Chapter 623

Alexander Hamilton treated Evelyn Carter as if she were fragile glass these days, even moderating his breathing to avoid disturbing her.

Emily Anderson eyed him suspiciously. "You swear you didn't upset my sister?"

"Wouldn't dare," Alexander replied with a wry smile.

Emily gave a hesitant nod. "Fine. I'll check on her."

"Let me," Alexander intercepted her. "Your sister will worry if she sees you up this late."

After a brief pause, Emily turned away—though she glanced back every few steps.

Alexander moved soundlessly toward Evelyn's tent. The night breeze carried faint sobs to his ears, tightening his chest. He tapped lightly on the canvas.

The crying ceased abruptly.

"Who is it?" Evelyn's voice was thick.

"Me."

"What do you want?"

"Emily heard you crying. She's concerned."

Fabric rustled as Evelyn cracked the tent flap open. "She heard me?"

"Yeah."

"She—"

"Let me come in," Alexander murmured. "It's not safe to talk out here."

After a long hesitation, Evelyn unzipped the entrance. Moonlight revealed her swollen eyes.

Alexander's gaze flickered to the plastic bag overflowing with tissues before he averted it. "You sure you're okay?"

"I'm fine," Evelyn rasped. "Go rest."

He noted the glow from Emily's nearby tent. "Your sister's still awake. Can we talk inside?"

The cramped space forced them to sit shoulder-to-shoulder. Alexander's tall frame nearly filled the tent as he carefully resealed the zipper.

"It's too small," Evelyn whispered.

"Doesn't matter." His eyes lingered on her damp lashes. "You seemed fine earlier when we watched the Milky Way. What happened?"

Evelyn crushed a tissue in her fist. "I went to check on Dad... He said he was getting Mom's jacket, but I followed him—" Her voice fractured. "He collapsed in pain..."

Alexander's chest constricted, recalling Andrew Anderson's strained composure on the staircase earlier.

"I gave your father painkillers this afternoon," he said tightly. "They must've worn off."

Fresh tears spilled down Evelyn's cheeks. "I can't even bring him more medication—"

"I have them here. But with Grace present, how do we—"

Evelyn suddenly gripped his arm. "What if we get Mom to sleep in my tent?"

Alexander considered this. "There might be another way..."