Chapter 664

The night deepened, with only a few dim bulbs illuminating the pond.

Alexander Hamilton followed closely behind Lotus Waters, carrying numerous bags as he steadily crossed the narrow bridge. With practiced ease, he set up the tent, laid out the moisture-proof mat, and expertly hung the mosquito net.

Lily and Lotus, sensing the moment, tactfully excused themselves.

The spacious two-person tent was comfortable, with sleeping bags placed at just the right distance apart. Alexander no longer had to worry about an aching back.

Evelyn Carter arched a brow at the increasingly luxurious campsite. "Did you raid an entire outdoor store? It's a miracle the bridge didn't collapse under all that."

Alexander replied earnestly, "Lotus kept glancing back at me while crossing. Probably worried I'd fall in."

As they spoke, the small shelter transformed.

The mosquito net hung at the entrance, its rolled-up curtain allowing Evelyn to leisurely admire the night. Fireflies danced among the grass like scattered stars against the dark expanse of water and sky.

Evelyn, seeing fireflies for the first time, was mesmerized.

"Want to catch a few for the net?" Alexander rolled up his sleeves. "We could watch them while lying down."

"No." Evelyn stopped him immediately. "Fireflies have their own paths. Trapping them only shortens their lives."

Alexander withdrew his hand and sat beside her. "Sorry, I didn't know."

"It's fine. You just—"

Evelyn's words cut off as a dark shadow smacked against the net.

Alexander instantly shielded her.

A green-eyed bat clung upside down to the top of the net, its fangs glinting coldly in the light.

Evelyn gripped Alexander's sleeve. As a doctor, she was no stranger to blood, but rodent-like creatures were her one weakness.

Instead of shooing it away, Alexander gently shook the net. Startled, the bat flew off into the night.

"It mistook the open door for a cave," he explained, feeling the grip on his sleeve loosen—and inexplicably, a pang of disappointment. "It won't come back."

Evelyn straightened her spine. "I wasn't scared. Just startled. I've seen worse in anatomy labs."

She feigned composure as she moved to the other side of the tent, surrendering the best viewing spot.

Alexander's lips quirked. "Of course. Dr. Carter is the bravest."

Evelyn suspected mockery but had no proof. She focused on the fireflies, only to get bitten by mosquitoes several times.

"Did you bring menthol oil?" she finally asked. "Didn't expect this many mosquitoes at night."

After checking the tightly sealed net, Alexander produced insect repellent. "The pharmacy was closed. This is all I have."

Evelyn took it and saw it was a rollerball design. The bites on her neck were out of reach.

Alexander noticed too. "Let me help." He took back the bottle. "I swear I didn’t know it was like this when I bought it."

Too tired to argue, Evelyn swept her hair aside. "Just dab it lightly."

The cool scent of mint filled the air. When Alexander's fingers brushed the delicate skin of her neck, his pulse quickened.

Evelyn waited. "Stuck?"

"No." He drew a slow breath. "You’ve got bites on your ankles too. I’ll get those."

Kneeling, he lightly covered her foot with his palm. Her cool skin made his fingertips burn.

Evelyn jerked her foot back. "I’ll handle those myself."