Chapter 967

The summer breeze drifted across the terrace, carrying the faint herbal scent of the newly added wicker furniture. Evelyn Carter and Vivian Dempsey sat chatting while Alexander Hamilton stood nearby, cradling the baby, his tall frame striking against the night sky.

"Why hasn't the baby fallen asleep yet?" Evelyn glanced up, her fingers lightly tracing the gentle curve of her belly.

Alexander set the child down and leaned against the railing. "This little one's been wild lately—sleeping all day, wide awake at night." Though his tone was exasperated, his eyes brimmed with adoration, the very picture of a doting father.

Vivian's face lit up as she crouched to wave at the baby. "Baby Chloe, remember me?" Her voice dripped with sugary sweetness.

The baby blinked her large, grape-like eyes and chirped, "Auntie!"

"No, no," Vivian corrected quickly. "Call me sister. I'm not married yet!"

The child tilted her head, then suddenly clapped her hands. "Then I'm a sister too!"

The adults stifled laughter. Vivian wiped tears of amusement. "Yes, yes, you're the little sister. But your baby brother or sister is still in Mommy's tummy."

Alexander's smile faltered. It struck him that while he'd arranged full postpartum care for Evelyn, he'd forgotten to prepare supplies for their unborn child.

"What's wrong?" Evelyn noticed his shift immediately.

His expression softened. "I just realized how irresponsible I've been—I haven't even bought baby essentials yet."

Evelyn chuckled. "Did you think I wouldn't notice? The nursery is nearly finished." She pointed to the sunlit room on the first floor. "Right next to Chloe's."

His ears tinged pink. "You knew?" He added hastily, "Don't go in yet. Even with eco-friendly materials, it needs another month to air out."

Seizing the moment, Vivian pressed a finger to her lips and tiptoed away.

"Vivian's been visiting often lately," Evelyn remarked, eyeing the empty chair. "Even Peanut recognizes her now." She turned to Alexander. "Sit and rest for a while. Aunt Margaret would worry if she saw you like this."

He settled across from her, exhaustion etched clearly on his face in the dim light. They sat in comfortable silence, the hum of summer insects filling the air.

"Evelyn." His voice was tender as morning dew.

"Hmm?"

"Let's visit the temple in the suburbs this weekend." He paused. "I... had a memorial lamp placed there."

Understanding dawned in her eyes. She nodded gently. "Okay."

At dawn, Victor Laurent awoke to a splitting headache. He stared blankly at the unfamiliar ceiling, his last memory being a drinking contest with Vivian the previous night.

"Where am I?" Rubbing his temples, he sat up and found all his belongings neatly arranged on the bedside table.

Stepping into the opulent hallway deepened his confusion. Just then, Alexander returned from his morning jog, a towel slung over his shoulder, breathing evenly.

"Good morning, Mr. Laurent." Alexander's tone was neutral. "You were intoxicated last night. Since Ms. Dempsey couldn't take you home, we accommodated you here."

Victor flushed crimson. To make such a disgraceful first impression before officially starting his job—was his career over before it began?

Fortunately, Alexander said no more, simply inviting him to breakfast. Victor followed stiffly, each step filled with trepidation.