Chapter 659

"Thank you, brother." Lily Waters murmured her gratitude first, small fingers twisting the hem of her oversized shirt. "But we can run ahead to show you the way."

Lotus Waters peeked from behind his sister, nodding timidly.

Both siblings wore clothes several sizes too large, sleeves and pant legs rolled up multiple times. Their shoes were caked with dried mud from running along the field paths.

Evelyn Carter crouched to gently straighten Lily's rolled sleeves. "Hop in. We'd feel terrible arriving at your home without you."

Lily bit her lip. "Dr. Carter, what if we dirty your car..."

"Won't happen." Alexander Hamilton turned from the driver's seat. "This vehicle isn't that delicate."

Lotus tentatively touched the leather upholstery, only to have his hand swatted away by his sister. "Don't touch!"

The boy withdrew his grubby fingers, staring at them guiltily.

Alexander watched through the rearview mirror. "Go ahead. These things are sturdier than they look."

Lily shook her head, sitting primly with only her curious eyes exploring the car's interior.

The mountain road jostled them violently. Suddenly Lily offered, "Brother, Dr. Carter, should I sing for you?"

Her clear child's voice filled the cabin: "Winding paths through hills so steep, Mama waits where two roads meet..."

Lotus clapped along, their duet transforming the stuffy car into something alive.

Evelyn found herself humming along. Alexander's grip on the wheel loosened as his gaze kept drifting to Evelyn's smiling reflection.

Rounding a bend, the landscape opened dramatically.

"We're here!" Lily pointed excitedly at a distant blue dot. "That's our boat!"

Before them stretched an endless lotus pond, emerald leaves trembling on jade waves. A few wooden skiffs floated peacefully against a backdrop of misty mountains.

Alexander parked, inhaling the fragrant air. "This should be a tourist destination."

"No!" Lily turned grave. "Mama says the pond is our lifeblood. Can't let strangers ruin it."

Evelyn ruffled her hair. "Don't worry. He's not that kind of person."

Lotus was already at water's edge, beckoning them toward his discovered lotus pod.

The setting sun gilded the pond's surface. Watching Evelyn's silhouette outlined in gold, Alexander suddenly knew—this detour was worth every mile.