Chapter 518

Lydia Laurent's face drained of color.

Alexander Hamilton carried Evelyn Carter away without a backward glance, his silhouette resolute.

Back in their room, Evelyn's dizziness intensified.

She staggered into the bathroom, another wave of nausea wracking her body.

Alexander's brow furrowed as he pulled out his phone.

"Who are you calling?" Evelyn asked weakly.

"An ambulance."

"Overreacting." She splashed cold water on her face. "I'm fine."

His knuckles whitened around the phone.

Finally, he set it down and handed her tissues.

Evelyn collapsed onto the sofa, a sheen of sweat glistening on her forehead.

Alexander leaned over, dabbing her skin with the gentleness reserved for fragile porcelain.

"Overworked lately?"

"Mmm."

She reached for the tissue, but he moved it away.

"Stay still."

Evelyn closed her eyes, surrendering to his care.

"Not like hypoglycemia." His voice tightened. "Food poisoning?"

"Hotel dinner last night." Her lips curled bitterly. "Mr. Hamilton should inspect his kitchens."

"I'll—"

"Forget it." She waved him off. "Probably not that."

Alexander's fingers trembled slightly. "After the last miscarriage—"

"Vivian took good care of me." She cut him off.

He carefully brushed damp strands from her forehead.

"Better now?"

"Mmm."

"You can self-diagnose, can't you?"

Evelyn's eyes flew open.

"Where's the baby?"

"With Vivian." Understanding flashed across his face. "I'll get her. Can you manage alone?"

"Yes."

He set a glass of water on the coffee table and hurried out.

Ten minutes later, he returned with a babbling toddler and a bag of candy.

The little one squealed with delight at the sight of Evelyn.

"Have some sugar first." He offered a lollipop.

Evelyn arched a brow. "Five-star hotels sell these now?"

"...Yes."

She selected a plain flavor.

"Where's Vivian?"

"She'll come after Bianca Langley leaves the mountain."

"And Lydia?"

Alexander's expression darkened. "The engagement termination announcement goes out soon."

"No more deception this time?"

"Never." His gaze burned into hers. "Never again."

"What about later?" she asked suddenly. "If I return to the hospital?"

"I'll drive you, same as before."

"Two years of rural medical missions?"

"I'm coming."

A soft laugh escaped her.

Could this pampered heir truly endure such hardship?

......

The night brought relentless nightmares.

Gunfire. Deserts. Endless fleeing.

Each time she jolted awake, her pajamas clung to her skin, drenched in sweat.

At dawn, the doorbell chimed.

"Room service."

The cart overflowed with an extravagant breakfast spread.

"I didn't order this."

"Mr. Hamilton arranged it." The server smiled. "He said he'll finish whatever you don't eat."

"Where is he?"

"Next door, in a meeting." The server produced an elegant box. "And this."