Chapter 898

The yellowed photograph lay quietly in its frame, preserving a moment frozen in time over two decades ago.

Anthony Taylor and Teresa Taylor carefully hung it in the most prominent spot of their living room, their fingers trembling slightly. Two porcelain-like children held hands in the picture, their innocent smiles radiant.

"I never knew you two knew each other as children." Teresa's eyes reddened, her voice thick with emotion.

Evelyn Carter stood before the frame, tracing its edges with her fingertips. She'd never imagined her connection with Alexander Hamilton stretched so far back.

Alexander silently brought over an armchair. "Have a seat."

"Thanks." Evelyn snapped out of her reverie. "Weren't you playing mahjong with them?"

"Terrible at it." He gave a wry smile. "With three elders at the table, losing to any would be... complicated."

Evelyn understood immediately. Between Margaret Hamilton, Grace Anderson, and Teresa—each was someone he couldn't afford to offend.

Her gaze returned to the photo. The little girl wore pigtails and a floral dress, her smile brighter than sunshine. Evelyn suddenly thought of the child she'd lost—had she lived, she'd be sitting up or crawling by now.

Noticing her distraction, Alexander slipped away to prepare supper. Anthony had specifically requested fish soup, but the sight of the live fish thrashing in the sink froze the Hamilton heir in place.

In thirty-some years, when had the young master ever butchered a fish?

Taking a deep breath, he donned rubber gloves and raised the cleaver like he'd seen fishmongers do. The tail lashed out, splashing water across his face. Droplets stained his custom shirt and silk tie.

Thwack!

The tail smacked his forearm. Gritting his teeth, Alexander pinned the flailing fish, the blade hovering uncertainly.

"Let me."

Evelyn appeared in the kitchen doorway, faint exasperation in her eyes. She deftly took a long needle and pierced the fish's spine. The struggling ceased instantly.

"Required course in med school." Her tone was clinical. "After animal testing, euthanasia is basic respect."

Alexander's Adam's apple bobbed. "Works on all animals?"

"Vertebrates." She sterilized the needle. "Same principle as cervical dislocation."

A chill ran down his spine as he mentally filed away this knowledge.

An hour later, the aroma of fish soup filled the living room. Evelyn sipped from her bowl, warmth spreading through her. Under the wall lamp, Baby Chloe slept soundly with her plush toy, cheeks rosy.

The mahjong tiles had gone quiet. The elders cradled their soup bowls, contentment on their faces. Anthony's eyes grew moist at the heartwarming scene. "The reservoir has even better crucian carp. Next time, we'll take you fishing."

Alexander made a mental note. Crucian carp was excellent for postpartum recovery.