Chapter 560

"Dr. Carter, this patient's condition..." Olivia's voice wavered over the phone.

Evelyn paused while reviewing medical records. "What's wrong?"

"Her uterine hypoplasia is severe. Natural conception is nearly impossible." Olivia sighed. "How should I break the news?"

Evelyn tapped her desk. "Be honest but gentle. We're doctors, not miracle workers."

"But she's barely twenty. Just got engaged..." Olivia's voice trailed off.

The Ragdoll cat stretched on Evelyn's lap, exposing its fluffy belly. She absently stroked its fur while staring at her computer screen.

"Olivia, our job is medical counsel, not life decisions."

Silence filled the line for several seconds.

"I know, but..." Olivia choked up. "She seemed so excited about married life."

Alexander entered with coffee, noticing Evelyn's tension. He moved quietly.

Sensing his approach, Evelyn angled away from the screen. "Email me the test results first."

After hanging up, Evelyn stared at the opened file. Alexander sat beside her, and the cat immediately jumped onto his lap.

"Hospital emergency?" he asked.

Evelyn didn't answer, her gaze locked on the name—Lydia Laurent.

Age 22. Prenuptial exam. Uterine hypoplasia.

The combination made her heart skip.

"Something wrong?" Alexander noticed her stiffness.

Evelyn snapped the laptop shut. "Patient confidentiality."

Her reaction was too sharp. Alexander frowned but didn't press further.

The cat suddenly pounced on the keyboard, accidentally clicking the mouse. The report flashed back onscreen.

"Is that—" Alexander's eyes landed on the document.

Evelyn slammed the laptop. "I said it's private!"

Her raised voice startled the cat under the sofa.

Alexander blinked, then raised his hands. "Alright. I won't look."

Olivia called again, frantic. "Dr. Carter! The fiancé's here. They're arguing in the exam room."

Evelyn gripped her phone. "On my way."

She grabbed her coat. Alexander blocked the door. "I'll drive."

"No!" The refusal came too fast. She forced calm. "I mean... I can handle hospital matters alone."

Alexander studied her face. "You know that patient."

A statement, not a question.

Evelyn exhaled. "Yes."

"Who?"

"Lydia Laurent."

The air turned to ice. Alexander's expression shifted from confusion to shock, then blankness.

"Certain?"

"Name, age, premarital exam—all match." Evelyn gave a bitter smile. "Guess her innocent act had a reason."

The silence stretched until the cat emerged, rubbing against Alexander's ankle.

"I'm driving you." His voice was low.

En route, Evelyn's phone kept buzzing. Olivia updated: Fiancé called off the engagement. Lydia collapsed in tears.

Watching blurring scenery, Evelyn suddenly asked, "What would you do?"

Alexander tightened his grip on the wheel. "I'm not that man."

"But you're both men."

At a red light, he turned. "Her health would come first. Not fertility."

Evelyn scoffed. "Textbook answer."

"You doubt me?"

"My opinion doesn't matter." Evelyn stared ahead. "Lydia needs a doctor now, not moral judgments."

The car accelerated toward the hospital. The Ragdoll's soft purring filled the backseat, a quiet comfort for two troubled souls.