Evelyn blinked.

"When I was little, I didn't understand. Now this ring seems very valuable."

She pulled the jade thumb ring from her pocket.

"It might be someone's family heirloom."

As a child, she hadn't known the ring's worth.

Afraid Linda would discard or sell it, she had kept it hidden.

Only upon returning home did she notice its exceptional quality.

A sharp alarm blared from the heart monitor in the hospital room.

Alexander Vance bolted up and rushed inside.

Doctors and nurses swiftly responded, performing emergency measures on Sophia Watson.

Alexander stood by anxiously, watching.

Evelyn held the ring, observing him quietly for a long time.

She rose and left the hospital.

Staying felt too awkward.

She wandered the streets aimlessly.

Eventually, she found herself outside a courier station.

Evelyn paused.

She looked down at the jade ring in her hand.

She entered the station.

The clerk recognized her, surprised. "Boss, what brings you here?"

Evelyn owned several courier companies but rarely visited.

"I need to mail a package."

She asked the clerk for a box and packing materials.

She wrapped the ring meticulously, layer upon layer.

"Do you have paper and a pen?"

The clerk provided them.

Evelyn wrote a brief note:

"Dear Big Brother,

I hope this isn't an intrusion.

I don't know if you remember me. Or if you've looked for me over the years.

I'm writing to say you don't need to search for me anymore.

Please don't feel obligated by childhood promises.

I'm married now, very happily. My life is stable and secure. No need to worry.

This jade ring seems precious, likely important to you. I'm returning it."

She wrote because of Alexander.

Putting herself in his shoes, she wondered if her childhood friend might also be conflicted if he had found someone.

She wanted to clarify her situation and close this chapter.

Yet, finishing the letter, she felt a pang of reluctance.

During her darkest childhood moments, beaten by Linda and feeling hopeless, the thought of her big brother coming for her had kept her going...

Evelyn thought for a moment, then added:

"By the way, I had no name as a child. Now I do.

I'm Evelyn Ross. My number is 183xxxxxxxx.

If you ever visit San Francisco, I'd love to have dinner."

She placed the note and the ring in the box, cushioning them with foam.

She handed it to the clerk. "Please mail this."

The clerk took it. "What's the destination address?"

Evelyn smiled. "76 Sunset Road, Sunset Village, Cloud Town."

Saying the address aloud made her reconsider.

How significant could a number 76 in a village be?

The clerk asked, "Recipient name?"

Evelyn frowned, thinking.

Her big brother never gave his name, only said he was from that family, the fifth son.

What was the surname? He might have mentioned it, but she couldn't recall.

She suddenly remembered his words: "My second grandfather says I'm stubborn. Calls me Stubborn Fifth."

"Write 'Stubborn Fifth.'"

The clerk's expression remained neutral.

Evelyn was curious. "The name doesn't seem odd to you?"

The clerk shrugged. "It's pretty normal. You haven't been in delivery lately. Recipient names get wild. Once had a 'My Daddy.' Had to ask, 'Are you My Daddy?' on calls. Delivering that package made me feel like I lost a generation!"

Evelyn chuckled.

After a moment, she added, "Please deliver it personally. The ring is fragile. Handle it carefully."

Sunset Village felt far in childhood memories, but it was only a five or six-hour drive.

Uncertain of the ring's value, sending a trusted person felt safer.

The clerk nodded. "Sure thing. I'll go now. Guarantee it reaches the recipient directly."

"Thank you."

Watching the clerk drive away, Evelyn didn't return to the hospital.

She texted Alexander and went back to the Vance residence.

Entering, she saw Elder Howard Vance saying goodbye to Eleanor Vance.

Elder Howard seemed reluctant. "Take care, sister-in-law. I'll see you at the ancestral ceremony for the New Year."

Eleanor smiled warmly. "Of course. I'll be there."

Noticing Evelyn, Eleanor asked, "Where's that rascal? He promised to see his second grandfather off today."

Evelyn smiled gently. "He might be held up with something."

Eleanor huffed. "What could be more important than family?"

Elder Howard intervened. "Don't scold Alexander, sister-in-law. Running the Vance Group keeps him busy. He's a good boy, wouldn't miss this intentionally. We're family. We can see each other anytime."

He turned and got into the car.

Evelyn steadied Eleanor.

Eleanor waved. "Drive safely. No rush."

"Understood."

Elder Howard looked at Robert Vance and Richard Evans, his expression stern. "Behave yourselves."

Robert pressed his lips together, silent.

Richard smiled. "We will, Second Grandfather. Have a safe trip."

Elder Howard gazed into the distance and sighed helplessly.

He had hoped to speak with Alexander again, having watched him grow up.

He came worried about Eleanor's health and initially misjudged Alexander and Evelyn due to Richard.

He wondered if the boy was upset and avoiding him.

Elder Howard muttered under his breath, "That stubborn fifth child."