Chapter 941

Troublemakers in the company sprouted like weeds. No sooner had Alexander Hamilton dealt with one batch than another emerged. His furrowed brow betrayed yet another thorny issue.

Evelyn Carter had no intention of meddling initially. But after being repeatedly thrust into these situations, she'd learned the ropes.

The call connected swiftly.

"Miss Carter." Secretary Emily Zade's voice held no surprise, warm as a casual chat. "During the video conference earlier, Mr. Hamilton seemed unwell. You'll need to take extra care of him."

"It's my responsibility." Evelyn's tone carried quiet resignation.

Emily detected the subtle softening in Evelyn's attitude toward Alexander—a promising sign. She swallowed her initial words, pivoting to mundane topics instead.

"Mr. Hamilton truly cherishes you. In all my years working with him, I've never seen him so devoted. Not even to himself. The day he learned of your pregnancy, his joy was unmistakable."

Alexander, usually ice-cold and unapproachable at work, had radiated happiness that day.

Evelyn had noticed but deliberately avoided dwelling on it. Now, hearing Emily's words while gazing at the weakened man in bed, an invisible weight pressed against her chest.

The afternoon rain left the room perfectly temperate, needing no air conditioning.

Fanning herself, Evelyn excused the heat and stepped away. On the terrace behind sheer curtains, she murmured, "Emily, I understand your meaning. He's been kind lately, but... perhaps it's lingering trauma."

"I know." Emily, ever the observer, didn't invoke the child. "Mr. Hamilton's past actions were inexcusable. Frankly, your current care for him is already generous. He admits you tolerate him solely for the baby's sake."

Alexander privately thought so bleakly?

Evelyn's heart clenched. Unconsciously, her voice gentled. "I don't... resent him that much. He can't share my pregnancy burdens, so extra consideration is natural. But Grandma Duan's matter—he didn't have to intervene."

Some favors were grace, not obligation. She wasn't selfish enough to count life-saving debts.

Besides, the past was smoke. She'd never expected anything from him. Yet between the fire rescue and now, he'd effectively saved her life one and a half times.

Emily tactfully shifted topics. "Actually, I needed to discuss something else. The Wilson family sent an invitation for Elder Wilson's sixtieth birthday celebration."

Alexander, notorious for his workaholism, practically lived at the office. Outsiders always contacted him there first.

The Hamiltons and Wilsons shared deep ties, especially between Alexander and Vincent Wilson. For the patriarch's milestone birthday, even if Alexander couldn't attend, etiquette demanded proper acknowledgment.

Evelyn loathed such social obligations, but the Wilson connection warranted caution. "I'll relay the message."

Elder Wilson was Gregory and Vincent's father. Though she and Gregory worked at the same hospital without deliberate avoidance, fate lately kept them apart.

Even Gregory's return from his business trip coincided with her leave. Olivia Lightfoot had informed her.

Alexander lay in bed, his mind suspended midair. He trusted Emily wouldn't slander him—if anything, she'd sing his praises. But where Evelyn was concerned, anxiety gnawed at him. Combined with cerebral hypoperfusion, he nearly fainted.

Yet Evelyn remained on the terrace. Gritting his teeth, he clung to consciousness, awaiting developments. None of his usual composure remained.

The sheer curtains fluttered.

Evelyn reentered, brows slightly furrowed, gazing at him with unreadable hesitation.

Alexander's pulse raced. Paler than ever, he still managed concern. "Sit down."

Hand supporting her lower back, Evelyn perched on the bed's edge. "Emily mentioned Vincent's father's sixtieth birthday. You must attend."

A sixtieth birthday marked a life milestone. Everyone connected to the Wilsons would be present.

But in Alexander's current state?

Evelyn's eyes, glistening under the bedside lamp, brimmed with worry. Misinterpreting his silence as reluctance, she suggested, "Perhaps go in a wheelchair? Claim a leg injury."

Given Alexander's status, no one would dare comment—they might even praise his dedication to the Wilsons.

Alexander jerked upright. "You're not coming?"

Evelyn blinked, more startled. "Why would I? I wasn't invited. Surely you don't expect me to represent you? Emily would be more suitable."

She'd entirely misunderstood.

Terrified she might realize, Alexander shook his head so vigorously he nearly blacked out again. "Of course not. You should rest during pregnancy. I'd never impose."

He'd assumed Gregory would seize this chance to invite Evelyn—hence his earlier relief.

Evelyn studied him incredulously, questioning if he'd truly suffered brain damage.

Alexander had become jealousy incarnate, viewing every man near Evelyn as a threat. But Gregory Wilson remained his greatest dread.

Logically, Evelyn's pregnancy should have eased his mind. Emotionally, vigilance persisted. He feared Gregory's unresolved intentions—playing stepfather to their child.

After all, in terms of official standing, they started from equal footing.