It was her!

Thomas Watson's face was pale with anger.

How could Julian Evans become General Manager out of nowhere?

He had contributed nothing!

But Thomas knew this personnel change was insignificant to the Vance Group during this critical cooperation phase.

Under the gaze of all the executives, his boss couldn't refuse.

It was utterly humiliating!

What was Ryan Roland trying to do?

If the Sherwoods wanted to hold a grudge, they should target the main branch of the Vance family.

Why were they solely targeting his boss?

Alexander Vance's expression was unreadable.

He never showed his emotions, merely glancing coolly at Ryan. "If I refuse, will you terminate the contract, Mr. Roland?"

The meeting room fell silent instantly.

Alexander's demeanor remained unchanged.

While many Vance executives would pressure him, the Roland team was also present.

If the cooperation collapsed due to Ryan's unreasonable demands, Ryan would be equally responsible.

This was a test of patience.

Whoever yielded first would lose.

After a long moment, Alexander remained composed and unruffled.

Ryan finally softened his tone. "You misunderstand, Mr. Vance. This was merely a personal suggestion."

The cold aura around Alexander lessened slightly. "Sign first. Julian Evans will handle subsequent cooperation."

With actual achievements, Julian's promotion would be justified.

This was the concession Alexander offered Ryan.

Two major corporations clashed, each taking a step back.

Ryan nodded and signed.

The seals were affixed, making it official.

He stood and extended his hand. "A pleasant cooperation, Mr. Vance."

Alexander met his eyes coldly, his displeasure evident.

Ryan waved, dismissing everyone else.

Only the two of them remained in the meeting room.

He looked at Alexander. "This wasn't my aunt's intention. I owe Isabella Ashcroft a favor. I had to secure this for Julian."

Alexander stood. "No explanation is necessary. She has nothing to do with me."

Ryan frowned. "My sister was in danger at the hospital. Isabella protected her and notified me. A life-saving debt must be repaid."

Alexander's eyes turned colder. He left directly.

Thomas followed closely behind. "Sir, the celebration banquet is scheduled for tomorrow evening. Ryan Roland will attend. His parents are also in San Francisco and will be present."

A flicker of emotion passed through Alexander's eyes.

Ryan's mother... was that woman's sister. His biological aunt by blood.

Thomas asked further, "Shall your companion be chosen from the secretarial pool, or shall we invite Miss Ross?"

Alexander replied flatly, "She dislikes such occasions. It's unnecessary."

He meant he would attend without a female companion.

Thomas was stunned.

In the past, his boss would have scolded him for the impertinent question.

Now, he was considering Miss Ross's preferences?

Had his attitude changed?

Evelyn Ross noticed no change.

Alexander returned from work still grim-faced.

He didn't even glance at the Shiba Inu, "Kitty," who wagged its tail to greet him.

Evelyn kept her head down, focused on finalizing her drug research.

These past few days, she had thoroughly studied the neurology materials borrowed from the Vance Group.

A clinical drug for Alzheimer's was on the verge of a breakthrough.

Seeing Evelyn not going to work, Eleanor Vance grew anxious.

She had hoped her grandson would take his wife to build rapport—watch concerts or dine out...

But seeing his expression, she couldn't help but complain. "Must be work troubles."

She asked Thomas, "Encountered difficulties?"

Thomas seized the moment while Alexander was washing his hands. "Ryan Roland has been giving the boss a hard time. He even insisted on promoting young Mr. Evans..."

Evelyn raised an eyebrow.

Had Thomas forgotten that Eleanor was also Julian's great-grandmother?

He said it right to her face...

Unexpectedly, Eleanor pursed her lips. "What connection do the Rolands have with Julian Evans? It makes no sense! Doesn't Julian know the Rolands have old grievances with his uncle? Logically, the Rolands should resent the main branch!"

She stood firmly on Alexander's side without hesitation.

Thomas snorted coldly. "Who knows what's gotten into the Rolands? They ignore their actual relatives and side with the main branch!"

Eleanor pressed her lips together. "Didn't you visit the patient today? Didn't it help ease relations? Did Mrs. Roland show any reaction upon seeing her nephew?"

Thomas sighed. "Didn't see her. They said the patient's condition was poor."

Eleanor was displeased. "She should see him especially if her cousin is critically ill. It boils down to distance. With family, breaking the ice is what matters."

The elderly woman saw things clearly.

Her son had wronged Alexander's mother back then. The Sherwoods' resentment was understandable.

She used to resent the Sherwoods, thinking Alexander's mother was too cruel for the cesarean section that nearly cost him his life.

But now...

The Vance family lacked warmth.

Her health was declining.

If the Sherwoods could extend an olive branch, it might fill the void of family affection for her grandson...

She had hoped the cooperation would bring Alexander closer to the Rolands!

How did it turn out like this?

Eleanor worried deeply. "What do the Rolands truly want?"

Evelyn suddenly spoke. "Grandmother, perhaps I could make an introduction?"

After all, she was Chloe Roland's benefactor.

Mr. and Mrs. Roland were kind people.

Surely relations could be eased...

Alexander emerged from washing his hands just in time to hear this.

His gaze turned icy, then puzzled. "You know the Rolands?"

Evelyn nodded. "I helped with a minor matter."

A minor matter...

Alexander suddenly understood. "You saved his sister?"

Evelyn was surprised. "How did you know?"