Chapter 979

"That guy chased after Vivian like a rabid dog back then." Victor Laurent's fingers tapped absently against the desk. "Flowers, gifts—he'd have ripped his heart out if she asked."

Alexander Hamilton arched an eyebrow.

"I never even got close." Victor gave a bitter laugh. "Eventually I just..."

His voice trailed off into incoherent mumbling.

Alexander studied him for several seconds before suddenly smiling. "At least you're self-aware."

Victor's head snapped up.

"If Simon knew you were here, he'd flee town overnight." Alexander said lazily. "Nobody knows his tricks better than you."

Victor's expression froze.

Memories he'd deliberately ignored surged up, twisting his stomach.

"Stop." Alexander cut through his thoughts. "Regret is useless."

Victor stood rigid, as if struck by lightning.

"Understood?" Alexander asked.

"Understood." Victor nodded mechanically, but his gaze gradually sharpened.

Seeing his dazed state, Alexander dismissed him outright. "Take the day off. Get some air."

"Anywhere?" Victor asked abruptly.

"Wherever."

That afternoon, Alexander received word that Victor had gone to a construction site.

"I thought he'd seek out Vivian." Alexander remarked that evening while peeling an orange for Evelyn. "Instead he went hiking."

Evelyn accepted the orange segment with a faint smile. "That's just like him."

"You seem pleased?" Alexander narrowed his eyes.

"I simply think," she took a delicate bite, "some people never change."

As the sweet-tart juice burst across her tongue, she suddenly frowned, a hand drifting to her abdomen.

Alexander tensed instantly. "What's wrong?"

"Nothing." Evelyn laughed at his flustered expression. "Just movement. Want to feel?"

Alexander moved at double speed—rushing to wash his hands before darting back.

His palm settled gingerly against her belly.

Beneath the thin fabric, a distinct little bump pressed upward.

Alexander went completely still.

"Evelyn," his voice trembled, "he's kicking me."

Those perpetually composed eyes now shone brilliantly, their corners tinged pink.

Watching him, Evelyn recalled the ultrasound images—two tiny figures curled together, one serene, the other lively.

"Could be a girl." Alexander gently pressed his ear to her stomach. "Just like you—"

Another kick interrupted him.

Alexander grinned like a fool. "Feisty. Definitely takes after you."

"What if it's a boy?" Evelyn teased.

"Even better." He answered without hesitation. "A son who resembles you would be infinitely more likable than me."

His expression dimmed suddenly. "Truthfully...I'd love any child of yours. That way, even if you leave me someday, I'd still have pieces of you."

Evelyn blinked. "Keep the baby, ditch the father?"

"Mm." Alexander smiled bitterly. "I deserve it."

Evelyn stared at him before suddenly pinching his cheek. "Alexander Hamilton, are you an idiot?"

Her fingertips still carried the citrus scent of oranges.