Marcus Valentine pushed open the study door.

He called out for his third uncle.

His assistant immediately gestured for him to be quiet.

Marcus followed his gaze.

Mr.Valentine was fast asleep on the sofa.

A month had passed since their last meeting.

Mr.Valentine had lost a significant amount of weight.

His cheeks were deeply sunken.

His closed eyes revealed profound exhaustion.

A dark stubble covered his chin.

His complexion showed signs of weariness from travel.

Marcus lowered his voice. "How did he get so exhausted?"

The assistant signaled for them to step outside.

They gently closed the study door behind them.

The assistant sighed. "The Third Master hasn't slept for three days."

"Someone claimed to have seen Madam Nan in Licheng."

"He rushed there overnight."

"He turned Licheng upside down."

"But still couldn't find her."

"He collapsed and fell asleep as soon as he returned to the study."

William Ashcroft was dead.

Sophia Ashcroft could no longer exist as Mrs. Xu.

Mr.Valentine now referred to her as Miss Nan.

But others found it inappropriate.

They now called her Madam Nan.

Marcus frowned. "Uncle He, Third Uncle is neglecting his health."

"Is a woman really worth this?"

He Wei had been by Mr.Valentine's side for over twenty years.

He sighed deeply. "You don't understand."

"The lengths the Third Master would go for Madam Nan."

"His refusal to marry all these years was entirely because of her."

Marcus's jaw tightened. "He likes her that much?"

"Correct."

"After Madam Nan left with William Ashcroft all those years ago."

"The Third Master shut himself away for five full days."

"San Francisco became his forbidden city."

"He desperately wanted to see her."

"But Madam Nan made a pact with him to never meet again in this lifetime."

"The Third Master endured it for twenty-two long years."

"Tell me, how deep must that love be?"

He Wei spoke and sighed again.

"I'm actually glad they never ended up together."

Marcus was puzzled. "Why?"

"Madam Nan is clearly backed by a much more powerful force."

"We've been searching for so long without a single lead."

"The Xu family simply can't compare to the other side."

"If the Third Master had truly been with Madam Nan back then."

"He would have fought to the death when she was in danger…"

Marcus fell silent.

He finally spoke after a long pause. "Can love really make someone this crazy?"

He shook his head and left the study.

The matter regarding Grace Nan could wait until tomorrow.

But the next morning.

Marcus arrived at the study only to find it empty again.

The butler said a call came in the early hours.

Someone had spotted Madam Nan in Jincheng.

Mr.Valentine immediately rushed over.

Marcus looked up at the sky in frustration.

Who on earth had taken Madam Nan?

They left absolutely no trace!

He took out his phone hesitantly.

Should he call and tell Third Uncle about Grace Nan?

After a moment's thought, he put the phone away.

He would wait until Grace's divorce was finalized.

No need to distract Third Uncle now.

He was already worried about Madam Nan and concerned about Grace Nan.

Just then, his assistant hurried over.

"Young Master Xu, Lady Grace Nan and Mina Sherwood have gone to the Sherwood Group."

Marcus immediately frowned. "Going to beg for help?"

He turned and strode out.

He stopped halfway.

Realizing he was being too eager.

He coughed to cover it up.

"Going to watch their spectacle."

"Let that woman see how insignificant she is without me."

The assistant silently lowered his head.

The Young Master was clearly worried they would be bullied.

So stubborn. No wonder Miss Sherwood never gave him a nice look.

…

Sherwood Group.

Evelyn Ross arrived at the company early with Mina Sherwood.

Mina led her into the New Energy Project Department.

They met the department head.

Mina was about to introduce her.

The door was flung open.

William Sherwood strode in.

The department head quickly stood up. "Mr. Sherwood."

William shot a cold glance at Mina.

He didn't know the full details of last night's events.

He called Mr. Locsitant this morning only to find his phone switched off.

Inquiring at the hotel revealed Mina was never with Mr. Locsitant.

This niece of his dared to defy him openly!

He had to teach her a lesson today!

William sneered. "I'm here to see how my dear niece abuses her power for personal gain!"

He glared at Mina. "You privately signed an investment agreement with NanTech Ltd."

"You failed to deliver the results on time."

"I suspect you colluded with outsiders to embezzle company funds!"

"Mina Sherwood, do you admit it!"

Mina immediately refuted. "I did not!"

"NanTech Ltd. has the capability."

"We conducted due diligence before investing. The procedure was fully compliant!"

William scoffed. "Compliant? Then why couldn't they deliver?"

"I heard their research staff resigned right after getting the investment."

"How do you explain that?"

Mina urgently explained. "That was a coincidence!"

"It's precisely why the delivery was delayed."

"They have a solution now."

"We're here today to discuss continuing the cooperation!"

William sneered. "A solution now? It's too late!"

"The contract deadline has passed!"

"The Sherwood Group isn't your personal company."

"Favoritism and misconduct will not be tolerated!"

He looked at the department head.

"This matter must be strictly enforced according to the contract!"

The department head wiped his sweat. "Understood."

William turned his glare back to Mina. "You must take responsibility for this."

"You're fired!"

"If the penalty fee isn't recovered, I will pursue legal action against you!"

Mina's chest heaved with anger.

Evelyn Ross spoke calmly. "Are you sure you want to strictly enforce the contract?"

"The contract states that if we breach."

"Sherwood Group will refuse any future cooperation, correct?"

William scoffed. "Of course!"

"Sherwood doesn't cooperate with small companies lacking credibility!"

"You should focus on repaying the twenty million first."

"I heard your husband divorced you? Heh."

"My personal affairs are none of your concern."

Evelyn looked at the department head.

"I came today intending to discuss another cooperation."

"Since you insist on strictly enforcing the contract."

"I cannot partner with Sherwood on the Hydrogen Fuel Project I currently hold."

"Such a pity."

The department head laughed derisively. "Hydrogen Fuel?"

"The most advanced technology currently is developed by Dr. Nan."

"You can't even handle simple R&D, and you're talking about Hydrogen Fuel?"

"Who would want to cooperate with you!"

Evelyn handed over the project proposal. "Are you sure no one is interested?"

"Absolutely!"

The department head glanced at it disdainfully.

Then he froze abruptly.

What had he just seen?!