Chapter 613

Alexander Hamilton turned the steering wheel with practiced ease as the car glided smoothly out of the city. In the rearview mirror, Daisy Lee maintained a safe distance in the other vehicle.

Evelyn Carter leaned against the window, her fingers absently tracing patterns on the glass. The scenery outside blurred past, unnoticed.

"I remember the resort's hot springs are natural sulfur springs—great for joints," Margaret Hamilton broke the silence with a smile. "Andrew, you two should try them."

Anthony Taylor quickly chimed in, "Yes, Teresa's been complaining about her knees lately."

Teresa Taylor patted her husband's hand gently, though her gaze lingered on Evelyn's silhouette in the front seat.

Alexander glanced up from the navigation screen. "They've added a medicinal bath area. I booked us an afternoon slot."

As he adjusted the AC, his fingers brushed lightly against Evelyn's elbow.

She startled. "What?"

"Asked if you'd like to join me for the medicinal bath later," he murmured, low enough for only her to hear.

"Maybe." She turned back to the window, gripping the seatbelt tighter.

The car fell quiet again. Margaret studied the pair thoughtfully before suddenly brightening. "Alexander, what were those specialty dishes you mentioned last time?"

"Pine mushroom chicken and wild mountain greens," he replied smoothly. "Already reserved."

"Always so considerate," Anthony praised.

Evelyn closed her eyes, feigning sleep. She could feel Teresa's worried gaze but didn't know how to respond.

Two hours later, the convoy pulled into the resort parking lot. Evelyn was the first out, inhaling deeply the crisp mountain air.

"Sis!" Emily Anderson bounded over. "Which room is ours?"

Alexander looked up from unloading luggage. "East end of the second floor—best view."

Margaret suddenly took Evelyn's hand. "Walk with me?"

Evelyn's stomach tightened as she followed Margaret into the garden. Pale winter sunlight filtered through bare branches, casting dappled shadows.

"Child," Margaret stopped abruptly, "did Alexander upset you again?"

Evelyn shook her head.

"Then...is it the Taylors?" Margaret's gaze sharpened. "Be honest with me."

Evelyn's nails dug into her palms. How could she explain? That she was terrified of the impending farewell? That Teresa's forced smiles cut like knives?

"Just work stress," she finally whispered. "Year-end deadlines."

Margaret sighed, reaching to smooth the furrow between Evelyn's brows. "Silly girl, why won't you talk to me?"

The words shattered Evelyn's composure. She bit her lip, eyes burning.

"Mom! Evelyn!" Alexander's voice carried across the garden. "Rooms are ready!"

Margaret patted Evelyn's hand. "After the hot springs tonight, we'll talk properly."

Back in the lobby, Alexander distributed key cards—placing the Taylors near the elevator, Margaret in a quiet corner.

"Yours and Emily's room has a private balcony." He handed two cards to Evelyn, his fingertips grazing her palm.

"Thank you," she murmured, turning away just as Margaret scolded, "Did you make Evelyn work overtime again?"

Alexander sounded genuinely confused. "I didn't—"

Evelyn quickened her pace toward the elevator, leaving their voices behind. The key card burned in her hand, heavy with unspoken emotions.