Chapter 40

Sunlight slanted into the examination room as Evelyn Carter finished seeing off a patient. When she looked up, Alexander Hamilton was helping Annabelle Taylor inside.

Annabelle's pregnancy was unmistakable now, her rounded belly visible beneath the loose maternity dress. Her face had filled out since their last meeting, her skin glowing with health—clear signs of being well cared for.

Alexander stood beside her, one hand hovering protectively at the small of her back while the other carried an insulated bag. His gaze darted away the moment it met Evelyn's, his Adam's apple bobbing.

Olivia Lightfoot muttered under her breath, "Again?"

Annabelle settled into the chair across from Evelyn with a gentle smile. "Dr. Carter, long time no see."

Evelyn didn't respond, pulling up her medical records instead. "What seems to be the problem?"

"Nothing's wrong," Annabelle said, stroking her belly. "I just had a prenatal checkup last night. The baby's perfectly healthy."

"Then why are you—"

"I came to apologize." Annabelle cut her off, retrieving an elegant thermal container from the bag. "I made this pear soup myself. It's excellent for the throat."

Alexander spoke abruptly, "That's enough."

Annabelle ignored him. "The things Alexander sent you were so thoughtless. I already scolded him." She shot him a glare before turning back to Evelyn. "Gifts should be something the recipient actually needs. What use does a doctor have for umbrellas and hair dryers?"

Evelyn's fingers paused on the keyboard.

So that's how it was.

Her eyes flicked to Alexander, whose face had gone ashen, a vein pulsing at his temple.

"I've paid the consultation fee," Annabelle said, placing her medical card on the desk. "Fifteen dollars should buy us some conversation time, no?"

A child's wail echoed from the hallway, followed by impatient催促 from a parent.

Evelyn closed the file. "Are you finished?"

"Not quite." Annabelle lowered her voice. "I heard you've been dating lately? Alexander was so worried when he found out—afraid you'd just marry anyone..."

"Annabelle!" Alexander seized her wrist. "Time to go."

She shook him off. "What's the rush?" Her smile turned knowing as she addressed Evelyn. "Dr. Carter, out with the old, in with the new—wouldn't you agree?"

The sickly sweet aroma of pear soup wafted from the container.

Evelyn rose slowly. "Next patient."