Chapter 799

Alexander's voice carried a lighthearted tone.

How he wished the baby was truly his and Evelyn's.

The three-day medical exchange program had concluded. Now began their free time before returning home on the seventh day.

Morning sunlight filtered through the curtains when a knock sounded at the door.

Bianca stood outside with Adrian, their fingers tightly interlaced, looking even closer than before.

"Thought you two would be out on a date," Bianca teased, peering into the room. "Didn't expect you'd stay in."

Alexander opened the door impassively. "If we weren't here, who'd let you in?"

Adrian held an elegant paper box with a shy smile. "Senior made these cookies herself. We'd love for you to try them."

Bianca tugged Adrian inside. "Stop scowling. We're actually here to deliver this." She waved a gilded card. "Our engagement ceremony tomorrow—under that maple tree where we first met."

Evelyn accepted the invitation curiously. "You decided so quickly?"

"Three days is plenty," Bianca declared confidently. "The campus is public. Booking a weekend spot was easy."

Adrian carefully untied the box's ribbon. "It's her first time cooking. The shapes are...unique, but the taste is wonderful."

Inside lay neatly arranged charcoal-black lumps barely recognizable as cookies.

Alexander studied them, brow furrowing.

Evelyn squinted. "Are these...chocolate chip?"

"Butter cookies!" Bianca huffed. "Adrian ate almost the whole tray! Said they tasted great despite the color."

Alexander's gaze at Adrian turned reverent. Finishing that tray wasn't love—it was a complete lack of taste buds.

Evelyn reached to try one, but Alexander intercepted. "Let me."

His expression froze upon biting in. Forcing it down, his voice strained. "Have you tasted these?"

"Not yet." Bianca looked eager. "Well?"

Evelyn took a bite. Her smile stiffened instantly.

This culinary atrocity proved Bianca had a rare...talent.

"Tastes fine to me." Adrian ate another, genuinely puzzled.

Bianca hesitantly sampled one and grimaced. "What is this abomination?!"

Just then, Baby Chloe grabbed a cookie and stuffed it in her mouth.

"Waaah—" The infant burst into tears, face scrunching up.

Alexander swiftly lifted her, patting her back. "Spit it out. Now."

Bianca paled. "Oh no...I promised homemade cookies for tomorrow's guests!"

"Can you cancel?" Evelyn worried.

Adrian shook his head. "Invitations are sent. Changing plans now would be rude."

Alexander spoke suddenly. "The hotel kitchen's fully equipped." He glanced at Evelyn. "You can bake, right?"

"You're the expert here," Evelyn countered meaningfully.

Bianca brightened. "Then we're counting on you!"

Adrian kept happily munching the disastrous cookies, oblivious to everyone's horrified stares.