Chapter 946

Gregory Wilson watched as Evelyn Carter slid the bank card across the table. His fingers tapped lightly on the wooden surface.

"In such a hurry to cut ties with me?" A bitter smile touched his lips, though his gaze remained clear.

Evelyn tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear. "Debts must be repaid. It's only right."

Outside, roses bloomed in vibrant splendor. Baby Chloe crouched by the flowerbed, tiny fingers brushing against delicate petals. Sunlight filtered through the leaves, dappling her with shifting patterns.

Gregory's eyes lingered on the child before returning to Evelyn. "Actually, this money..."

He paused, his Adam's apple bobbing. "Alexander Hamilton settled it long ago."

Evelyn's fingers tightened abruptly.

"When?"

"Remember that chance meeting at Cloud Terrace Resort?" Gregory's gaze drifted into the distance. "After you and Vivian Dempsey left, Alexander sought me out immediately. Transferred the full amount on the spot."

The memory surfaced—Alexander slamming the check onto the table with stormy eyes. Gregory shook his head. "Principal and interest. Every cent accounted for."

Evelyn's lashes fluttered.

She remembered that day. Her first encounter with Bianca Langley. The first time she'd met the child who would later become her daughter. Fate worked in strange ways—a single random crossing could alter life's entire trajectory.

"Why didn't he tell me?"

Gregory chuckled. "The fragile male ego, I suppose."

Sunlight gilded Evelyn's profile, softening her features. Understanding dawned, lifting the corners of her lips. "I see now."

In that moment, Gregory realized with crystalline clarity—he'd never truly held her heart. Not because of poor timing or inadequacy, but because he'd chosen to wait while Alexander had charged forward without hesitation.

"I wish you both happiness." Sincerity weighted his words.

Evelyn nodded. "Thank you."

She insisted on transferring the interest. "Principles matter. This isn't negotiable."

A notification chimed. Gregory stared at the payment alert, struck by the absurdity—their final connection severed by digits on a screen.

Baby Chloe toddled over clutching a petal. Gregory knelt, plucking a rose to offer her.

"Say thank you to Uncle," Evelyn prompted softly.

The child studied Gregory with wide eyes before extending her small hand. "Tank...oo..."

Gregory ruffled her hair and rose to leave. Sunlight stretched his shadow long across the garden path until it dissolved into nothingness.

By the banquet hall's side entrance, Vincent Wilson exhaled. "See? Just like I told you—nothing going on between my brother and Evelyn."

Alexander's gaze remained fixed on the mother-daughter pair in the distance, warmth softening his expression. "Always has been."

"But then why—"

"I trust Evelyn." Alexander's voice sharpened as his eyes turned glacial. "What I don't trust..."