Marcia froze for a moment when she heard that, then burst outughing, giving Elissa a look that

said she thought she was crazy.

“Don’t tell me you expect me to believe you’re Mr. ine’s personal apprentice? Dream on!”

If Elissa really was Aaron’s apprentice, she’d be rubbing elbows with the city’s elite by now, already famous and sessful–certainly not stuck here ving away in research.

Elissa gave a slight, dismissive smile. “Whether I am or not, I don’t owe you an exnation.”

Without waiting for Marcia’s retort, she turned on her heel and strode away.

Marcia called after her, unwilling to let it go. “Aren’t you even curious why I’m here today?”

“Not interested.”

Elissa didn’t even look back.

She could guess well enough–Marcia was probably going to dangle Frank’s name in front of her, im he was pulling strings for her. After all, there weren’t many people in Vistapeak City with that kind of influence.

As Elissa stepped into the elevator, the doors nearly closed before another colleague from the Traditional Medicine Unit hurried in, eyes shining with admiration. “Ms. Drummond, you’re

incredible!”

Elissa replied calmly, “Anyone who’s dedicated to their research can achieve great things. It all depends on where you set your mind.”

This colleague was different from James and the others–he’d never looked down on her, and would even offer a hand when she needed help.

Xavier nodded enthusiastically, grinning. “If you ever need anything, just let me know.”

“Thank you.” Elissa smiled.

When the elevator arrived, they exited together.

Once they’d put some space between themselves and the others, Cliff leaned in and asked quietly, “Are you really nning to work with Marcia?”

“As if.” Elissa didn’t even hesitate. “She’s not capable of developing anything.”

If someone can’t even manage her own son’s dietary regimen and has toe to me for help, what business does she have doing pharmaceutical research? Only Frank would be reckless enough to suggest something like that.

But the moment she thought of bFrank/b, he appeared–bas /bif summoned. Elissa was just about to head toward theb when she spotted him.

Frank saw her, too, and his gaze flickered to Cliff at her side. He frowned slightly but kept hisposure as he approached. “Where have you been? I came to pick you up, but they said you weren’t in theb.”

18:02

“I was in a meeting with Marcia,” Elissa replied, meeting his eyes. Then, with a hint of mischief, she added, “Someone made quite an investment in her, wanting her to co–lead our project.”

Frank’s brow furrowed at once. “I had nothing to do with that,” he said, irritated. “No one consulted

me.”

He was clearly annoyed. He’d told Marcia to keep a low profile, and she couldn’t even manage that for two days. Then again, it was just like her–she’d never been one to follow the rules.

Elissa studied his expression. He didn’t seem to be lying, which left her puzzled, but before she could think it through, Frank said, “It’s about time for dinner. Let’s go eat–I’ll drive you home.”

Frank had finally figured out that Elissa was stubborn; forcing her to move back to Greenwood Manor was pointless. But he could show her, through patience and small changes, that things could be different. After all, for the woman he hoped to spend his life with, he was willing to be patient.

As Elissa was mulling over how to turn him down, Frank’s phone rang.

He nced at the screen–Bernard was calling. Without stepping away from Elissa, he answered, “What is it?”

“Mr. Atwater,” Bernard said efficiently, “our people at Cresthaven found a childhood photo of that little girl in the Pine Hill Orphanage records. Would you like to see it?”

Frank’s eyes narrowed. “Send it to me.”

“Right away.”

Within seconds, Bernard said, “It’s on your WhatsApp now.”

A notification popped up. Frank tapped the message open. As soon as he saw the photo, a sense of urgency flickered across his face.