Chapter 666

Alexander's eyes narrowed as he instinctively shielded Evelyn behind him. The blinding headlights formed a menacing circle around the pond like predatory eyes gleaming in the dark.

"Something's wrong," he muttered, his voice low. "At least seven vehicles have surrounded the pond."

Lily's face paled. "It's those thugs!" She clenched her fists. "Lotus, take Dr. Carter and the others back to the clinic through the shortcut!"

Evelyn's heart raced. "What thugs?"

"Developers from the city," Lily explained hurriedly. "They came last month, demanding to fill the pond for a villa project. They even pushed down Elder Thompson..."

Without hesitation, Alexander scooped Evelyn into his arms despite her just having put on her shoes. "Lily, come with us."

"No!" The stubborn girl shook her head. "I need to warn my parents and neighbors." Like a swift deer, she vanished into the night.

Lotus bit his lip nervously, his small hands trembling.

Grabbing only two phones, Alexander followed the boy with Evelyn in his arms. His dress shoes sank into the muddy path with each step, the squelching sound echoing in the quiet night.

Cradled securely against his chest, Evelyn could feel the steady warmth of his body. The night breeze carried the faint scent of reeds as it brushed her cheeks.

"Put me down," she whispered, her ears burning.

"Don't move." His arms tightened. "The path's too slippery."

Under the moonlight, Lotus navigated the rugged trail with goat-like agility. That boy could've been an athlete if he ever left these mountains.

As they rounded a reed thicket, the distant headlights faded into pinpricks of light. Evelyn exhaled in relief. "Lotus, who exactly are these developers?"

The boy didn't slow his pace. "Dad said they're from... the Liang Corporation."

Alexander froze.

"What's wrong?" Evelyn felt his muscles tense instantly.

"The Liangs..." His voice turned icy. "That's my uncle's company."

Evelyn gasped. The conspiracy had hit shockingly close to home.

Lotus glanced back in confusion. "You know them, Mr. Hamilton?"

"More than know them." Alexander's laugh held no warmth. "We're family."

His sharp gaze glittered like honed steel in the darkness. Suddenly Evelyn understood why Alexander had been exiled to this remote village—it was all part of the game.

"Back to the clinic first," she said decisively. "We need to strategize."

Alexander shook his head. "No time." His eyes tracked the distant headlights. "They didn't come all this way to leave empty-handed."

A deafening explosion shattered the night. Flames erupted in the distance, painting half the sky crimson.

The direction of Lily's home.

Lotus's bloodcurdling scream pierced the air. "Sister—!"