Chapter 892

"Emily, you all can head home first." He paused, then added, "It's the weekend. Get some proper rest."

As night fell, the lights in Hamilton Tower gradually dimmed, leaving only the top-floor office illuminated.

Hospital department gatherings always took extra care when selecting restaurants. While taste preferences varied, hygiene standards were non-negotiable. Doctors from two departments created a temporary group chat, enthusiastically debating options.

When Evelyn saw the voting results, Lily Waters had already won by a landslide. This private kitchen she'd frequented with Alexander held too many memories.

"Something wrong with this place?" Olivia leaned closer. "Did it make some hygiene violation list?"

"No." Evelyn's finger hovered over her screen. "It's just..."

Memories of encountering Annabelle and Lydia here flooded back. The restaurant felt like fate's crossroads—every visit brought unexpected turns.

"Bad food?"

"The flavors are actually quite good."

Olivia tilted her head. "Then why do you look like you're marching to the gallows? I thought you'd veto it."

"Let's go here." Evelyn pocketed her phone, not wanting to dampen the mood.

After work, the group arrived promptly. Their reserved private room spared them the waitlist.

The department's Dutch treat tradition turned ordering into a relay race. When the phone reached Evelyn, she immediately selected steamed perch.

"Not browsing more?" A colleague seemed surprised.

"No need."

Olivia interjected, "Dr. Carter's a regular here. Her picks never miss."

This sparked immediate curiosity. Evelyn briefly recommended signature dishes: "I prefer lighter flavors, so take these as suggestions."

"Perfect for sampling more with a big group!" The designated mood-lifter laughed.

When dishes arrived, Evelyn's recommendations earned universal praise.

"Dr. Carter," a new resident asked excitedly, "social media says Lily Waters' night views are super photogenic. Any angles you'd recommend?"

Images flashed of Annabelle photographing Lydia by the pond. "The stone steps near the water work well."

Several female colleagues immediately planned a post-dinner photoshoot.

"Dr. Carter," the young resident suddenly ventured, "when you came here before, was it with that guy who drives you daily? You two seem so in love—newlyweds?"

Evelyn's chopsticks froze.

Newlywed wasn't wrong, though their most recent "wedding" had been a divorce. The topic was landmine territory.

As she struggled to respond, another colleague tugged the questioner's sleeve, whispering urgently.

The resident flushed crimson. "Sorry, Dr. Carter, I didn't know—"

"It's fine." Evelyn offered a faint smile.

The resident hastily raised her juice glass. "Let me toast you."

"Our situation is complicated," Evelyn sipped her drink, "so I don't discuss it much."

Noticing the awkwardness, someone swiftly changed subjects: "Heard anesthesiology's Dr. Wilson is dating!"

This detonated the table.

"With his qualifications, that's hardly surprising!"

"Seriously? He used to visit OB-GYN so often."

"Met during an academic exchange, apparently..."

Gregory's love life became the meal's focal point. Evelyn ate quietly, avoiding the discourse.

Tonight's fears had materialized one by one. While she genuinely wished Gregory happiness, as someone who knew too much, silence remained her only option.