Eleanor Vance overheard their conversation and looked at them curiously.

"Which Roland family?"

Thomas Watson instinctively glanced at Alexander Vance, not daring to speak.

Alexander replied calmly, "The Rolands of New York."

Those four words made Eleanor's expression shift slightly.

Evelyn Ross keenly sensed the room's atmosphere becoming tense.

She looked at Alexander, then at Thomas.

Thomas gave her a meaningful look, signaling her not to ask further.

A nurse brought in breakfast and set it on the dining table.

Evelyn helped Eleanor sit down to eat.

The three ate in silence.

Eleanor drank half a bowl of porridge before putting down her chopsticks.

"Can you cancel the cooperation with the Rolands?"

Evelyn looked at Alexander.

The man kept his eyes lowered, his long lashes hiding his emotions, making him unreadable.

Thomas immediately stood up.

"Miss Ross, shall we check with the doctor about Mrs. Vance's condition?"

Evelyn understood this was a request to clear the room.

She picked up her half-eaten sandwich and was about to stand when Eleanor stopped her.

"My granddaughter-in-law doesn't need to leave. You should know about these matters eventually."

Thomas looked at Alexander.

The man frowned slightly but ultimately said nothing.

Thomas quietly exited the room, closing the door and standing guard outside.

Evelyn felt awkward, thinking she shouldn't be listening to family matters.

Eleanor spoke up.

"I've never told you about this rascal's mother, have I?"

Evelyn glanced cautiously at Alexander.

The man continued eating his bread slowly, not objecting.

She asked softly, "Is Mr. Vance's mother related to the Rolands?"

Eleanor sighed.

"Not to the Rolands, but to Mrs. Roland. This rascal's mother was Mrs. Roland's older sister."

She began recounting the past.

"Back then, the Vance family wanted a marriage alliance with the Sherwoods of New York. My useless son was divorced and in his forties when he married a Sherwood girl in her twenties. After she became pregnant, she discovered his ex-wife had borne him a son, secretly raised until his teens—this rascal's older brother."

Evelyn sorted out the relationships.

This Miss Sherwood was Alexander's mother.

Alexander's father, Robert Vance, had a son with his ex-wife: Richard Evans, Julian's father.

Richard and Alexander were half-brothers, which explained their hostile relationship.

Eleanor continued.

"The Sherwood girl marrying a man over a decade older was a business alliance from the start. She was furious upon discovering the deception. She had a fierce temperament and chose a cesarean section at seven months pregnant. She gave birth to this rascal, then divorced and returned to the Sherwoods. Since then, the Sherwoods held a grudge against the Vances, cutting off all contact."

Eleanor's expression darkened.

Evelyn looked at Alexander.

Whether his father had known was impossible to verify.

But how could his mother have a cesarean at seven months and abandon her child at the Vances?

Even if she wanted a divorce, couldn't she have waited two more months to give birth?

At seven months, he was already a living being!

Eleanor had mentioned Alexander weighed only three pounds two ounces at birth.

He spent three months in the ICU, covered in tubes, critically ill multiple times, nearly dying.

That was why he was given the humble nickname "Puppy"…

So that was why.

Remembering Alexander's words yesterday—"Some people don't deserve to be mothers. Just treat them as strangers"—Evelyn took a deep breath, her chest tight.

So Alexander was like her, abandoned by their birth mothers.

She looked at the man.

He still kept his eyes down, drinking milk, his handsome profile cold and hard as iron.

He seemed to be listening to someone else's story, detached yet fragile.

Evelyn's heart ached.

She suddenly wanted to hug him…

Eleanor sighed.

"I heard Mrs. Roland was very close to this rascal's birth mother.

That's why the Rolands have held a grudge against the Vances all these years…

Everyone has their own立场, and no one is wrong.

You and that Roland boy have never gotten along. Why force yourself? Is this cooperation absolutely necessary?"

Alexander set down his milk glass, elegantly wiped his mouth, and lifted his cool, distant eyes.

"The business world only cares about利益. Past grievances are irrelevant."

He stood up.

"Don't worry, Grandma. I won't be at a disadvantage."

…

Evelyn followed Alexander toward the rehabilitation department.

They were stopped at the entrance.

Ryan Roland's secretary looked apologetic.

"Mr. Vance, Miss Roland's condition is unstable. It's not convenient for visitors right now."

Thomas immediately flared up.

"Mr. Vance coming here is a courtesy to the Rolands. Do you really think we're afraid of you?"

The secretary hurriedly explained.

"She truly isn't well…"

Thomas wanted to say more, but Alexander stopped him.

"Let's go."

The three turned back.

Thomas was furious.

"This is too much! Julian Evans was allowed to visit yesterday, but they stop us today?

If this gets out, people will think they can look down on you, boss!"

Alexander said calmly,

"Ryan Roland isn't the type to posture. His sister probably really isn't well."

Thomas fell silent.

Alexander headed to the company, leaving with Thomas in the parking lot.

Evelyn sighed quietly and prepared to return to the old lady's room.

Her phone suddenly rang.

She picked it up and saw a text from Chloe Roland's brother.

["Miss Ross, can you come to the hospital? Chloe's condition is bad. She insists on seeing you."]

Evelyn was slightly stunned.

Chloe's brother… Was his name Ryan Roland?