Chapter 643

Elder Thompson hesitated. "Dr. Carter stays at the clinic dormitory with the other nurses."

The implication was clear—a grown man visiting the women's living quarters was inappropriate.

Alexander remained composed. "I just need a word with Dr. Carter."

The village elder glanced between them, torn between offending the rare philanthropist and respecting the female medical staff's privacy.

Evelyn finished her chocolate square. Knowing Alexander's persistence, she intervened. "Elder, I'll show him around."

They walked back along the dirt road.

The modest clinic building already seemed crude, but the dormitory made Alexander's brow furrow involuntarily.

Evelyn paused at the door. "Wait here."

After checking inside, she motioned him in.

As Alexander ducked through the low doorway, his temple collided with a bunk bed railing. A dull thud echoed.

"You okay?" Evelyn turned.

"Fine." He stepped forward—only to kick over a thermos. Cold water soaked his trouser cuff.

Evelyn sighed. "That's yesterday's water. It's room temperature now."

Alexander righted the thermos clumsily. "Do you have a mop?"

"Don't bother." She pointed to the exposed brick floor. "It'll dry."

His chest tightened as he surveyed the peeling walls and sparse furniture—her living conditions.

"Sit." She indicated her narrow bed.

He hesitated. He remembered her germaphobia—no outside clothes on her bedding.

"This isn't home." She read his hesitation. "No need for formalities."

Perching gingerly on the edge, he watched her grab the empty thermos. Outside at the concrete sink, she filled it and plugged in the instant water heater.

The outdated appliance made his jaw tense.

"It boils water." Her tone was flat.

When steam rose, she handed him a mug. "No tea leaves."

"Water's perfect." He blew across the surface. "This tastes..."

"Well water. Mineral aftertaste." She cut him off. "Leave if it's unpalatable."

He drained the cup in one go. "If you drink it, so can I." Though his lips twitched, his expression stayed neutral.

Evelyn changed subjects. "How'd you find this place?"

"Asked your hospital director." He set down the mug. "He only said this region."

"So you checked every village?"

Alexander nodded. "Seven of them."

Her pulse hitched. These mountain hamlets were scattered and remote.

Outside, nurses' laughter approached.

Alexander stood. "I should go."

At the threshold, he turned. "I'll return tomorrow."

Not a request—a statement.

Evelyn watched his broad-shouldered silhouette disappear down the dirt path, exhaling softly.