Evelyn immediately shook her head upon hearing about the public announcement.
"No need for an announcement."
"It's necessary," the officer explained with a smile.
"Positive stories like this need publicity to encourage more people to act bravely."
"It's part of our job."
Evelyn nodded reluctantly.
"Alright."
They walked to the entrance and encountered Ryan Roland and Isabella Ashcroft.
They were explaining their purpose at the reception desk.
The officer there spotted Evelyn's companion and called out, "Officer Chen, these two are here about Chloe Roland's case."
"Please escort them inside."
Ryan and Isabella turned at the sound.
Isabella's eyes turned cold upon seeing Evelyn.
Ryan, however, caught the key word: also?
This woman was also here about his sister's case?
Evelyn gave them a brief, indifferent glance.
She had no interest in engaging and walked straight out.
Officer Chen addressed Ryan.
"Please wait a moment."
"I'll see this lady out and then take you in."
Ryan nodded, his gaze thoughtful as he looked at Isabella.
"Was this young lady also present when my sister had her accident?"
Julian Evans also turned to Isabella.
He already knew how Isabella and Ryan had met.
If Evelyn had also saved Chloe, how could he win Ryan over?
A cold glint flashed in Isabella's eyes, but she forced a bitter smile.
"Mr. Roland, that's my sister."
"We were indeed together at the time..."
"Miss Roland asked her for help first, but she has a cold personality."
"It wasn't intentional."
"You know how she is, Julian."
Julian frowned.
"She's always been heartless and avoids getting involved."
Isabella sighed.
"She even stopped me from calling for help."
"She said people who are lovesick deserve to die..."
She suddenly covered her mouth, feigning panic.
"Please don't take it to heart, Mr. Roland."
"I'm sure Miss Roland didn't mean it..."
Ryan's face darkened instantly.
He remembered Chloe waking up after surgery.
Her first words were, "Brother, should someone as foolish as me even be alive?"
He had thought his sister was heartbroken over love.
But she had been insulted by someone else?
Julian clenched his fists.
"She is terrifyingly rational."
"She never showed interest in any of her many suitors in college."
"In her eyes, love is probably just foolishness."
His chest felt tight.
Did she see him that way too?
Julian suddenly turned to Isabella.
"You go ahead with the statement."
"I'll wait outside."
He turned and hurried out after Evelyn.
Ryan watched him leave, deep in thought.
Isabella asked casually, "When are you returning to New York, Mr. Roland?"
"How is Miss Roland doing?"
"New York's medical facilities are better than San Francisco's, right?"
Ryan withdrew his gaze and replied calmly.
"We sign the contract today."
"I'll take Chloe back to New York for recovery in a day or two."
"I won't trouble you further, Miss Ashcroft."
Isabella was too calculating.
He wanted his sister as far away from her as possible.
Isabella breathed a silent sigh of relief.
As long as Ryan left San Francisco soon, he would never learn the truth.
Outside the police station.
Evelyn stood by the roadside waiting for her ride.
The light dimmed beside her as Julian's voice reached her.
"Evelyn, I never expected you to be Dr. Nan."
"But do you think talent alone guarantees success in business?"
"The business world relies on connections."
"Ability is secondary..."
Evelyn gave him a cold glance and ignored him.
Julian felt a pang in his chest.
In college, she was always this aloof with everyone else, but warm towards him.
Now that coldness was directed at him.
Anger and embarrassment surged within him.
"Evelyn, you're always so cold-hearted."
"No wonder you miss out on great opportunities!"
Evelyn was baffled.
What opportunity had she missed?
Her ride arrived.
She ignored Julian and got into the car, leaving without a word.
Julian watched the car disappear, knowing he had lost her for good.
But he didn't regret it.
Even if she was Dr. Nan, he could never marry a love child!
After mentally justifying his actions, Julian finally calmed down.
Isabella and Ryan emerged after giving their statements.
He immediately approached them.
Ryan said coolly, "Sorry for taking up your date time."
Isabella smiled.
"You're too kind, Mr. Roland."
"Where are you headed next?"
Ryan checked his watch.
"I have a signing appointment with Mr. Vance."
"Once the contract is finalized, our cooperation officially begins."
Julian quickly interjected.
"It's a pity my position isn't high enough."
"Otherwise, I would be the one signing with you today!"
Isabella smiled at Ryan.
"Hasn't Julian been promoted yet?"
"A Vice President's title isn't quite suitable for discussing cooperation with you, Mr. Roland."
Julian sighed.
"Uncle said he'd promote me after the contract is signed."
"But he's very busy."
"I'm afraid he might forget."
Isabella said to Ryan, "Mr. Roland, could you remind Mr. Vance during the signing?"
Ryan pressed his lips together.
A seasoned player in the business world, he understood their intention perfectly.
Julian had contributed nothing to this cooperation.
He was being pushed forward solely by Ryan's influence.
The original plan was for Julian to gradually rise to department head.
He hadn't expected them to be so impatient, trying to climb over him!
Ryan took a deep breath and gave Isabella a meaningful look.
"Fine."
After parting ways with them, Ryan headed to the Vance Group.
The cooperation between the two companies was a major event.
The signing ceremony was very formal.
In the spacious conference room, they sat on opposite sides of the table.
Alexander Vance signed the documents and handed them to Ryan, only to find Ryan's copy remained unsigned.
Alexander's gaze sharpened.
"Do you have questions about the contract, Mr. Roland?"
"The contract is fine," Ryan said calmly.
"But this project was supposed to be handled by young Mr. Evans."
"His position still seems to be Vice President?"
Alexander's expression turned cold.
"Are you interfering with Vance Group's personnel appointments?"
"Not at all."
"I just find young Mr. Evans quite agreeable."
"I trust you'll grant me this favor."
Ryan made his stance clear: no promotion, no signing.