Chapter 926

"Grandma Dempsey" was certainly more polite than "old lady," though the tone remained as stiff as a formal report.

Evelyn Carter exhaled quietly in relief.

Alexander Hamilton appeared unperturbed. "I heard fish is good for elderly health. We happened to have fresh catch at home, so I brought one."

He slid the fish toward Grandma Dempsey as he spoke.

Before leaving, Evelyn had intended to prepare the gift herself, but her growing baby bump made even bending difficult. Seeing her discomfort, Alexander had taken charge—though in their haste, he hadn't specified what he'd chosen.

"This fish is incredibly fresh!" Grandma Dempsey praised enthusiastically.

Uncle Dempsey, hearing his mother's approval, immediately inquired about its origin. Learning it was caught by Anthony Taylor, he noted the reservoir location for a future fishing trip.

Vivian Dempsey groaned, leaning toward Evelyn. "There goes my vacation."

"You're still thinking about work projects—clearly not eager for time off," Evelyn teased with a smile. As she reached for the fish, she found a deboned portion already in her bowl.

Even the peppercorns and chili threads had been meticulously removed.

Alexander paused mid-shrimp peeling. "Something wrong? Feeling unwell?"

His concern wasn't unwarranted. Evelyn's pregnancy cravings had become unpredictable—dishes she craved at noon might revolt her by evening.

Take bell peppers: two days prior, she'd suddenly yearned for shredded pork with peppers, only to reject the peppers entirely within two meals—demanding the pork retain their flavor without actual contact.

Grace Anderson had fretted over this until Alexander stepped in, painstakingly removing every pepper strand.

The memory warmed Evelyn's heart. "It's nothing. I just didn't expect you'd remember about the peppercorns."

An offhand remark he'd committed to memory.

That evening, Alexander proposed to Grace: "Let me handle lunch tomorrow."

"You know how to make vinegar-pepper fish?" Grace eyed him skeptically. This northern dish wasn't even in her culinary repertoire.

"No, but I'll learn." He'd already considered alternatives. "If needed, I'll consult the Dempseys' housekeeper."

His dedication softened Grace's expression. "You've been working hard lately."

Ever since Alexander shouldered blame for "not wanting marriage," she'd held reservations. Only witnessing his meticulous care for Evelyn had gradually shifted her perspective.

"Of course." His reply held quiet certainty.

Late that night, as Evelyn washed up upstairs and Baby Chloe slept soundly, Grace descended for water, meeting them upon their return.

"How were the Dempseys?" She hesitated. "Evelyn may seem aloof, but she remembers every kindness."

Alexander answered earnestly: "Grandma Dempsey's recovering well, though she'll need a wheelchair temporarily. Uncle Dempsey looks weary, but he's hiring caregivers after returning home."

The kitchen held only the occasional splash from the fish tank's occupant.

After a pause, Grace voiced her lingering question: "How are things... with Mr. Taylor's family?"

This year's upheavals had rewritten countless relationships.

Surprised by the mention of Evelyn's birth parents, Alexander responded honestly: "Unchanged."

"And Evelyn... toward them?" Grace's whisper barely carried.