Chapter 365

The phone screen dimmed as Evelyn Carter exhaled sharply.

Her knuckles turned white from gripping the device.

"You look pale," Alexander Hamilton's voice came from behind, laced with concern.

She instinctively stepped back. "I'm fine."

"What did my mother say?"

"Nothing important." Avoiding his gaze, she moved toward the door. "Your clothes are here. I have to go."

Alexander reached out. "Evelyn—"

The door slammed shut.

At the hospital entrance, Richard Jackson approached. "Where's Alexander?"

"He's getting his dressing changed on the third floor." She didn't slow her pace.

The setting sun stretched her shadow long across the pavement.

Only when standing before the villa did Evelyn realize her hands were empty. She pulled up her GPS and headed straight for the nearest mall.

Silk scarves, imported wine, snacks—the weight of the shipping receipts pressed into her palm.

Yet nothing for that couple.

"You're late," Gregory Wilson observed from the doorway, brow furrowed.

"I was mailing some things home."

His gaze lingered on her face. "Did Alexander seek you out again?"

"Yes."

"He tracks your every move." Gregory's Adam's apple bobbed. "Free this weekend?"

"No plans yet."

"My friend's hosting a cruise wedding." His lips curved unexpectedly. "Care to catch some wedding bliss?"

"Cruise?"

"Ocean liner." He looked toward the horizon. "When dawn breaks over the water, it's like the whole world ignites."

Salt air seemed to brush her cheeks already.

"Sunlight heals all wounds," he murmured.