Chapter 114

Evelyn Carter stood before the supermarket shelf, her fingertips lightly tracing a row of body washes.

The apartment rental was finally settled.

Though Vivian Dempsey had repeatedly urged her to stay, Evelyn knew long-term imposition wasn't the solution. Especially with the hospital potentially calling at any hour—coming and going at midnight would inevitably disturb Vivian's rest.

Her phone screen still glowed, displaying photos of the new studio apartment on the rental app. One bedroom, decent lighting, just a fifteen-minute walk from the hospital.

"This one," she murmured, pressing the confirmation button and paying the deposit.

When Vivian found out, she stomped her foot in frustration. "Don't you consider me a friend? What's wrong with staying here? I sleep like a log!"

Evelyn looked up from folding clothes and smiled. "I know you don't mind. But I do."

"Mind what?"

"Mind always inconveniencing you." She placed the last folded shirt into the suitcase. "Besides, the new place is closer to the hospital. I can get there ten minutes faster when emergency calls come in."

Vivian rolled her eyes. "Workaholic!"

"Still short on the down payment for a house," Evelyn said softly. "This job is important to me."

Vivian suddenly leaned in, lowering her voice conspiratorially. "After saving Natalie Stapleton this time, the director will definitely reward you. A promotion and raise are just around the corner!"

Evelyn only smiled, offering no reply.

She knew better. Things weren't that simple. The tangled web of Simon Stapleton and Natalie's drama, Vivian's history with Simon, and her own position at the hospital—it was all a messy knot.

On moving day, Vivian arrived in her red sports car, helping transport two cardboard boxes.

"That's all you have?" Vivian gaped. "Where have you been living all these years?"

"Hospital dorm." Evelyn patted the boxes. "Enough is enough."

The new apartment was nicer than expected. The landlady was warm and welcoming, even providing fresh bedding. Evelyn spent the morning settling in before heading to the supermarket that afternoon for daily essentials.

The store was quiet as she compared two shampoo bottles. Then a familiar voice drifted from behind her.

"...Her? Pfft."

The tone was laced with mockery and disdain. Evelyn's fingers froze mid-air.

Simon Stapleton.

"...Judging by your tone, there's a story?" a female voice chimed in, buzzing with gossipy excitement.

"Nothing much. It's just Evelyn Carter..." Simon's voice dropped slightly. "...loves tattling."

Evelyn stood rooted to the spot, her grip tightening around the body wash bottle until the plastic creaked.

"Seriously? Spill the tea!" The woman's voice grew even more eager.

Simon chuckled. "She's..."