Chapter 705

Lydia Laurent buckled her seatbelt absentmindedly, her voice trembling. "Alexander, I'm so cold. Could you roll up the window?"

She hugged herself, her slender frame shivering in the evening chill.

Alexander Hamilton impassively raised the window. "Move to the back."

"Huh?"

"This seat isn't for you." His tone was icy, leaving no room for argument.

Lydia bit her lip and silently unbuckled, sliding into the rear seat.

As the engine started, the doors automatically locked, sealing them in the quiet space with only the sound of their breathing.

Lydia pulled a scented tissue from her bag, its cloying fragrance overpowering in the confined space. Alexander subtly cracked the window open.

"Alexander," she whispered between sniffles, "will my father... ever get out?"

"Wait for the police investigation."

The hum of the air conditioning filled the heavy silence. An inexplicable exhaustion washed over Alexander—more intense than during his days searching for Evelyn Carter.

Lydia stole a glance at his profile. "You look tired."

"I'm not."

Her gaze landed on the water bottle in the console. "I... I'm thirsty."

"Take it yourself."

By the time they entered the highway ramp, darkness had fully descended. Under the cover of night, Lydia discreetly emptied a hidden powder into the water and gave it a gentle shake.

"Alexander," she cooed, "your eyes are bloodshot. Let me drive?"

He arched a brow. "You know the way?"

"We can use GPS..."

His fingers tapped the steering wheel twice. "Fine."

The mountain road was riddled with forks where navigation often failed. If Lydia could actually find the village...

"I'll rest in the back." Alexander pulled over to switch seats, casually taking the opened water bottle with him.

Lydia turned down the GPS volume, flashing a strange smile in the rearview mirror. "Don't worry. I'll drive carefully."

The drug took effect swiftly. Just before slipping into unconsciousness, Alexander jolted awake.

"Where are we?" His voice was hoarse, his limbs leaden.

Lydia slammed the brakes, nearly sending them off the road. In the jolt, Alexander glimpsed unfamiliar wilderness outside.

"Where are you taking me?" His gaze turned razor-sharp.

Lydia's shoulders stiffened visibly. "To see Father. He's waiting."

"This isn't the way to town." Alexander's voice dropped dangerously. "You detoured on purpose."

She met his eyes in the mirror and suddenly laughed. "Alexander, don't you trust me? I'm practically your little sister."

"Not anymore." His laugh was cold.

Lydia's mirth died instantly. Her reflection showed dead, hollow eyes. "Just a joke. I took a wrong turn. We'll turn back now."