Chapter 176

Evelyn Carter observed his flushed cheeks and fidgeting fingers, responding calmly, "I've seen plenty of this at the hospital. Don't worry about it."

Peter Harrison's tense shoulders relaxed slightly when he saw her composed expression. "Let's get in the car first. We need to find Emily."

Evelyn checked her watch. Emily had been unreachable for over two hours. The three-hour deadline they'd set was approaching, yet her calls still went unanswered.

"Do you know where she is?"

Peter snapped his fingers confidently. "There's one place she's most likely at."

As Evelyn moved toward the back seat, Peter suddenly spoke up. "Sit in the front."

"Why?"

"A sprinkler truck passed by earlier. The rear windows were open." He pointed to the soaked fabric seats. "They're completely drenched."

Through the window, Evelyn saw the back seats were indeed soaked. Just as she hesitated, Peter had already circled the car and opened the passenger door for her.

Evelyn didn't move, her gaze locking onto his eyes.

Peter's Adam's apple bobbed. "What's wrong?"

"Do you know what the front seat signifies?"

He waved his hands hastily. "It really was an accident! Several cars parked along the street got hit..." His voice trailed off. "Just this once doesn't mean anything."

Five years later, this physics competition champion hadn't changed a bit. Auntie Lucy always praised her son for being honest and dependable—now Evelyn saw it was true. Even when lying, his ears turned red as boiled shrimp.

"Evelyn?"

She snapped out of her thoughts and slid into the passenger seat. Peter's movements were noticeably lighter as he closed the door, even humming a tune when he returned to the driver's side.

When the engine started, he was still smiling. "Is it... comfortable?" Realizing the unintended implication, he quickly added, "I meant the seat height!"

Evelyn arched an eyebrow.

"You can adjust the backrest!" He gestured frantically. "No need to reset it. It's usually just me in here anyway..." The more he explained, the more flustered he became, his grip leaving sweat marks on the steering wheel.

"Peter."

"Yeah?"

"Watch the road." Evelyn pointed to the flashing red light ahead.