Chapter 951

Evelyn Carter looked up at Alexander Hamilton. His confident expression made her think he'd recalled some crucial detail.

"Baby Chloe never had her First Birthday Tradition?" she asked softly. "I thought no matter how much Miss Langley and Vincent Croix fought, they wouldn't involve their child."

The baby should have been a princess born with a silver spoon. But the Langley family's downfall came too swiftly, and her parents became sworn enemies, leaving her tragically alone.

Evelyn still remembered Bianca Langley's tender expression when holding her daughter. Back then, she'd assumed the child only lacked a father.

Alexander sighed. "Bianca truly wanted to shield her daughter. But Vincent is unpredictable. After the Langley's one-month celebration, they never hosted another gathering. I'm not sure if Baby Chloe had the tradition privately."

He knew the truth but couldn't bear to voice it.

As first-time parents, Evelyn and Alexander relied entirely on elder advice and parenting classes. Baby Chloe was well-behaved and taller than her peers, yet they constantly felt inadequate.

"Since we're uncertain," Evelyn pondered, "let's assume she hasn't had it with us. It's just a small ritual—no need for elaborate preparations. We can do it anytime."

Hearing her say "us," Alexander's lips curved slightly. Though not officially recognized, he was already Baby Chloe's father and Evelyn's partner in life.

Evelyn quickly gathered paper, pens, and professional books from the study as options. Alexander brought down a cardboard box. Wordlessly, they arranged the items on the sofa.

Baby Chloe watched with wide, curious eyes. No one noticed when Peanut the cat leaped onto the sofa's backrest.

As Alexander guided the baby's tiny hands toward the display, she immediately climbed onto the sofa and grabbed Peanut's tail.

The cat, who usually only tormented middle-aged humans, showed remarkable patience with the young. Instead of protesting, Peanut rolled onto its back and let out a soft "meow."

The living room fell into stunned silence.

Alexander surveyed the arranged stationery, toys, and accessories. "Was Peanut an option?"

"Apparently so," Evelyn said calmly. "If it was on the sofa, it counts. Maybe she'll become a veterinarian or simply adore animals. Not everything needs practical significance."

After a moment's thought, Alexander nodded. "Let's just hope our home doesn't turn into a zoo."

The dry joke made Evelyn smile. She ignored his use of "our home," instead picturing Baby Chloe grown up—with both parents being beauties, the already delicate child would undoubtedly blossom into a stunning young woman.

"Baby Chloe's grandparents are returning to the country!"

Margaret Hamilton's urgent voice shattered her thoughts. Her usually elegant mother-in-law hurried downstairs, flustered. "They don't know about Bianca yet. What do we do?"

Evelyn and Alexander paled simultaneously. Their locked gazes reflected mutual shock.

Bianca's suicide note had arranged everything meticulously: Baby Chloe entrusted to them, her parents in Canada cared for by the old butler, receiving annual postcards in her name. She'd even written, "Let them think me an unfilial daughter."

Now, with the elder Langleys' sudden return, this plan would collapse entirely.

"When did you hear?" Alexander steadied himself. "If they haven't left yet, I can take Baby Chloe to Canada first."

Over four months had passed since Bianca's death, and related news had long faded. But if her parents returned, they'd eventually uncover the truth.

"Just got the call," Margaret trembled. "They couldn't reach Bianca, so they contacted me. I followed the letter's instructions—said she was traveling." Tears glistened as she thought of her friend's daughter, gone forever.

Evelyn sensed the unspoken fear behind the Langleys' call—they dreaded confronting the worst possibility.

"When do they arrive?" Alexander pressed.

"They leave tomorrow. Just the two of them—no nanny or butler." Margaret massaged her temples in distress.

Alexander's voice turned resolute. "There's still time. I'll find a way to maintain the deception."