Chapter 894

Adulthood comes with no curfews.

It's merely a polite excuse.

Gregory Wilson gave a slight nod, his voice gentle. "Apologies, we do have prior arrangements. But there's a lovely lounge bar nearby if you'd like to unwind."

His recommendation proved exquisite. Upon arrival, the group discovered not only private rooms with impeccable soundproofing but also an ambiance of refined elegance—far removed from the typical clamor of karaoke venues.

Unfortunately, peak hours left only one large enclosed room available.

Olivia Lightfoot noticed the glass-enclosed garden area. "Isn't that section available?"

The space offered panoramic views amidst lush greenery, far more comfortable than confined private rooms.

The server apologized. "That's reserved for members only."

"Can we sign up now?" Olivia pressed.

"Certainly, though it requires a minimum deposit of—" The quoted figure made everyone gasp.

Exchanging glances, the group quickly agreed the standard room would suffice.

Inside, a colleague wiped sweat, exclaiming, "Goodness, that membership fee is outrageous! Regular prices are steep enough without premium tiers."

Had it not been for splitting costs and skipping dinner, none would've considered such luxury.

"Dr. Wilson's family must be loaded. The rumors seem true."

"Heir to the local Wilson business empire, apparently. But he ditched commerce for medicine."

"Money buys freedom..."

Evelyn Carter listened silently, Alexander Hamilton's image surfacing in her mind. Wealth had its privileges, yet true freedom remained far more complex.

While others adjusted equipment, Olivia sidled up to Evelyn. "Thinking of someone, Dr. Carter? Gregory?"

"A little," Evelyn murmured. "Haven't seen him lately—even the last joint surgery had Dr. Han substituting. Wonder what new research this conference will present. I'll check recordings later."

OB-GYN and anesthesiology collaborations had grown with rising epidural adoptions—a field she closely followed.

Olivia's expression turned complicated. From anyone else, this would sound like deflection. But Evelyn's sincerity was undeniable—this woman could genuinely wed medicine for life.

"Did I say something wrong?" Evelyn noticed the shift.

"Not at all." Olivia patted her shoulder. "Dr. Carter, it's clear you harbor zero romantic interest in Gregory."

Evelyn glanced around, lowering her voice. "Let's drop this permanently."

Nothing had ever transpired between them, and he'd maintained distance. Yet walls had ears—the department already buzzed with rumors about his crush on an OB-GYN doctor.

The thought made her sigh.

Though vivacious, Olivia understood boundaries and nodded promptly.

Across the room, colleagues played rock-paper-scissors to determine singing order.

The song-chooser beckoned eagerly. "Dr. Carter! After all this time, we've never heard you sing. Grace us!"

"I'm tone-deaf—better spare your ears." Evelyn declined. The enclosed space unsettled her.

Olivia interjected, "I'll go! Play The Doctor—consider it professional development."

Laughter erupted as volunteers instantly surrendered the mic.

Evelyn tried embracing the merriment, but growing nausea made her press a hand to her abdomen. The dim lighting masked her pallor.

"Dr. Carter, feeling warm? Try this iced orange juice." A colleague offered a chilled glass.

An OB-GYN coworker intervened. "She's pregnant."

The flustered colleague swapped it for room-temperature. "Congratulations! How far along? You're barely showing."

"Nearly three months." Evelyn accepted the drink.

"Almost past the risky phase. Your husband's so attentive with daily pickups—he must worry sick. Once the baby arrives, your little family..." The speaker abruptly recalled dinner conversations and choked back words.

Evelyn and her ex-husband clearly weren't reconciling, and she intended to raise the child alone. Such well-wishes rang hollow.

With Olivia mid-performance, no one could lighten the moment.

"Your kindness is appreciated." Evelyn's voice remained steady. "As for parenthood—the father and my husband could be two separate people. The latter's absence changes nothing."