Chapter 461

"Let me handle this."

Evelyn Carter decisively took the spatula, determined not to let Gregory Wilson take over what was supposed to be her dinner party.

The apartment was already small, and the kitchen even more cramped. While one person could move around easily, two made it feel crowded. A slight misstep would lead to an accidental brush against each other.

But Gregory maintained just the right distance, not even letting his sleeve graze her.

Whenever Evelyn finished prepping ingredients, Gregory would promptly hand her the trash bin. Their seamless coordination made cooking together more efficient than working alone.

Just as Evelyn was about to braise the ribs, she realized the cooking wine bottle was empty.

"What's wrong?" Gregory immediately noticed her pause.

Before she could answer, he remembered, "We ran out last time. I'll go buy some!"

He was out the door before the words fully left his mouth.

The convenience store at the entrance of the complex, though small, carried all the daily essentials.

Evelyn continued preparing the sweet and sour fish, only to find the vinegar bottle empty too.

"Dr. Wilson!" She hurried after him, stopping the elevator just before the doors closed. "Bring back some vinegar too."

Gregory smiled and nodded. "Anything else?"

"That's it."

As the elevator doors slid shut, his voice drifted through the gap. "Be right back."

Turning around, Evelyn nearly collided with Alexander Hamilton, who had appeared silently in the hallway.

The man moved like a ghost.

She was about to pretend she hadn't seen him when Lydia Laurent's voice chirped, "Evelyn, you two are so sweet together. That was such a cozy moment."

"You two aren't bad either," Evelyn replied flatly, turning to head back inside.

Alexander suddenly spoke. "What was last night's call about?"

"It's already resolved."

"If something's wrong, say it." His voice darkened.

"Really, it's nothing." Evelyn glanced at the elevator. "Aren't you two heading out?"

Alexander pressed his lips together and fell silent.

Lydia giggled. "We're waiting for takeout. I can't cook, you know."

"Enjoy your wait, then." Evelyn quickly shut the door.

Before long, Gregory returned with a bulging shopping bag.

"The line held me up a bit." A faint sheen of sweat glistened on his forehead. "Did I delay dinner?"

Evelyn watched him unpack. "Why so much stuff?"

Red wine, scented candles, fresh flowers... Gregory grinned. "First time trying your cooking—had to make it special."

"Red wine with Chinese food?"

"Call it innovation." He glanced around. "Got a candle holder?"

"Nope."

He improvised with a coaster instead. By the time Evelyn brought out the sweet and sour fish and braised ribs, the dining table had been transformed.

Roses glistened with dewdrops, candlelight flickered—it was unexpectedly romantic.

"This is too much," Evelyn laughed.

"Only the best for your skills." Gregory picked up a piece of fish. "It's really good."

"Don't force the praise." She took a bite. "Between exams and overtime shifts all these years, edible is already an achievement."

White Coat pawed impatiently at the table leg until Evelyn relented and opened a can for him.

"Thanks for looking after him." She gently stroked the dog's head. "I've been too busy lately."

"Consider this dinner my thank-you." Gregory swirled his wine. "This tastes like juice. Try it."

The doorbell rang abruptly.

"Probably White Coat's toy." Gregory stood to answer it.

But it was Lydia, her face pale, standing outside. "Evelyn! Alexander just collapsed!"