Chapter 336

Emily Anderson covered her mouth, suppressing a giggle. "Mom, Evelyn is trying her best."

Anthony Taylor quickly mediated. "Evelyn never liked cooking as a child. The fact that she's trying now is already progress. Besides, she's so busy with work—when would she have time to practice?"

Listening to her family's comforting words, Evelyn Carter felt the tension in her shoulders ease slightly.

Vivian Dempsey thumped her chest confidently. "Don't worry, Auntie! I have an iron stomach. I could eat three bowls of Evelyn's cooking!"

"Vivian, could you send me Evelyn's new address? I just learned how to use navigation apps and want to see where she's living now."

Vivian glanced at Evelyn for permission before nodding. "Of course, Auntie. I'll send it to you right away."

"Oh, and remember to get a local SIM card soon. You can't keep relying on Vivian to contact Evelyn every time."

"Got it. We'll take care of it when we go out later."

After hanging up, Vivian exhaled in relief. "Feel better now?"

Evelyn gave a small nod.

Suddenly, the phone rang again.

"It's my dad," Vivian said, her expression darkening as she answered. "What?! Okay, I'll book a flight immediately."

Evelyn shot her a questioning look.

Vivian's face paled. "My grandmother fell. She's in the hospital now."

Evelyn immediately pushed her toward the door.

Vivian hesitated. "But you just got here, and you don't even speak the language..."

Evelyn typed rapidly on her phone: [Falls are serious for elderly patients. You need to go.]

"But you'll be alone..."

[I can take care of myself.]

Years of working in the hospital had taught Evelyn how dangerous falls could be for the elderly. If Vivian's father was calling now, the situation must be critical.

Vivian pulled her into a tight hug. "I'll come back as soon as things stabilize."

Evelyn nodded firmly and quickly hailed a taxi for her.

Watching her friend leave, the apartment suddenly felt oppressively quiet.

Evelyn took a deep breath and began organizing her new home. She made two trips to the supermarket, filling the fridge to bursting, then arranged the bedroom into a cozy sanctuary.

At dinner, she sighed at the charred eggs in the pan. Years of relying on hospital cafeterias and others' cooking had left her skills rusty.

Outside, a light rain began to fall.

Just as Evelyn moved to lock the door, the doorbell rang.

Startled, she tapped the door to signal her presence.

Then came that achingly familiar voice from the other side:

"Evelyn, it's me."