Chapter 621

Alexander Hamilton leaned close to Evelyn Carter's ear, his warm breath brushing against her skin. "The temperature drops sharply in the mountains. Everyone brought thick coats—you should go change into one too."

Evelyn clenched the hem of her shirt, her voice barely audible. "I... forgot to pack one."

The corner of Alexander's lips lifted. "I figured. There are two in the black organizer pouch on the outer layer of my suitcase. I packed them for you."

Evelyn turned her face away, her lashes fluttering faintly. She had said "thank you" too many times these past days—so often it now felt awkward between them.

Night fell swiftly. By the time the convoy reached the campsite, stars already dotted the sky.

Alexander assembled the tent frame with efficient but slightly unpracticed movements. Andrew Anderson rolled up his sleeves and approached. "You need to secure the diagonal supports first for stability."

"Mr. Anderson, please, just rest." Alexander quickly stopped him.

Andrew glanced toward his wife and daughters, busy elsewhere, then lowered his voice. "Alexander... those medications... you arranged for them to be delivered, didn’t you?"

Alexander paused mid-motion, then nodded quietly.

"I knew it." Andrew smiled. "They work wonders. The pain’s completely gone now."

Alexander’s throat tightened. He didn’t dare respond, remembering all too clearly the way Evelyn had looked at him with red-rimmed eyes when she’d begged for his help.

As the aroma of barbecue filled the air, the Milky Way stretched across the night sky. Emily Anderson squealed in delight. "Oh my god! This is breathtaking!"

Evelyn grabbed her sister’s arm before she could rush forward, directing her gaze ahead—where Andrew had his arm around Grace Anderson’s shoulders, the two of them leaning close as they admired the stars.

"Since when is Dad this romantic...?" Emily muttered under her breath.

Evelyn abruptly turned away. "I’ve got something in my eye. I need tissues."

She strode toward the tent, her nails digging into her palms. Alexander followed silently, offering her a packet. "Here. Tears will give you away."

Evelyn tilted her head up, the starlight fracturing in her eyes.

"I’ve witnessed so much life and death..." Her voice trembled. "But when it’s my own family, all rationality becomes a cruel joke."

Alexander watched her shaking shoulders. "Your father is happy. He thinks those medications were just something I happened to bring."

"That’s for the best." Evelyn crushed the tissues in her grip. "At least he doesn’t have to endure the pain anymore..."

The night wind carried memories with it.

"In medical school, I thought I was prepared to face mortality." Her laugh was bitter. "But when the moment arrives, you realize no amount of mental preparation is enough."

Alexander gently took her icy hand. "Being with them now is the greatest comfort you can give."

Evelyn stared at her parents’ silhouettes under the stars, her tears finally breaking free. "I promised them a better life... and now..."

"Leave it to me." Alexander’s voice was firm. "I’ll handle the company. You focus on your family."

Evelyn drew a deep breath, wiping her cheeks. "I have to stay strong... Mom and Emily still need me."

"You’re stronger than you think."

Evelyn gazed at the endless sky, whispering, "The deeper the love, the heavier the grief. But the pain... is proof that love was real."