Evelyn's gaze was sharp as a blade.

Her words were firm and decisive.

Alexander immediately looked at her. "Evelyn, are you saying they agreed?"

Evelyn was about to nod.

Richard scoffed. "Stop dreaming! The selection of volunteer patients in New York is personally overseen by Dr. Nora herself. She is strict and impartial. She only considers if the medical condition meets the criteria. Nothing else matters! No amount of connections will help!"

He changed his tone. "However, Cecilia got it!"

Evelyn was stunned.

The New York list hadn't reached her yet.

How could someone already have a spot?

Who was Cecilia?

Robert's eyes lit up. "Richard, really?"

Richard smiled. "Dad, why would I lie? Cecilia went to school in New York to expand her connections. She excelled in university and got a boyfriend. After learning about Grandma's illness, she kept it in mind. She begged her boyfriend to find a way to get this spot!"

"Good! Excellent!" Robert was overjoyed. "Cecilia truly didn't disappoint me! When I brought her home, I knew this child would go far!"

Richard smiled. "It's her duty to help the family. Cecilia has always remembered the Vance family's upbringing."

He checked the time. "Cecilia arrives tomorrow. She's bringing her boyfriend back with her. They are preparing to get engaged. Her boyfriend is from the Truman family, one of the five major elite families in New York! Once the marriage alliance is successful, we won't have to fear the Sherwood family's pressure anymore!"

Alexander's eyes turned colder at the mention of the Sherwood family.

Evelyn looked at Julian.

Sure enough, his expression was grim.

It seemed Cecilia Evans was Richard's love child.

Was she Julian's older sister or younger sister?

Robert said excitedly, "Excellent! Cecilia is truly extraordinary! To be able to marry into the Truman family, the Vance family must not treat her poorly! Cecilia will stay at home when she returns this time!"

Margaret said sharply, "Dad! She's a love child! How can she stay at home?!"

Robert glanced at her but didn't speak.

Richard glared at Margaret. "What love child? Watch your words! Cecilia will be married from the Vance family. She can't get married from outside, can she? How would that look?!"

Margaret's eyes reddened. "But she…"

"Shut up!" Richard roared.

Margaret immediately fell silent.

Richard looked at Julian, making a veiled criticism. "So what if Cecilia is a love child? Which of you has contributed more to the Vance family than her? All you care about is romance. How can you manage big business? If you have no ability, step aside. Don't occupy a position and do nothing…"

These words ostensibly criticized Julian but implicitly pointed at Alexander.

Because of the Sherwood family matter, Alexander had always kept his distance from New York.

Alexander's mother hated Robert for the deceptive marriage.

She forbade anyone related to the Sherwood family from having contact with the Vances.

Privately, people said that if Alexander would just swallow his pride and beg, his mother might hate Robert, but she wouldn't be heartless to her own son!

But with Alexander's personality, how could he go to New York to find her?

The Vance family's business in New York had been stalled for years because of this…

The company's veterans complained that Alexander had delayed the Vance family's New York sector.

Evelyn found it ridiculous.

It was clearly Robert's mistake.

Why should Alexander be the one to beg?

Alexander's mother had a cesarean section in July.

She abandoned him at the Vance family, not caring if he lived or died.

How could Alexander possibly go to beg her?

Richard was simply being unreasonable!

Alexander couldn't be bothered to argue.

But Evelyn felt heartache for him.

She directly counterattacked. "Even if Alexander doesn't actively contact New York, hasn't he managed the Vance family well? Good wine needs no bush. The Vance family is self-reliant and strong. Our technology is top-notch. We don't need to bow our heads. Others will come to us for cooperation. The Roland family's contract is proof! Bowing and seeking peace will only make people look down on us! The Vance family is the richest in San Francisco. Don't we have any pride?"

Alexander was startled.

He looked at her in surprise.

The girl had been misunderstood for years.

She had a good mindset and couldn't be bothered to explain.

But now she was speaking up for him.

He lowered his eyes, the corners of his lips lifting slightly.

These people in the Vance family, he had long stopped caring about them.

Their words couldn't hurt him.

But Evelyn defending him made him feel warm inside.

A sour, warm feeling surged in his chest, filling it completely.

Richard narrowed his eyes and sneered. "Is pride more important or Grandma's illness? We have no connections in New York. We can't get the special medicine. Cecilia expanded her connections in New York and got the spot. That is the best proof!"

He looked at Alexander. "When you're alive, you should bow when you need to. Born into the Vance family, you must contribute to the family. Alexander, if it weren't for Cecilia, what would we do? Knowing there is special medicine, but Grandma can't wait for it to hit the market, won't you regret it?"

From clinical trials to market, the fastest a drug can be approved is over a year.

Evelyn sneered.

She was about to retort when her phone rang again.

She frowned and looked down.

It was a call from Sophia!

Evelyn's pupils constricted.

She immediately answered.

Sophia's weak voice came through. "Evelyn, I'm awake…"

Evelyn's eyes reddened.

Tears rolled down.

She immediately said, "I'm coming back right away…"

She had so much to say to Sophia.

She also wanted to ask Sophia who her father really was…