Chapter 684

"Why did the fish fry suddenly die?" Alexander Hamilton frowned deeply.

The elderly woman rubbed the edge of her basket with rough fingers. "The fry were healthy. It's our pond that's the problem. Most likely the water..."

Her clouded eyes held resignation. "This village is dying anyway. What does it matter?"

Evelyn Carter's chest tightened. These kind villagers had done nothing wrong, yet they bore the consequences. Meanwhile, those responsible were probably counting their bloodstained profits.

"You must take this." Alexander insisted, purchasing even the coarse cloth lining the basket.

The old woman trembled as she accepted the money, wrinkles creasing into a rare expression. "Thank you... bless you both..."

Evelyn discreetly pressed bus fare into her palm. "Take the coach home. Things will get better."

The woman nodded uncertainly before her hunched figure disappeared into the crowd.

"Trust me." Alexander clasped Evelyn's chilled hand. "We'll fix this."

A soft "Mm" was her reply.

"You actually believe me?" He seemed surprised.

"Our issues don't involve your character." Evelyn said calmly. "You're not a bad person at heart."

Alexander froze, then laughed bitterly. "Still so analytical."

Commotion erupted ahead. He glanced at her. "Shall we continue?"

"Let's see." Evelyn adjusted her coat. "Rare opportunity."

Alexander followed with their basket of trinkets. At the fair's center, a white goose strutted proudly amid scattered bamboo rings from failed toss games.

"Want to try?" He reached for his wallet.

Evelyn stopped him. "And if we win? Hotels don't allow geese."

Just then, a bizarrely dressed middle-aged man blocked their path. After staring intently at Evelyn, he suddenly performed finger calculations. "This lady bears virtuous features. Our fates intertwine."

"No fortunes." She turned to leave.

"Wait!" The man raised his voice. "Miss Carter faces mortal peril this year!"

Alexander's face darkened.

Evelyn smirked. "Then predict what I'll do next."

"Heaven's mysteries cannot—"

"Then don't waste our time." She tugged Alexander away.

"Hold on." He stood firm. "What do you mean by 'mortal peril'?"

The man's eyes gleamed. "Ah... this requires character analysis. But divine secrets demand..."

"Name your price." Alexander cut him off, pulling out his billfold.

Evelyn massaged her temples. Was his usual shrewdness just an act?

"Alexander." She hissed. "Police patrol ahead."

The fortune-teller paled but, seeing Alexander's determination, braved on. "Divinations shorten one's lifespan..."

"Your rate." Alexander flipped open his wallet.

Evelyn contemplated knocking sense into him. As she moved to intervene, Alexander stubbornly added, "Consider it local economic stimulus."

Turning to the charlatan, he demanded, "Explain this 'mortal peril' in detail."