Hamilton nor Grace Anderson was home—not even the baby.

Evelyn frowned. "Where could they be? They shouldn't be out this late with the baby."

As Alexander moved to make calls, Evelyn stopped him. "Let me try first."

Margaret's phone rang from between the couch cushions. Hanging up, Alexander glanced at the lit windows next door. "Should we check?"

Teresa Taylor usually retired early—lights on at this hour was unusual.

Evelyn insisted on going together. The door swung open to Anthony Taylor's delighted face. "Perfect timing! Everyone's here!"