Chapter 654

Evelyn Carter lowered her head, fingers unconsciously tracing the hem of her white coat.

"The path to becoming a doctor is far harder than I imagined," she murmured. "Five years of undergrad, four for my master's, three in residency... While others were settling into careers and families, I was still rotating through hospital wards."

Alexander Hamilton watched the faint tremor in her lashes, his chest tightening.

"My mother always wanted me to be a teacher. Said stability matters most for women." Evelyn's smile was bitter. "Only my father supported me. He told me to chase my dreams—that he'd cover the tuition."

Sunlight streamed through the window, casting dappled shadows across her face.

Alexander's throat worked, but no words came.

In the face of death, all comfort rang hollow.

"The attending physician said..." Evelyn drew a shaky breath. "Dad went peacefully. Didn't suffer much."

She lifted her gaze, tears glimmering. "After years in oncology, you learn this is the best possible ending."

Alexander's fingertips trembled slightly.

"Better than watching someone you love waste away to disease." Her voice caught. "At least he kept his dignity."

A tear splashed onto the desk, vanishing almost instantly.

Alexander reached for her hand—then froze mid-motion.

"Evelyn." His voice roughened. "You consider everyone's needs but your own."

She turned away. "I'm fine."

"Really?"

"Here, I can actually help people." She stared out the window. "Seeing patients walk out healthy—that's worth more than anything."

Alexander studied her profile. "I'll stay with you."

"Don't." She gestured to the IV in his hand. "This isn't your world, Mr. Hamilton. Go back to your corporate empire."

He chuckled. "A costly misstep?"

"Glad you recognize it."

"Didn't lose the lady, but got myself trapped instead." His gaze burned.

Evelyn sighed. "You can't adapt to this life."

"I'll learn."

"Says the man who fell ill in one day." She eyed his IV bag. "Altitude sickness isn't a joke."

Before Alexander could reply, Elder Thompson barged in.

"Mr. Hamilton!" The village chief carried a wool blanket. "This wretched weather—mustn't catch a chill!"

Alexander thanked him politely.

The elder produced a thermos with theatrical secrecy. "Family recipe for stomach ailments."

The dark liquid inside emitted a peculiar odor.

Alexander's expression froze.

"Drink it hot," Elder Thompson urged. "Got rock sugar if it's too bitter—"

Evelyn stifled a laugh. "He's not a child, Elder."

Alexander shot her a pleading look.

"Bottoms up." Her lips twitched. "Won't kill you."

He downed it in one gulp, eyes squeezed shut.

As the concoction hit his throat, Alexander's entire face contorted.

Evelyn finally laughed aloud. "How's it taste?"

"Better... than expected." He swallowed hard. "Still preferable to losing you."

Sunlight spilled between them, dust motes dancing in the golden beams.