Chapter 433

At three in the morning, loud footsteps and the clatter of moving furniture echoed through the hallway.

Evelyn Carter jolted awake. Peering through the peephole, she spotted movers in uniform hauling furniture into the neighboring apartment. She frowned, confirmed they weren’t intruders, then turned back to bed.

The next morning, the doorbell rang abruptly.

Rubbing sleep from her eyes, Evelyn opened the door to find Gregory Wilson standing there, sunlight spilling in behind him, casting a warm glow over his frame. Shopping bags dangled from his hands.

"Dr. Wilson?" Surprise flickered in her voice.

He lifted the bags slightly. "Thought your fridge might be empty since you just moved back."

White Coat, hearing his familiar voice, immediately leapt off the couch and circled Gregory excitedly.

Watching the man and dog’s easy rapport, Evelyn swallowed the refusal on her tongue.

Soon, the clatter of pots and pans came from the kitchen. By the time Evelyn finished freshening up, the dining table was laden with an elaborate breakfast spread.

"Just whipped up something simple," Gregory said, untying his apron. "Wasn’t sure what you’d prefer."

Evelyn eyed the meticulously arranged dishes and sighed. "Dr. Wilson, you really didn’t have to—"

The doorbell interrupted her.

A kindly middle-aged woman stood outside. "Hello! I’m your new neighbor. Could I borrow some ketchup?"

Gregory retrieved a brand-new bottle from the kitchen and handed it over. White Coat trotted over curiously, lost his footing, and slid straight into Evelyn’s legs.

She stumbled backward, her feet slipping—

Strong arms caught her before she fell.

"Careful," Gregory murmured near her ear.

Just then, a familiar deep voice carried down the hallway:

"Alex, breakfast is almost ready."

That voice froze Evelyn where she stood.