Chapter 749

Evelyn's lips curved slightly. "Let's keep calling him White Coat then. Lately I've felt guilty—having a pet but not being able to spend enough time with him. Dogs need emotional bonds. Maybe he deserves a better home."

Gregory's eyes lit up. "Don't worry, I'll treat him like my own son. Visit whenever you miss him. Though..." He chuckled. "He's in that awkward phase now—looks more like a little monkey than a Samoyed."

He animatedly recounted White Coat's recent antics.

Seeing the shadows lift from his brow, Evelyn felt genuine happiness for him. As they parted, she said softly, "Thank you for sharing this. I should go now."

Gregory smiled openly. "Till next time."

When Evelyn returned to the main hall, Alexander and Baby Chloe were no longer in their seats. Remembering his earlier plans, she followed the signs.

She found them in the children's book illustration exhibit.

True to his word, Alexander had brought their infant daughter to the display. The little girl stared wide-eyed at the colorful artwork as he knelt on one knee, pointing at a picture book. "The bunny's first adventure outside, where he meets the lamb with a ribbon..."

His deep voice took on an unexpected gentleness weaving through the fairy tale, soon drawing a circle of children. The tiny audience barely reached his knees.

To ensure every child could hear, he remained crouched the entire time. When the story ended and he stood, his injured leg trembled visibly—still recovering from the fracture.

Evelyn stepped forward silently to steady him. Alexander's muscles tensed before relaxing at her touch. "How was the seminar?"

"Enlightening." She released his arm.

Alexander noted her eased expression, privately relieved his invitation had been worthwhile—until she added casually, "I ran into Gregory."

His jaw tightened.

Despite strategically waiting outside the venue with their daughter, his rival had still slipped through. Keeping his tone neutral, he remarked, "Dr. Wilson attended the lecture? At his level, I'd expect him to be the speaker."

Evelyn caught the implication and smiled, recalling Gregory's humility. "Medicine has no finish line. Even the brightest minds must keep learning."

To Alexander, it sounded like praise for Gregory's modesty. Jealousy soured his tongue, yet he forced civility. "Since you met, why not have lunch together?"

His mind already scheming how to intimidate the competition.

Evelyn shook her head. "We have other plans with Chloe this afternoon."

Alexander continued the charade. "Pity. I hoped he could give us a tour." Empty pleasantries cost nothing.

Noticing his clenched jawline, Evelyn couldn't resist teasing. "You're right—I'll call him back now." She pretended to reach for her phone.

Alexander's breath hitched. "He's...still nearby?" His voice strained.

Evelyn laughed. "Just kidding. We settled things—White Coat will stay with him. Closure for that chapter."

Relief crashed over Alexander like a wave, his lips almost betraying a smile. "You gave him the dog?"

"He was always Gregory's dog." Evelyn gazed into the distance. "He invested far more than I did."

Clean breaks all around.

Fireworks exploded in Alexander's chest. Barely containing his joy, he asked, "Would you want another dog someday?"

"No." Evelyn shook her head. "We have Osmanthus. Pets, like children, need attention. With my schedule, independent animals suit me better."

As Alexander prepared to extol feline virtues, a staff member approached. "Excuse me, would you like to join our family activity?"

Encouraged by his rare amiable expression, she enthused, "It's a reader engagement survey for children's books. Seeing you read to your daughter was so heartwarming—top scorers win a mystery prize!"