Ryan Roland paused mid-step.

Yesterday's brief glimpse at the hospital showed his savior with disheveled hair, her features blurred.

But this girl's eyes and brows resembled hers too closely!

Ryan quickened his pace, wanting to confirm.

The elevator doors opened at that moment.

Evelyn Ross and Jason Lawrence stepped inside.

He arrived just as the metal doors slid shut.

What a pity.

Ryan felt no urgency.

His savior had left contact information during last night's call.

After concluding negotiations with the Vance Group, he would dial that number.

Then he would discuss with his family how to properly express their gratitude.

...

Evelyn didn't notice Ryan.

She walked with Jason into the R&D Team One office.

The atmosphere felt heavy.

Team members frowned at their screens, sighing in frustration.

"The proposal is due Friday. Vice President Julian is clearly setting us up!"

"This is an impossible task."

"Even the team leader went home to rest yesterday. He's probably given up."

"What about Evelyn? Maybe she has a solution?"

Daniel Clementson immediately responded, "Don't put too much pressure on her. However talented she is, she can't compare to Dr. Nan. Age and experience matter..."

Everyone nodded in agreement.

Just then, Evelyn and Jason entered.

The team swarmed them, buzzing with questions.

"Team Leader, did you meet Dr. Nan at yesterday's gathering?"

Jason scoffed, "If Dr. Nan showed up, people would have devoured him on the spot!"

"What about James? Did he reveal Dr. Nan's current research focus?"

"Not exactly." Jason suddenly looked at Evelyn. "But Evelyn knows James well. She might ask him privately."

"What?! Evelyn knows James Klein? Then she indirectly knows Dr. Nan too?"

Dozens of eager eyes turned to Evelyn.

"Evelyn, if there's a chance, could you introduce us to Dr. Nan someday?"

Evelyn's peach-blossom eyes curved as she scanned their hopeful faces.

A slight smile touched her lips. "Sure. Maybe we can even work together someday."

The group burst into laughter.

"Working together is too much to hope for!"

"Just meeting Dr. Nan in person would be enough!"

"If we could get some guidance from him, it would be incredible!"

...

Amid the laughter, Jason's sharp command sent everyone back to their workstations.

Evelyn carried her laptop toward her private office.

Jason stopped her at the door. "Don't push yourself too hard. This project is beyond Team One's capabilities. Management knows this. Julian can't disappoint everyone."

Evelyn smiled reassuringly. "Don't worry. Trust me."

Julian stood outside the office, glaring at Evelyn.

The girl possessed stunning beauty, her smile radiating confidence.

Just like during university, as if no challenge could ever defeat her.

But why was she so confident?

No one except Dr. Nan could solve this project in such a short time!

He turned and walked to the break area, pulling out his phone to call Isabella.

"Can you get Dr. Nan's solution by tomorrow or not?"

Isabella's voice wavered, trying to stall. "Julian, Dr. Nan is abroad and extremely busy lately..."

Julian cut her off impatiently. "If we delay any longer, Evelyn's team might solve it!"

Isabella panicked. "I'll try to hurry him."

Julian narrowed his eyes. "Isabella, you'd better not be lying to me."

"Of course not! I'll contact Dr. Nan right now."

The call ended.

Isabella paced anxiously.

She had been using Sophia's email to contact Dr. Nan.

But the replies were cold, stating he was traveling and not to be disturbed!

She couldn't deliver the solution tomorrow.

If Julian discovered she had lost her value, he might call off the engagement...

This couldn't happen!

Her eyes hardened as she rushed into the hospital room to face Sophia.

"Mom, do you know anyone from the New York Roland family? Julian wants to make a connection."

Sophia's condition had stabilized, and she was due for discharge tomorrow.

She sat propped against the headboard, reading. Her fingers trembled slightly.

She looked up, expression neutral. "No, I don't."

A dark glint flashed in Isabella's eyes.

Sophia's reaction clearly indicated she did know them! But she refused to help!

How selfish! She didn't deserve to be a mother!

Unlike Linda, who had always indulged her since childhood!

If Sophia wouldn't help, what could she do?

Isabella was completely panicked.

...

Evelyn didn't tackle the project alone.

The entire R&D Team One collaborated closely.

By the end of the workday, the solution was largely formed, needing only final polishing.

Evelyn carried her laptop to the underground garage.

Alexander's Bentley waited in its usual spot, but he was nowhere to be seen.

The driver explained, "Mr. Vance has an important negotiation tonight. He asked me to take you home first."

Evelyn nodded. "Alright."

Alexander did not return that night.

The next day.

Evelyn entered the company, energized, carrying the meticulously prepared solution.

Just inside the R&D department, she saw Julian leaning against the break area counter, holding a coffee.

He was clearly waiting for her.

"Evelyn, a friendly reminder. Today is the final deadline. If you can't submit the solution by end of day, I win the bet! You'll be held accountable for your arrogance."

Evelyn sighed inwardly.

Did this man have nothing better to do?

She rolled her eyes and walked straight toward her office.

Julian followed closely.

"Being with me has its perks. I could at least introduce you to Dr. Nan..."

Evelyn laughed dismissively. "Not necessary."

Julian snapped, "Don't think just because you've latched onto James Klein you're untouchable! He sees you as a plaything! If he had any real feelings for you, he would have helped you solve this problem!"

"I didn't need help."

Julian sneered, "You didn't need it? Just because people call you a genius, you think you can rival Dr. Nan?!"

"My solution is already complete."

Evelyn stopped and turned, looking at him with an amused smile.

"The question is, Vice President Julian. Did you get Dr. Nan's solution?"