Chapter 673

Emily Zade stepped forward to block Evelyn's path when she noticed her pale complexion. "Mrs. Hamilton, please stay back. Let me handle this."

Evelyn shook her head, her eyes hollow. "I need to see for myself."

"But—" Emily's forehead glistened with sweat. "You're in no condition—"

"Emily." Evelyn's voice was feather-light as she interrupted. "I've already lost too many people."

Memories flashed through her mind—her father's hand clutching hers in his final moments, the child she'd never held, every word Alexander had spoken to her in the mountains.

If even he was...

The medical examiner pushed through the crowd and removed his mask. "No identification needed. This body's been submerged for over a month."

Evelyn's knees buckled.

Emily caught her, trembling. "It's not Mr. Hamilton! Do you hear me? It's not him!"

Evelyn gasped for air like a drowning woman breaking the surface.

But where was Alexander?

Emily's suit jacket was caked with mud. She wiped her face. "I'll question more villagers."

"Okay." Evelyn nodded weakly.

Emily suddenly grinned. "When Mr. Hamilton returns, he'd better reimburse me for this suit."

Seeing her disheveled state, Evelyn's lips curved slightly. "If he refuses, I'll fight him for you."

"Deal!" Emily's eyes brightened.

"Dr. Carter!" Lily's voice carried from a distance. "Big brother is back!"

Evelyn whirled around.

Alexander limped toward them, his shirt unrecognizable beneath layers of grime. His gaze locked onto Evelyn through the crowd.

"Mr. Hamilton!" Emily sprinted to him.

Medical staff swarmed forward, but Alexander raised a hand to stop them, his eyes never leaving Evelyn.

Evelyn took step after measured step toward him.

"Evelyn." His voice was rough.

"Hmm."

"I'm okay." He hesitated, suddenly flustered. "Not that you should care... I mean—"

Watching his awkwardness, Evelyn nodded gently. "I understand."

Alexander exhaled in relief. "I don't want to burden you."

Evelyn studied his mud-streaked face. This man raised in luxury had slept on hard planks, used primitive latrines, endured insect bites without complaint.

"Evelyn?" He frowned at the cuts on her face. "You're hurt?"

"Minor scratches." Her voice softened. "Your leg—"

"It's fine—" Alexander cut off with a sharp inhale.

Emily called out, "The ambulance is right there. Both of you should get checked."

The doctor examined him and frowned. "Mr. Hamilton, your ankle needs realignment, but we have no anesthesia here."

"Do it." Alexander remained expressionless.

Evelyn's brow furrowed. "Let's go to the town hospital."

"No." He shook his head. "They might come back for revenge."

Emily turned to Evelyn. "Mrs. Hamilton, what do you think?"