Liam Lawrence's face instantly paled.

He lunged forward to snatch the phone.

Alexander Vance seized his wrist.

"What do you think you're doing?"

The call connected.

Evelyn Ross put it on speaker.

"Director Melville, Liam claims you're selling three percent of the institute's shares for admission slots?"

Dr. Frank Melville's voice was sharp with displeasure. "Preposterous! We hardly need the shares. Who is spreading such lies?"

Evelyn looked at Liam.

His face was ashen.

Cecilia Evans spoke softly. "Aunt Evelyn, Director Melville is notoriously difficult. Why is he being so polite to you?"

Richard Evans snorted. "You found some actor to put on a show. Do you really think we're that gullible?"

Evelyn raised an eyebrow. "Dr. Lawrence, you should recognize his voice."

Liam stiffened. "It sounds like him… but AI voice synthesis is very advanced now…"

"Shall I ask Frank to verify his identity?"

Evelyn moved to make another call.

Liam frantically waved his hands. "No! That won't be necessary! It is Director Melville!"

The room erupted in murmurs.

Liam exchanged a look with Cecilia.

He gritted his teeth. "I admit it. The shares weren't for Dr. Nora."

Cecilia feigned surprise. "Cousin?"

Liam steeled himself. "I wanted them! I was the one who stole the medication!"

Shock rippled through the crowd.

Liam continued. "Getting into the Nora Research Institute was my life's dream! But my cousin and Miss Cecilia begged me to save the matriarch. I couldn't just let her die!"

He turned to Cecilia. "The consequences for stealing the drugs are severe. I could be fired. I might never work in research again. Those three percent shares were my safety net!"

Cecilia's eyes welled with tears. "Cousin, you've sacrificed too much for Grandma…"

Liam faced Alexander. "Three percent shares for two more years of the matriarch's life. Do you agree? If not, I will not provide any more medication! I'll pay for the three missing doses myself. Consider it a gift to the matriarch!"

Cecilia quickly added. "But Cousin said stopping the treatment will accelerate her decline!"

Liam nodded. "The matriarch originally had one or two months. Stopping now… she might last two weeks at most."

Robert Vance's expression darkened.

Elder Howard Vance's eyes reddened. "Do it! We must do it! If you won't give the shares, I will!"

His children urgently tried to stop him. "Father!"

Richard looked at Alexander. "Cecilia has already done her filial duty. Our branch can't afford three percent. Whether you save Grandma is up to you now."

All eyes turned to Alexander.

Evelyn felt nothing but scorn.

Matriarch Eleanor Vance suddenly spoke. "I won't take the medication anymore."

Everyone was stunned.

The matriarch was calm. "I've lived long enough. Trading three percent shares for two more years isn't worth it."

Elder Howard was agitated. "Sister-in-law! You must fight for those two years!"

Robert glared at Alexander. "Your grandmother dotes on you most. Can't you even spare three percent shares? Will you just watch her die?"

Alexander's eyes were dark.

Giving three percent would cost him his position as chairman.

But he didn't care.

He was about to speak—

"No."

Evelyn cut him off decisively.

She stepped in front of Alexander. "Want the shares? Not a chance."

Robert was furious. "Ungrateful son!"

Elder Howard was heartbroken. "Alexander's wife, you disappoint me deeply! If you won't give them, I will!"

A flash of triumph crossed Richard's eyes.

Evelyn said calmly, "You don't need to do that."

Elder Howard trembled with anger. "They are my shares! Can't I decide for myself?!"

He looked at Alexander. "Does your wife speak for you?"

Alexander gazed at Evelyn.

Though he didn't know her plan, he nodded firmly. "Yes."

Elder Howard staggered back. "Alexander… You and your grandmother relied on each other all these years. Would you abandon her for money? I am so disappointed!"

Robert added fuel to the fire. "Uncle, I told you this beast is heartless!"

Richard was about to speak—

The butler rushed in. "This is terrible!"

Everyone turned.

The butler was breathless. "There's a man at the gate… He says he's Frank Melville… Director of the New York Research Institute!"