The girl wore loose casual clothes.

Her long hair was casually draped over her shoulders.

She and Alexander Vance quickly descended the stairs.

A black car was already waiting in the parking lot.

They swiftly got into the vehicle.

The car drove away silently.

Mr.Valentine stood in place, his gaze following the departing car.

The parking lot was some distance from the main entrance.

He couldn't clearly see Evelyn Ross's face.

But her cool, bamboo-like demeanor instantly confirmed she was Sophia Ashcroft's daughter.

He stared blankly at the direction where the car had disappeared.

He only looked away when it was completely out of sight.

Marcus Valentine noticed his distraction. "Uncle, what's wrong?"

Mr.Valentine shook his head gently. "It's nothing."

Marcus reported the situation. "Mrs. Ashcroft has been examined."

"The doctor said the coma was caused by excessive anxiety."

"Her body activated its self-protection mechanism."

"She needs rest, which is why she remains asleep."

"There's no danger to her life."

"Do you plan to return to New York or stay a few more days?"

Mr.Valentine pressed his lips together.

He had originally intended to leave after helping Sophia Ashcroft's daughter resolve her troubles.

But that brief glimpse just now made him change his mind.

He had to meet this girl.

Perhaps it was because of his promise to never see Sophia Ashcroft again?

Maybe he wanted to find traces of his old acquaintance in her?

Mr.Valentine looked at Marcus. "We'll stay in San Francisco a few more days."

"I'll stay with you. This place is quite interesting."

…

Evelyn had no time to consider Mr.Valentine's movements.

The car sped along and soon returned to the Vance residence.

The moment the car stopped, Alexander rushed out.

He headed straight for Eleanor Vance's courtyard.

Evelyn followed close behind him.

Upon entering the courtyard, she found Robert Vance, Richard Evans, Margaret Evans, and Julian Evans were already present.

Robert Vance erupted at the sight of Alexander. "Grandmother doted on you the most."

"Where were you when she fell ill?"

"You're always hovering around this woman."

"Have you no shame towards your grandmother?"

Alexander's jaw tightened.

He ignored the baseless accusation and went straight into the bedroom to check on Eleanor.

Evelyn followed him in.

She saw the usually spirited old lady lying quietly in bed.

Her breathing was steady.

They both felt slightly relieved.

They quietly exited the bedroom.

Alexander asked the family doctor, "How is Grandmother now?"

The doctor had just finished the examination.

He immediately reported, "Mrs. Vance's condition has worsened."

"Although she is stable for now, I'm afraid she won't last through the winter."

This diagnosis was expected.

No one was surprised.

Winter was only two months away.

Alexander clenched his fists, his eyes reddening.

Evelyn was about to comfort him when Alexander pressed the doctor further. "Are there any other options?"

The doctor was Alexander's trusted confidant.

He lowered his voice. "There's progress on the matter you asked me to look into."

"Researcher Nora's lab recently released a new drug."

"It's currently in clinical trials."

"The New York Institute is recruiting volunteers."

"This is currently the most effective special medicine..."

"If we can get it for Mrs. Vance, she might pull through."

"But..."

Alexander's gaze sharpened. "But what?"

The doctor sighed. "Volunteers need to stay at a designated hospital for the experiment."

"Mrs. Vance is too weak for long-distance travel."

"Also, the institute usually recruits younger patients."

"Mrs. Vance is advanced in age."

"She has no experimental value."

"It will be difficult to get her accepted."

Alexander's tone was resolute. "Then acquire their company!"

Richard Evans couldn't help interjecting. "Alexander, you're being too arrogant."

"Researcher Nora belongs to Watson Biopharma Inc."

"That's a top international pharmaceutical company."

"Let's not discuss whether the Vance family has the financial resources."

"Even if we did, the other party would never agree to an acquisition!"

Alexander gave him a cold glance.

To obtain the special medicine, he had already sent people to make discreet contact.

Leveraging his overseas influence and substantial funds, the other party had already softened.

But Researcher Nora held 40% of the company's shares.

Her signature was required to complete the acquisition.

However, this researcher was elusive and had been unreachable.

Alexander said no more.

He ordered the doctor, "Acquisition is too slow."

"No matter what, we must get the medicine!"

The doctor bowed his head. "Yes."

A flicker of thought passed through Evelyn's eyes.

She had concealed her identity as Researcher Nora because numerous overseas tech companies coveted her research成果.

Their methods knew no bounds.

She didn't want to be entangled in these disputes.

Evelyn spoke softly. "I know about this matter."

"I've already submitted Grandmother's medical records to the New York Institute..."

Before she could finish, Richard interrupted. "What's the use of casting such a wide net?"

"Didn't you hear the doctor?"

"Grandmother is 86 years old."

"She has no experimental value."

"I've heard that institute is impervious to both soft and hard tactics."

"Many powerful people have pressured them and failed to get a spot."

"Our Vance family has no connections in New York."

"All these years, because Alexander refused to cooperate, we know nothing about New York..."

"Alexander, this is all your fault!"

Alexander's eyes turned icy. "What did you say?"

Robert Vance sneered. "Is your brother wrong?"

"If you had swallowed your pride and gone to your mother..."

"If you had helped the Vance family enter the New York market..."

"We wouldn't be so passive now!"

Richard turned back to Evelyn. "What's the use of submitting records?"

"You'd be better off begging the Valentine family in New York..."

"Maybe they could find a way!"

Evelyn retorted with a cold laugh. "How do you know it's useless?"