Chapter 471

The flight attendant had long disappeared down the aisle.

When Evelyn Carter opened her eyes, she found herself staring into Alexander Hamilton's deep gaze.

"Had enough?" The corner of his lips curved slightly.

Evelyn tightened her grip on the armrest. "Was that you speaking just now?"

No wonder the voice had sounded so familiar.

"Who else?" Alexander raised an eyebrow. "You still haven't answered me. Do you want a blanket?"

His long legs were cramped in the narrow space, knees bent uncomfortably, like a caged beast forced into confinement.

Evelyn adjusted her mask higher. "I'll wait for the flight attendant."

The attendant soon arrived with a blanket.

Alexander took it and draped it over her without hesitation.

"I don't want yours." She tried to push it away.

"It was always meant for you." His eyes lingered on her flushed nose. "How did you get this sick in just a few days?"

"...An accident."

The warmth of the blanket slowly chased away the chill.

Evelyn studied him. "What brings the esteemed first-class passenger slumming it in economy?"

Alexander chuckled. "What do you think?"

"..."

"What really happened?"

The dark circles under her eyes were impossible to hide, her voice hoarse. "Just a common cold."

His sharp gaze bore into her. "Stayed up preparing summit materials?"

"...Yeah."

A cold laugh escaped him, disbelief evident.

Evelyn pulled the blanket tighter. "Colds follow a cycle. Today's the worst. Tomorrow will be better."

"Risking your life for a summit?" His tone darkened.

"You said it was a rare opportunity."

"I could've waited until you recovered." He frowned. "Why push yourself?"

Her throat burned, making speech painful.

But Alexander wasn't letting her off. "A powerhouse at work, yet can't even take care of yourself."

"Even the strongest get sick."

She closed her eyes, her voice fading. "Go back."

"Back where? Jump out of the plane?"

"First class." She forced her heavy eyelids open. "Lydia's alone there."

Alexander's expression shifted. Seeing her swaying with exhaustion, his voice softened. "She's not a child. Sleep. We land in an hour."

Evelyn was already slipping into unconsciousness.

Alexander quietly lowered the window shade and tucked the blanket around her.

Even in sleep, her brows remained furrowed, like a restless child.

He watched her sleeping face, his gaze gradually softening.

Much more likable asleep.

Awake, she could drive a man to madness.

"Ladies and gentlemen, we will soon begin our descent..."

The announcement jolted Evelyn awake.

She sat up abruptly, instinctively turning to the seat beside her. "You and Lydia go ahead first, I—"

The seat was empty.

A middle-aged man with headphones occupied the neighboring spot, oblivious to her muttering.

Evelyn clutched the blanket.

Not a dream.

He had really been there.

"Here for business too?" The neighbor suddenly removed his headphones. "These days, it's all meetings. I'm practically a permanent flyer."

Evelyn rubbed her aching back. "Yeah."

"Got lucky this time though," the man grinned. "Some young guy from first class insisted on swapping seats. First class is something else."