Marcus Valentine pushed open the hospital room door.

His gaze swept across the room.

The atmosphere was relatively calm.

He breathed a small sigh of relief.

He prepared to introduce the person behind him.

He turned slightly and spoke. "This is my…"

His words halted.

There was no one behind him.

Marcus froze.

Where was Third Uncle?

He turned and went back into the hallway.

Mr.Valentine leaned against the wall.

The man held a cigarette between his fingers.

Smoke curled upward slowly.

He took a deep drag.

Exhaled a smoke ring.

Marcus was puzzled. "Third Uncle, why didn't you come in?"

Smoke obscured his features.

Mr.Valentine's voice was low. "I'm waiting for the results."

Marcus didn't understand. "You came all this way. Don't you want to see Mrs. Ashcroft?"

Mr.Valentine's gaze was distant. "I promised her. We would not meet again, in life or death."

Marcus fell silent.

The weight of those words was immense.

He didn't know how to respond.

So it wasn't just an old flame between Third Uncle and Mrs. Ashcroft.

There was a vow this heavy.

Marcus didn't dare ask more.

Mr.Valentine stubbed out his cigarette. "The New York medical team will arrive soon. Go inside and keep watch. Nothing can happen to her."

Marcus gave a solemn nod.

He turned and re-entered the hospital room.

The San Francisco specialists had already left.

William Ashcroft kept vigil by the bed.

He held Sophia Ashcroft's hand tightly.

He had maintained this position for a long time.

Isabella looked at Marcus. "Mr. Valentine, I heard someone from the Xu family is here?"

Marcus nodded. "My Third Uncle is outside."

Isabella looked surprised.

William's head snapped up.

His expression changed instantly.

His fingers tightened.

A slight tremble ran through his body.

He was afraid of that man's appearance.

Isabella didn't notice the abnormality.

She said eagerly, "Shouldn't Mr. Xu come in?"

Marcus explained. "Third Uncle finds it inconvenient to disturb."

William relaxed slightly.

Isabella walked toward the door. "Julian and I will go greet him."

Julian Evans followed closely behind.

They reached the hallway.

Mr.Valentine stood alone by the window.

His presence was imposing.

Julian stepped forward. "Mr. Xu?"

Mr.Valentine glanced at them.

His eyes settled on Isabella.

Isabella spoke softly. "Uncle Xu, would you like to come in and sit?"

Mr.Valentine shook his head. "No need."

He studied Isabella.

His gaze seemed to look through her at someone else.

Isabella had a similar appearance, but the spirit was different.

Julian spoke. "Uncle Xu, are your accommodations arranged? I can help with that."

Mr.Valentine said calmly, "I'm waiting for Miss Nan to wake up."

Julian understood. "I'll wait with you."

Isabella turned to go back inside.

Mr.Valentine suddenly spoke. "If you need anything, you can come to me."

A flash of joy appeared in Isabella's eyes.

She exchanged a look with Julian.

Marcus looked at Alexander Vance. "My Third Uncle is here. Aren't you going to say hello?"

Alexander Vance pondered for a moment.

He took Evelyn Ross's hand.

"Alright."