Chapter 197

Emily Anderson claimed they should take their time, yet she practically dragged her parents along at breakneck speed.

In the blink of an eye, the trio vanished around the stairwell corner.

Evelyn Carter held up her phone flashlight, illuminating the steps for Peter Harrison.

Three heavy boxes were stacked precariously in his arms, forcing him to sidestep carefully down each stair.

"Peter, let me take one."

"No need." He dodged her outstretched hand. "You're a doctor. Your hands are important."

He stubbornly refused her help, so she focused on lighting every step, following closely behind him.

By the time they descended six flights, Peter was drenched in sweat. His white T-shirt clung to his back, soaked through.

Guilt gnawed at Evelyn, but his determination left no room for argument. When they finally stepped outside, both exhaled in relief.

"Brother-in-law!"

Emily's sudden shout made Evelyn's heart leap.

She scanned the area—no sign of Alexander Hamilton.

Instead, Emily was grinning mischievously at Peter.

The unexpected title made Peter frown. "Don't call me that."

Emily bounced over, whispering conspiratorially, "Consider this my thanks for saving me multiple times. I'll help you out."

"Don't be ridiculous."

"Mom and Dad aren't objecting." She jerked her chin toward their parents.

Peter flexed his wrists, glancing sidelong at Evelyn. "Kids shouldn't meddle in adult matters."

When Peter drove them to their newly rented apartment, Auntie Lucy was already waiting at the door.

During the ride, Evelyn received a call from the hospital director urging her to return to work.

"Summer peak season. We're critically understaffed."

The OB-GYN department faced two types of summer rushes: planned deliveries and students seeking terminations.

Teenagers caught up in passion rarely considered consequences.

After settling her parents in, Evelyn prepared to leave. "Mom, Dad, I need to get ready for work tomorrow."

Her parents nodded understandingly. "Go ahead. Don't let work suffer."

Emily swiftly shoved Peter out the door too. "Peter can drive you back—"

The door slammed shut behind them.

Peter shook his head at the closed door, amused. "Your sister recovers fast. One hangover and she's back to normal."

As the elevator ascended, Evelyn said, "She keeps saying she owes you."

"Just for picking her up that one time?"

"Not just that. The Kyle Carter situation too. If you hadn't stopped her, she might've chased him to Beijing."

Peter chuckled. "At least here in H City, she has family watching over her. But in the end, I'm just the neighbor."

He pulled something from his pocket. "This is for you."