Chapter 611

The night breeze on the terrace was cool. Evelyn's fingers gripped the railing tightly.

Alexander's voice came from behind her. "Don't catch a cold."

He draped his jacket over her shoulders, enveloping her in warmth. Evelyn didn't refuse, murmuring a quiet "Thank you."

"I promise you," Alexander said suddenly. "No one else will know about tonight."

Evelyn's shoulders trembled slightly. She tilted her head back, letting the wind dry the moisture at the corners of her eyes. "Dad doesn't have much time left. I want him to be happy."

"I understand."

Under the moonlight, their shadows stretched long across the ground.

Morning sunlight filtered through the curtains as Evelyn finished freshening up. She practiced smiling in the mirror several times, ensuring no trace of distress remained.

The doorbell rang. Margaret and Alexander stood outside.

"You're here!" Grace greeted them warmly. "Why did you bring so much?"

Margaret lifted a food container with a smile. "I made some breakfast. Thought it'd be nice to eat together."

Alexander stood behind his mother, his gaze instinctively searching for Evelyn. When she descended the stairs, he immediately noticed the redness around her eyes.

"Alexander, what are you spacing out for?" Margaret nudged him gently.

He snapped back to attention, arranging the dishes on the table. Crystal shrimp dumplings, crab roe buns, century egg and pork congee... The spread of breakfast foods emitted an enticing aroma.

"Mr. Anderson, try this." Alexander deliberately pushed a steamer of vegetarian buns toward Andrew.

Andrew paused, then chuckled. "You remembered I don't like meat."

The atmosphere at the table gradually warmed. Emily chattered about school antics while the adults laughed intermittently. Only Evelyn remained quiet, sipping her congee and occasionally offering a response.

"Actually," she suddenly set down her chopsticks, "the company is organizing a hot spring retreat next week. I was thinking... maybe the whole family could go?"

Grace's eyes lit up. "Hot springs are wonderful. I hear they're excellent for joints."

"I want to go too!" Emily raised her hand excitedly. "My classmates say that resort is amazing!"

Anthony and Margaret exchanged glances.

"That's a great idea," Anthony said with a smile. "It'll be good for Andrew to relax."

Alexander chimed in smoothly. "I checked—they have specialized therapy pools perfect for middle-aged and elderly guests with back or leg problems."

As he spoke, his gaze flickered toward Andrew. The older man was quietly eating his congee and merely smiled. "Let's go then. Wouldn't want to spoil the fun."

Margaret clapped her hands. "It's settled! Alexander, you handle the transportation and accommodations."

"No problem." He nodded, catching Evelyn's subtle sigh of relief from the corner of his eye.

On the day of the retreat, the sun shone brightly.

Alexander arrived in a seven-seater business van, the trunk packed with luggage. Evelyn emerged last, carrying a medical kit.

"Got everything?" Alexander asked quietly.

Evelyn nodded. "Just in case."

Andrew seemed in good spirits, even offering to carry Grace's bag. Only Evelyn knew he'd taken two extra painkillers that morning.

"Let's go!" Emily cheered, bouncing into the vehicle.

As the car pulled out of the neighborhood, Evelyn watched through the rearview mirror as her father leaned back in his seat, wearing a smile she hadn't seen in ages. Her nails dug into her palms, yet she maintained her perfect smile.

Alexander's hand suddenly covered hers, giving it a gentle squeeze.

"I'm here," he murmured, his voice barely audible.

Evelyn didn't pull away, simply gazing at the scenery rushing past the window. Sunlight bathed her face but couldn't dispel the shadows in her eyes.

She knew—this might be their last family trip together.