Chapter 893

Olivia's fingers tightened slightly around her juice glass. She knew all about Gregory's unrequited feelings, but being questioned directly by colleagues made her pretend to choke. "Cough! Who told you that?"

"Dr. Lightfoot, your face is turning red," the colleague teased with a wink. "Don't worry, we can keep secrets."

As if anyone would believe that. Olivia shot Evelyn a pleading look, searching for a way to change the subject when the private dining room door suddenly opened.

A server wheeled in a cart. "Complimentary desserts and honey lemon water, courtesy of a gentleman."

"Who's this generous?" The group exchanged puzzled glances.

Evelyn's phone vibrated in her palm. She glanced down to see a message from Alexander, whose profile picture had somehow changed to match hers—a photo of Peanut.

Vincent saw you dining there. Let me know before you head home.

Her fingers hovered over the screen for two seconds before replying with a simple, "Okay."

Alexander stared at that single word under the office lights, his silhouette stretching long against the window's cityscape backdrop. The document before him remained untouched.

"Let's go sing!" someone suggested as dinner wound down. "It's only eight—too early to call it a night."

Olivia checked the duty roster. "I have the morning shift tomorrow, but... fine, I'll suffer for the cause!"

Laughing, the group headed out—only to run into the Wilson brothers in the parking lot. Vincent paled. He'd deliberately used the side exit to avoid this very scenario.

"What a coincidence," Evelyn greeted calmly.

Gregory's Adam's apple bobbed before he simply nodded to the others. "You all are...?"

"Join us, Dr. Wilson!" An enthusiastic colleague nudged closer to Evelyn, making space.

Vincent yanked his brother back. "We have an emergency!" he hissed. "Mom just texted—she needs us home now."

The night breeze carried Gregory's fleeting glance toward Evelyn before he looked away. "Next time." His voice was barely audible.