Chapter 906

Sunlight streamed through the floor-to-ceiling windows, bathing the living room in golden warmth. Baby Chloe sat on the carpet, engrossed with her new toy. Peanut the Ragdoll cat dozed nearby, tail twitching occasionally.

"Meow!" A sharp feline cry shattered the peace.

Chloe had accidentally stepped on Peanut's tail. The cat leaped away instinctively, its fluffy tail brushing against the toddler's bare calf.

The little girl froze. Her eyes welled up instantly, but she stubbornly bit her lower lip, refusing to cry.

Evelyn Carter set down her medical journal and hurried over, kneeling beside her daughter. "Does it hurt?"

"Didn't... mean to," Chloe whispered, tiny fingers twisting nervously.

Alexander Hamilton abandoned his tablet and joined them. Without speaking, he wiped away an escaped tear while Evelyn rubbed soothing circles on their daughter's back.

"Peanut didn't know it was an accident," Evelyn explained gently. "Let's go apologize, okay?"

Nodding, Chloe wobbled toward the corner where the cat had retreated. She crouched down and tentatively stroked Peanut's head, murmuring unintelligible words.

Miraculously, the Ragdoll leaned into the touch, nuzzling the small hand.

Alexander watched thoughtfully. "We should consider finding her some playmates her own age."

Evelyn glanced up. "Preschool?"

"Mm. No matter how clever Peanut is, she can't have conversations or play proper games with Chloe."

Evelyn headed for the stairs. "I'll call the early education center now."

Upstairs in the study, Evelyn dialed the number.

"Mrs. Hamilton! We offer several program options..." The teacher launched into an enthusiastic pitch.

Evelyn selected the basic introductory course, but paused when the teacher added, "Many families enroll siblings together, though balancing attention between two children requires—"

She blinked, realizing the misunderstanding. Then smiled—perhaps this was a fortuitous omen.

After hanging up, Evelyn decided to research early education materials in the first-floor study. Passing through the hallway, she stopped abruptly.

In the living room, Alexander sat cross-legged on the carpet before a roly-poly toy taller than Chloe. Wearing absurd cartoon-print gloves, he demonstrated how to "counterattack."

"Newton's Third Law," he lectured with mock seriousness. "For every action, there's an equal and opposite reaction. If someone pushes you..."

Chloe mimicked his movements, delivering a featherlight punch to the toy. It wobbled with a soft thump.

Evelyn leaned against the doorframe, lips curving unbidden. The domestic scene held her captive—until a jarring ringtone shattered the moment.

Her work phone vibrated violently on the sofa.

Alexander moved to retrieve it just as Evelyn darted through the side entrance. They collided at the couch.

"Olivia's calling," Alexander steadied her, handing over the phone. "Probably urgent."

Evelyn answered immediately. Olivia's panicked voice crackled through: "Dr. Carter! Emergency! Critical OB case just arrived—complicated presentation!"