Chapter 939

Grace Anderson gently patted the baby’s back, her gaze soft as she looked at Evelyn. "Take your time talking. I’ll take care of the baby."

From the kitchen came the sound of Margaret Hamilton and Auntie Wu discussing recipes. Evelyn walked Anthony and Teresa Taylor to the door, her fingers absently tracing the doorframe. "Would you... like to stay for dinner?"

Her tone was polite yet distant, as if addressing guests from afar.

Anthony shook his head. "Alexander needs rest. We won’t intrude." He pulled a bank card from his shirt pocket. "The PIN is your birthday."

Evelyn took a half-step back. "Really, it’s unnecessary."

Teresa grasped her daughter’s hand. "Childbirth takes a toll. You should have savings." Her eyes reddened. "We calculated your hospital salary..."

Evelyn cut in, "I have savings." She paused. "If I needed money, Alexander should be the one providing it."

The words landed like a dull blade, slicing through her parents’ hearts.

Seeing their expressions darken, Evelyn softened her tone. "When I truly need help, I’ll come to you." She tried to lighten the mood. "I never repaid that last loan, did I?"

Tears instantly spilled down Teresa’s cheeks. "Silly child, our money has always been yours!"

Reluctantly, Evelyn accepted the card and tucked it into her bag.

Upstairs, Alexander was winding up a toy with his left hand. The baby lay beside his legs, her small face flushed with excitement. Grace sat nearby, the creases between her brows smoothed away.

Evelyn leaned against the doorframe, her palm resting lightly on her abdomen. It was the first genuine smile her mother had worn since her father’s passing.

After the baby was taken for feeding, Alexander suddenly spoke. "You should keep what they gave you."

Evelyn arched a brow. "Did you conspire with them?"

"No." He closed his eyes briefly. "They once asked me about doctors’ salaries."

Evelyn laughed bitterly. "You knew they’d worry."

Alexander suddenly pressed a hand to his temple, his face paling. This time, it wasn’t an act—playing with the baby had drained what little strength he had left.