Chapter 953

The plane roared into the sky. Alexander Hamilton leaned back in the plush first-class seat, his fingers absently tracing the cuff of his suit jacket. The fabric still held the lingering warmth from Evelyn Carter's embrace.

"Mr. Hamilton, would you like a blanket?" Emily Zade, his secretary, asked softly.

Alexander shook his head, his gaze settling on the little girl beside him. The toddler was perched on the armrest, chubby fingers playing with the seatbelt.

"Daddy." The baby suddenly looked up, her voice sweet and milky.

Warmth flooded Alexander's chest as he reached out to ruffle her fine, silky hair. He'd bought her a separate seat—no expense spared to ensure her comfort.

Outside the window, clouds churned like an ocean. But Alexander's thoughts drifted back to that farewell embrace. The faint scent of jasmine from Evelyn still seemed to cling to him.

Meanwhile, in the master bedroom of the Carter residence, Evelyn sat propped against the headboard, lost in thought. The room was so quiet she could hear the ticking of the wall clock.

"Penny for your thoughts?" Vivian Dempsey barged in, hugging a pillow before plopping onto the bed.

Evelyn snapped out of her reverie. "Nothing. Just... the house feels too quiet suddenly."

"Missing your Mr. Hamilton already?" Vivian winked mischievously. "It's only been a few hours."

The tips of Evelyn's ears warmed. She changed the subject. "How long are you staying this time? What about Grandma—"

"Relax!" Vivian waved a hand. "Dad's super attentive now—makes her special soups every day. You should've seen him yesterday, asking me how to order takeout on his smartphone!"

They shared a laugh. Then Vivian mysteriously pulled a knitted bunny from her bag. "A gift for my future goddaughter. Made it myself!"

Evelyn took the plush toy, her fingers brushing the soft fleece. "Since when did you learn to knit?"

"Recently." Vivian flopped onto the bed. "Work stress. Knitting's weirdly therapeutic. I've decided—retirement plan is opening a handicraft store."

"CEO Vivian switching careers to artisan?" Evelyn stifled a giggle.

Vivian suddenly sat bolt upright, eyes sparkling. "Actually, I have a bold idea! I'm going to find a live-in son-in-law—kids will take my surname!"

Evelyn nearly choked on her water. "You're serious?"

"Absolutely!" Vivian counted on her fingers. "Over six feet, Ivy League degree, good temper, and most importantly—must be willing to marry into my family—"

Before she could finish, Evelyn suddenly clutched her stomach, face draining of color.

"What's wrong?" Vivian rushed to steady her.

Evelyn bit her lip, beads of sweat forming at her temples. "My stomach... it hurts..."