Chapter 609

Evelyn stared at Grace's face, her fingers unconsciously twisting the hem of her shirt. "Mom, has Dad been dealing with something difficult lately?"

Grace was organizing Emily's medicine box when she paused at the question. "No, why do you ask?"

"Don't you think he's been acting strange?" Evelyn's voice was feather-light.

Grace set the medicine box aside, brows furrowing. "Now that you mention it... I told him not to overreact when I heard Alexander was coming this afternoon, but he actually..."

"That's not all!" Emily sprang up from the couch. "Dad used to scowl whenever he saw Alexander, but today he asked him to help carry luggage!"

Evelyn's heart sank.

Grace took her hand. "Maybe your father has noticed Alexander's recent efforts. Ultimately, it's your feelings that matter most."

Evelyn forced a smile. "Mm."

Night deepened. The Anderson family was settled in second-floor guest rooms. Anthony and his wife had prepared everything thoughtfully—each room warm and inviting.

Evelyn paused outside her parents' door, hearing Andrew's thunderous snores. She closed it softly and retreated to her own room.

The bed was cloud-soft, but sleep wouldn't come.

At 2 a.m., she threw on a robe and stepped onto the balcony through the French windows.

The suburban sky was unusually clear, stars scattered like diamonds. The night breeze carried earthy scents but bit with icy teeth.

"Can't sleep?"

A deep voice came from the left. Evelyn turned to meet Alexander's penetrating gaze.

Their balconies were separated only by ornate railings.

She instinctively tightened her robe. "No."

"I noticed at dinner." His words blended with the wind. "You kept watching your father."

Caught, Evelyn hesitated. "Dad's behavior lately... it's not like him."

"Should I look into it?"

She shook her head. "If he doesn't want to talk about it, I shouldn't pry. But..." Her voice dropped. "I'm afraid he's in trouble."

Alexander's eyes darkened. "Lydia?"

"Unlikely." Evelyn frowned. "She's far cleverer than Annabelle."

The words slipped out before she realized. Alexander was already pulling out his phone. "I'll have hospital surveillance checked."

Evelyn suddenly gripped the railing. "Wait!"

A terrible thought struck. If the problem originated at the hospital...

Hands trembling, she dialed Olivia. "Pull up my father's medical records. Now."

Keyboard clicks echoed through the line. Each second stretched endlessly.

"Dr. Carter..." Olivia's voice turned hesitant. "Your father did visit last week, but... not as a patient."