Chapter 628

Andrew Anderson pressed a trembling hand to his chest, suppressing the dull ache radiating through his ribs. "I'm fine," he managed a smile. "Just happy to see everyone together."

Grace Anderson looped her arm through his, crow's feet crinkling at her eyes. "Once Emily graduates, we'll have all the time in the world for family trips."

There would be no "after" for him.

Andrew's throat tightened as he noticed the silver strands threading through his wife's hair. He averted his gaze casually. "Yes, you should travel more after this."

Evelyn Carter caught the odd inflection in her father's voice. She quickly raised the camera. "Closer, Mom and Dad. The lighting's perfect here."

Grace immediately adjusted their pose. Sunlight filtered through the leaves, dappling their faces with golden patterns. Andrew's smile glowed with unusual tenderness in the speckled light.

"Evelyn," he suddenly beckoned, "let's take a proper family portrait."

Alexander Hamilton wordlessly took the camera. Through the lens, Andrew stood ramrod straight, as if committing every detail to memory through sheer willpower.

"When will these be developed?" Grace asked excitedly, scrolling through the previews.

Alexander glanced at Andrew's ashen complexion. "I'll have the resort expedite them. We'll get the prints tonight."

"Let's take one more." Andrew's voice was firm. "Alexander, invite your mother to join us."

In his limited time, he needed to see his daughter embraced by a complete family.

Evelyn bit her lip hard to stop the tears. Alexander set the timer and swiftly moved beside her. When the shutter clicked, she felt her father's hand settle gently on her shoulder.

Back at the resort, Anthony and Teresa Taylor were already waiting in the private dining room. The space smelled of medicinal herbs, and Teresa's complexion had noticeably improved.

"The mountain air does wonders," she said, serving Grace a portion of braised lamb. "You should extend your stay."

Andrew barely touched his food, his hidden hand trembling violently beneath the table. The painkillers were wearing off, and cold sweat soaked through his shirt.

"Some warm soup," Grace suggested worriedly, watching her husband's pallor. "It'll help with the chill."

As the server presented the clay pot, Evelyn noticed her father's fingers had turned bluish. Before she could speak, a dull thud silenced the room.

Andrew collapsed beside the table, sending the soup bowl shattering across the floor.

"Andrew!" Grace's scream pierced the air.

Alexander was already dialing as he sprinted forward. "Prep the emergency route—patient en route now!"

Evelyn dropped to her knees, checking for a pulse. The faint flutter beneath her fingertips nearly stopped her own heart. She looked up to see her mother clutching her mouth, fat tears rolling down her cheeks.

The SUV tore through the night. In the backseat, Andrew's breathing grew shallower with each passing mile. Evelyn clutched his icy hand, chanting like a prayer: "Hold on, we're almost at the hospital..."

The ER doors reflected her ghostly face. When the resuscitation lights flickered on, Evelyn finally crumpled onto the waiting bench. The antiseptic sting in her nostrils triggered a sudden memory—her father kneeling to tie her sneaker laces that very morning.

"Dad..."

Scalding tears splashed onto her bloodstained hands. Down the corridor, Grace's staggering figure appeared, half-supported by Emily as they rushed toward the ICU.