Chapter 624

The mountain night sky was exceptionally clear, scattered with stars like diamonds strewn across the heavens. The bright moonlight cast a silvery glow over the tents.

Grace Anderson had already fallen into a deep slumber, her breathing steady and even. But Andrew Anderson lay curled in his sleeping bag, beads of sweat forming on his forehead. His right hand pressed firmly against his abdomen, knuckles white with tension. He clenched his teeth, careful not to make a sound that might disturb his wife.

Suddenly, his phone screen lit up, piercing the darkness.

Gritting through the pain, Andrew reached for it. The light roused Grace, who mumbled sleepily, "Who's calling so late?"

"It's Evelyn," Andrew answered with a frown. "What's wrong?"

Evelyn Carter's excited voice came through the phone. "Dad! Come out and see the shooting stars! A really bright one just streaked across the sky!"

Grace turned over drowsily. "You two go ahead... I'm too tired..."

Andrew pulled on his jacket, pausing to reassure her. "Rest well. If I see another, I'll take a picture for you."

As he stepped out of the tent, he nearly bumped into Emily Anderson rubbing her eyes.

"Dad, Evelyn said there's a meteor shower, but I can't stay awake," Emily yawned. "I'm going back to sleep with Mom."

Andrew looked up at the starry expanse—no trace of any meteors. In that instant, he understood his daughter's true intention.

Emily started to leave but suddenly froze. The mountain breeze brushed past, jolting her awake as realization dawned belatedly.

Andrew forced himself to the edge of the campsite, where two figures emerged from behind the trees.

Alexander Hamilton handed him medication, murmuring an apology. "Uncle Andrew, I'm sorry..."

Accepting the pills, Andrew's gaze fell on Evelyn's swollen, red-rimmed eyes. He sighed softly. "Silly girl, why cry like this?"

"Dad..." Evelyn's voice trembled. "Just take the medicine first."

The three walked deeper into the woods without another word. Moonlight filtered through the leaves, casting dappled shadows on the ground.

Beneath an old locust tree, Andrew stopped.

"This was your idea, wasn't it?" He looked at Alexander.

Alexander nodded. "Evelyn was worried about you."

Evelyn's hands shook slightly as she held out a thermos. "Dad, please take your medicine now."

"Alright, alright." Andrew swallowed the pills with warm water, forcing lightness into his tone. "Just a stomachache. Nothing serious."

As the medication took effect, the tension in his spine eased slightly.

Alexander suggested, "Tomorrow, I'll take you back to the hospital."

"No need." Andrew waved him off. "It's rare for the family to have this time together. Don't ruin it."

Evelyn could no longer hold back—tears spilled over. "This isn't just a stomachache! You know it's—"

"Evelyn." Andrew gently wiped her cheeks. "At my age, I've made peace with things. Better to leave the money for the family than waste it at the hospital."

The night wind rustled through the treetops.

"Just listen to me this once..." Evelyn gripped her father's hand. "Just this once..."

Andrew gazed at his daughter's tear-streaked face, his throat working. "My dear child, you've been my greatest pride in this life. This time... let me have my way, alright?"

His voice grew softer. "Perhaps... it's the last time."