Chapter 541

"No need," Grace Anderson replied coldly. "The hospital has everything."

Auntie Lucy remained enthusiastic. "It's just a small gesture from Peter and me. We can't visit empty-handed."

Evelyn Carter accepted politely. "Thank you, Auntie Lucy and Peter."

Peter Harrison smirked meaningfully. "I should be the one thanking you. You've been a great help."

"If you're so busy, don't waste time here." Evelyn made the dismissal clear.

Peter's eyes turned venomous, locking onto her like a snake.

Auntie Lucy, chatting with Grace about Emily Anderson's condition, sensed the tension and quickly intervened. "Evelyn, your mother mentioned you've been swamped with work?"

"It's manageable. I still make time for family." Evelyn maintained surface-level courtesy.

Auntie Lucy rambled on. "Young people shouldn't overwork themselves. Peter’s been pulling all-nighters too."

"Dedication is commendable."

"Exactly!" Auntie Lucy beamed with pride. "He just landed a new project. If all goes well, he’ll be running his own firm soon."

Andrew Anderson and Grace stayed silent.

Emily glanced curiously at Peter, but Evelyn stood to adjust the curtains, blocking her view. "The draft is strong. Don’t catch a chill," she murmured.

"Okay." Emily obediently tightened her coat.

Peter gritted his teeth, his voice dripping with malice. "Don’t celebrate too soon, Mom. The project might still fall through."

The barb was clearly aimed at Evelyn.

Auntie Lucy looked baffled before suggesting, "Why don’t you young folks take a walk? I’d like to catch up with Grace."

A vicious glint flashed in Peter’s eyes. "Perfect. Evelyn, shall we talk outside?"

He stepped closer, but she sidestepped him.

"I have questions for you too." She strode ahead toward the door.

Auntie Lucy urged, "You grew up together. Don’t be strangers. Even if romance didn’t work out, you can still be friends."

Andrew blocked Peter’s path. "It’s freezing. Talk inside."

Peter feigned innocence. "Uncle Andrew, the hospital is full of Evelyn’s colleagues. What could I possibly do to her?"

"You—" Andrew’s temper flared.

"Dad, it’s warm enough now," Evelyn cut in.

Andrew softened. "Don’t go far. Stay where people can see you."

"Understood."

Auntie Lucy chuckled to Grace. "Andrew’s so overprotective. She’s a grown woman—"

The door shut, cutting her off.

Around the corridor’s bend, their façades crumbled instantly.

The garden was deserted during lunch hour, save for a few patrolling guards in the distance.

"Explain Emily’s accident," Evelyn demanded in a hushed tone.

Peter sneered. "Alexander Hamilton didn’t tell you?"

"What do you mean?"

"How touching. The great Mr. Hamilton kept it from you to spare your feelings."

"Stop playing games." Evelyn turned to leave.

Peter’s voice turned icy. "I want you to convince Alexander to invest in my project."

"Business is business. Pitch it yourself."

"He’ll agree if you ask." Peter licked his lips. "After all, that night—"

Evelyn scoffed. "You think he’d bend to my whims?"

"Try me." Peter narrowed his eyes. "Last time you promised me something, I was very... satisfied."

"Know your limits," Evelyn’s gaze sharpened like blades. "Push further, and what I ask Alexander for won’t be money."

"Oh? Then what?"

"Your. Life."

Peter burst into manic laughter. "No wonder he’s obsessed with you! You understand him so well! But—" His laughter died abruptly. "If he wants me dead, why should he have peace?"

"Let’s see how long Auntie Lucy’s goodwill can protect you."

"I won’t accept this!" Peter’s face twisted. "I was inches from success!"

"Choose: your career or your life."

Peter trembled with rage. As Evelyn moved to leave, he yanked her back. "Stay put!"

Dense shrubs shielded them from view.

Evelyn recoiled. "What are you doing?"

Madness gleamed in Peter’s eyes. "Alexander wants me dead? Fine. Then his most precious person can join me in hell!"