Chapter 309

The last rays of sunset filtered through the blinds, casting golden stripes across the desk.

Evelyn Carter was intently helping Olivia Lightfoot revise the data analysis section of her thesis.

A loud bang shattered the quiet.

The office door flew open.

Olivia sprang up like a coiled spring. "Emergency? Which bed?"

Evelyn glanced at the visitor and said calmly, "Third floor of the annex. Left at the end. Key's under the flowerpot on the windowsill."

The woman's tense shoulders visibly relaxed. "Thanks."

She turned to leave.

"Wait."

The woman paused mid-step.

"Don't forget the file folder on bedside table 54."

"Got it."

The woman disappeared as abruptly as she'd arrived.

Olivia blinked in confusion. "Dr. Carter, who was that?"

"An acquaintance."

"Family member of a former patient?"

"No."

Olivia's eyes widened. "Wait—isn't the end of the third floor the specimen room?" Then it clicked. "Oh! The new janitor from housekeeping?"

"Your literature review has issues." Evelyn tapped the screen. "Come look."

Olivia hurried over.

Evelyn massaged her temples.

She loved clinical work but loathed paperwork.

Promotion reviews required reports. Research papers demanded write-ups. Even year-end summaries needed documentation.

Just as she'd caught her breath, Olivia's thesis revisions landed on her plate.

Knowing she'd soon be leaving made her want to give this diligent intern a solid foundation.

Few attending physicians took time to mentor juniors in academic writing.

Olivia pouted. "Dr. Carter, what'll I do when you're gone?"

"You'll learn independence."

Olivia puffed her cheeks. "Then I'll apply for the next rotation transfer. Come study under you."

"Sure. I'll be waiting."

Knock-knock.

The door sounded again.

Olivia grinned. "Specimen duty's all yours!"

The woman ignored her, gaze fixed on Evelyn.

Evelyn raised a brow. "Yes?"

"Message from Mr. Hamilton."

"Go on."

"He says if you lose any more weight, you'll qualify as a medical specimen."

"......"

"Natalie Stapleton's divorce papers will be processed tomorrow morning. I'll bring them during lunch."

"Appreciate it."

Only after the woman left did Olivia process this. "Dr. Carter, how'd she know about Natalie's divorce? Is she from admin? But why would admin staff go to the specimen room?"

Evelyn tapped the keyboard. "Do you want this discussion section revised or not?"

"Ugh! I hate theses! Whoever invented them belongs on medicine's darkest page!"

......

At shift's end, Evelyn dialed home. "Mom, don't wait dinner for me."

The taxi carried her once more to Cicada Temple.

The vegetarian restaurant beside the temple exuded antique charm.

A server guided her to a private room.

Anthony Taylor and Teresa Taylor had been waiting.

Teresa's hands trembled with emotion. She tried standing but faltered, eyes glistening as she stared hungrily at Evelyn.

Anthony's eyes also reddened. Seeing his wife stumble, he rushed to steady her.

Teresa waved him off. "I'm fine. Terry's here—sit, sit! Anthony, help our daughter with her..."

Anthony moved to take Evelyn's bag.

Evelyn hung it directly on the coat hook by the door.

"Thank you, Uncle. This is fine."