Chapter 618

Alexander Hamilton sighed. "It's okay to be vulnerable sometimes."

Evelyn Carter was already climbing the stairs, her slender back radiating quiet defiance. "If I weren't strong enough, I would've broken down when I lost my baby last time. Emily is still young, and Mom is too soft-hearted—this family needs me to hold it together."

"Actually..."

Alexander wanted to say she could lean on him, but the words died in his throat. Andrew Anderson had just entrusted him with his daughter's care—it felt opportunistic to voice such thoughts now.

He followed Evelyn in silence, escorting her back to her room.

Evelyn stepped into the bathroom, splashing cold water on her face. The mirror reflected her slightly reddened eyes, though no tear tracks were visible.

"Is the resort's medical team still available?" she asked abruptly.

Alexander nodded. "Places like this always have medical staff on standby. Given your father's condition, I made special arrangements."

Her fingers tightened around the towel. "Could you get some painkillers for me? Just say it was your idea."

She couldn't expose her father's secret, so this was her only way to ease his suffering.

"Of course." He agreed without hesitation. "What medications do you need? I'll prepare everything."

He assumed this was routine treatment, until he noticed the bitter twist of Evelyn's lips.

"I'll make a list." Her voice trembled. "If prescriptions are required, I'll have Olivia issue them."

Those potent painkillers were meant for terminal cancer patients.

"I've seen too many patients like this at the hospital..." Evelyn's voice grew faint. "Dad's so proud—he must be enduring it silently. I can't save him, but at least I can lessen his pain."

Suddenly, she grabbed Alexander's sleeve. "Could it be a misdiagnosis?"

The thought was a lifeline, but her father's reaction told the truth.

"About this..." Her voice cracked. "Can I rely on you?"

Only then did Alexander understand the real meaning behind Andrew's earlier words. The illness had already taken hold.

"Leave it to me." Seeing the tear streaks on Evelyn's face, his heart ached. "Cry if you need to—the soundproofing here is excellent."

Evelyn lifted a bewildered hand, touching her ice-cold cheeks.

Turns out, in moments of overwhelming grief, people really do forget they're crying.

Alexander wordlessly handed her tissues before stepping onto the balcony to make calls. When he returned, Evelyn had dried her tears, though her face remained frighteningly pale.

"The medications are arranged." He sat beside her. "The doctor will keep it confidential. This afternoon, I reserved two hot spring pools—shall we relax there?"

When she didn't respond, he added, "What your father wants most is to see you happy."

The words were like medicine.

Evelyn drew a deep breath. "Alright, I'll change. At least for today, I want them to enjoy themselves."

Relief finally washed over Alexander. "I'll inform your parents and come get you for lunch."

......

The resort dining room buzzed with familial warmth.

Daisy Lee excused herself to the staff area. Evelyn understood the discomfort and didn't stop her.

Emily Anderson leaned closer. "Sis, I forgot my body wash—can I borrow yours?"

"Sure." Evelyn turned to their parents. "Do you need anything? I'll bring it all."

Andrew waved dismissively. "What fuss does a grown man need for a simple soak?"

Anthony Taylor watched them enviously but could only say, "We brought plenty—use ours if you're missing anything."

Grace Anderson quickly declined. "We couldn't possibly impose!"

Teresa Taylor explained gently, "The doctor advised against hot springs for me. These items would go unused anyway. Just being able to stroll outside makes me happy."

Anthony nodded. "Yes, we'll rest first and join activities once we're feeling better."

Evelyn's heart clenched. They'd known all along they couldn't use the springs but kept quiet to avoid dampening the mood.

They'd rather bear the disappointment themselves than compromise her happiness.

Though fate had taken from her before, it had now given her twice the love in return. Wasn't that its own form of compensation?