Chapter 630

Andrew Anderson's gentle gaze rested on Evelyn's face, his wrinkled eyes brimming with pride. "Evelyn, my greatest joy in life was having a daughter like you. Whenever I told my old friends about you getting into medical school, their envy was palpable..."

His voice cracked, yet he managed a smile. "Am I being vain? But I just couldn't help it—my girl is extraordinary."

Evelyn tried to smile back, but tears blurred her vision the moment her lips trembled upward.

"Silly child..." Andrew sighed softly. "I have no regrets. Seeing all of you by my side in these final days is more than enough. It's just you I worry about..."

With effort, he raised his hand, brushing her hair as he had when she was little. "You're always taking care of others. Don't forget you deserve care too."

"Dad—" Evelyn collapsed against him, sobbing uncontrollably.

"Don't cry," Andrew whispered, his voice fading. "You're a doctor. You understand... this comes for everyone. I'm at peace. Only you... don't overwork yourself..."

His words halted abruptly, a choked sound escaping his throat.

The hospital door creaked open.

Alexander Hamilton stood silently in the doorway, anguish burning in his eyes. He stepped aside as Emily pushed Grace Anderson's wheelchair into the room.

Grace's face was ashen, her lips trembling. "Andrew! You liar! Why didn't you tell me sooner—"

Andrew looked at his wife's gaunt face, guilt flooding his expression. "Grace, forgive me... I just... couldn't bear to see you suffer..."

"You fool!" Grace seized his hand, tears splashing onto the sheets. "All these years with you—never once did I regret it! This is my fault... I should've noticed—"

Andrew stroked her hand gently, then turned to his younger daughter.

Emily fought back tears, her voice shaking. "Dad, I remember everything... I'll study hard, take care of Mom and Evelyn..."

"My good girl..." Andrew placed his daughters' hands together. "Support each other... Emily, be wise. Evelyn... don't always shoulder everything alone..."

The room echoed with muffled weeping.

Alexander stood motionless nearby, his gaze resolute.

"Alexander..." Andrew suddenly called.

Alexander stepped forward immediately. "Mr. Anderson."

"This family... I leave to you."

"You have my word."

Andrew seemed to relax at the promise, his focus drifting. "Time to go... someone's come for me..."

Evelyn's heart clenched. "Dad?"

"Why is it a little girl...?" Andrew murmured toward the empty corner, his tone softening. "Such a pretty dress... where are your parents?"

His expression brightened suddenly. "Ah... you're here for Grandpa... alright, Grandpa will go with you..."

Evelyn and Alexander instinctively looked where Andrew gazed—there was nothing.

Yet they knew.

A child... Grandpa...

Alexander's fingers clenched into fists.

Evelyn's breath caught.

If only... another world truly existed.

Andrew reached toward the void, a tender smile gracing his face. "Come, let Grandpa hold you—"

His hand fell abruptly. His eyes closed slowly, the smile lingering.

"Dad!" Evelyn grabbed his lifeless hand—the strong, warm hand that would never comfort her again.

No longer would anyone rush to her defense when she was wronged.

No longer would anyone press a lifetime's savings into her palm, urging, "Use this for school."

No longer would anyone kneel at the kindergarten gates, arms open wide, waiting for her to run into them.

"Evelyn!"

Alexander caught her swaying body. "Evelyn, look at me!"

She stared blankly, her mother and sister's wails ringing in her ears.

But her tears had dried. Instead, a memory surfaced—twenty years past—

A tiny Evelyn clutching her father's sleeve, whispering fearfully about not wanting to go to school.

Instead of scolding, he'd bought her a colorful balloon and bent to tell the teacher, "Our girl... she's shy. Please be patient with her..."

When the teacher reached to pat her head, she'd flinched away.

Her father crouched down, straightening her collar gently. "Be brave, Evelyn. I'll be the first to pick you up after school."

Finally, she'd released his hand and followed the teacher inside. Glancing back, she'd watched his tall figure retreat...

Had it really been twenty years?