CHAPTER 31: CHAPTER 31: HE BROKE HIS PROMISE AND STOOD HER UP

Next morning.

The Sovereign Estate.

Sunlight poured through the massive floor-to-ceiling windows, drenching the soft KING SIZE bed.

Aiden Fordham opened his eyes.

He sat up, rubbed his temples, with evident fatigue still lingering in his eyes.

However, after taking a shower, putting on a well-tailored black suit, and walking down the spiral staircase to stand in the middle of the living room, any remnants of melancholy had vanished.

In its place was the usual domineering aura; his gaze was sharp, jawline tight, his whole being radiating a vibe of unapproachable aloofness.

He was once again the spirited CEO who commanded everything.

Keegan Lindsey was already waiting at the side; upon seeing him come down, he respectfully greeted:

"President Fordham, good morning."

Aiden Fordham slightly nodded in response.

He headed straight for the dining table, his long legs moving with steady strides.

Casually picking up the glass of milk, he took a few sips.

The icy liquid slid down his throat, seemingly clearing his mind.

He set down the glass, his distinctly articulated fingers picking up the spread-out newspaper, swiftly scanning the front page of financial news in seconds.

Then, he raised his wrist to check the watch face.

The time was just about right.

"To the civil affairs bureau."

He spoke, his voice void of warmth, instructing the waiting driver beside him.

Keegan Lindsey stood behind him; upon hearing this, his Adam’s apple involuntarily moved.

His lips parted, appearing as if wanting to speak.

But ultimately, he swallowed the words back.

The atmosphere felt somewhat stagnant.

Just then—"Buzz buzz buzz..."

The sharp sound of a phone vibrating suddenly rang out, breaking the silence of the living room.

Aiden Fordham picked up the phone from the table, glanced at the caller ID, and answered.

Whatever was said on the other end was unknown.

He merely responded briefly:

"Hmm."

"Got it. I’m on my way."

The tone remained indisputable.

He hung up the phone.

Turning around, his deep gaze landed on the driver waiting outside the door, his tone steady, orders clear and concise:

"To the airport."

Keegan Lindsey stood there, his fingers at his sides loosening slightly.

Yet, inside, he felt an indescribable relief.

Thank goodness!

...

The following day, exactly nine o’clock, Stella Grant stood at the entrance of the civil affairs bureau.

Sunlight filtered through the sparse leaves of the street trees, casting dappled shadows on the ground.

The air carried the unique coolness of an early summer morning.

She glanced at the time on her phone screen, 9:05 AM.

Aiden Fordham still hadn’t arrived.

The entrance of the civil affairs bureau was bustling with people; most were couples, faces bearing either anticipation or sober expressions.

Stella Grant stood alone, her presence contrasting with the atmosphere around her.

9:30 AM.

Aiden Fordham still hadn’t shown up.

Stella Grant took out her phone, her fingertips gliding across the screen, dialing the well-worn number.

The ringtone rang for a long time before being answered; the background noise was slightly chaotic, seeming to be inside a car.

"I’m at the civil affairs bureau, when are you coming?"

Stella Grant’s voice was calm, without any discernible fluctuation.

There was a brief silence on the other end.

"Something very important came up this morning, let’s reschedule for another day!"

Aiden Fordham’s voice came through the receiver, as consistently composed and devoid of warmth.

No explanation, no apology, just a simple notification.

The call ended just like that.

Stella Grant stood there, moments later, muttering a curse only she could hear into the air.

"Bastard!"

She turned, her pace brisk, departing from the place that was supposed to witness a promise.

Simultaneously, a golden Rolls-Royce was smoothly cruising on the highway to the International Airport.

Aiden Fordham sat in the spacious back seat, his gaze falling on the cityscape continually receding outside the window.

Today, he was going to pick up a guest of extraordinary importance to him.

Professor Franck.

He was Aiden’s mentor during his doctoral studies in medicine in F-Country, and a distinguished figure in the field of medicine.

More importantly, Aiden Fordham had reason to believe that this professor might know the whereabouts of the mysterious God N.

Based on the fragmented information he currently had, God N was most likely nurtured solely by Professor Franck.

If he could secure God N’s assistance, The Fordham Group’s intelligent medical project would break through its existing bottleneck, ushering in a new era.

The vehicle arrived at the airport VIP tarmac.

Aiden Fordham adjusted his suit jacket and opened the car door to step out.

Before long, a private jet landed slowly.

The cabin door opened, and an elderly figure, white-haired yet spirited, came out assisted by family members.

The elder wore a well-tailored casual outfit, his face bearing a gentle smile.

He immediately spotted Aiden Fordham waiting there.

"Aiden."

Professor Franck’s voice carried the joy of a long-awaited reunion.

Aiden Fordham quickly approached, offering a polite embrace to the professor.

"Professor, welcome to Meritopia."

Shortly after, the convoy headed straight to the Fordham Group Headquarters building.

The state-of-the-art medical exhibition hall at the top floor was suffused with futuristic technological vibes.

Various sophisticated apparatuses were quietly displayed; the massive holographic screen showcased complex human anatomical models.

Aiden Fordham personally guided Professor Franck through the introduction.

"Professor, this is our Fordham Group’s intelligent medical system, developed over three years."

He moved to a piece of equipment, conducting a demonstration.

"Through high-resolution biological information collection combined with big data analysis models, the system can perform preliminary image analysis and diagnosis on over three hundred common diseases and some challenging conditions."

The screen promptly displayed a simulated patient medical record, alongside a system-generated diagnostic report and treatment suggestion.

"We’ve compared ten thousand cases, and the system’s diagnostic results coincide with the judgment of deputy director-level and above physicians from top hospitals at a rate of ninety-three percent."

Professor Franck leaned closer to the screen, examining it earnestly, nodding occasionally.

"This greatly enhances diagnostic efficiency, particularly in regions with relatively scarce medical resources, effectively alleviating the pressure from a shortage of doctors."

Aiden Fordham’s handsome face shone with intelligence as he added,

"Currently, we’re tackling the challenge of miniaturization technology, planning to launch a home-use micro-medical diagnostic system in two months."

"Allowing every household to enjoy convenient, accurate health monitoring and preliminary diagnostic services."

Professor Franck turned to look at Aiden Fordham, his eyes full of admiration.

"Aiden, you’ve done exceedingly well."

"Initially, I felt sorry when you decided to return and develop your career here, but now it appears your choice was correct."

"This technology is a genuine achievement that benefits humanity, I’m very proud of you."

Aiden Fordham nodded slightly, accepting his mentor’s praise.

After the tour, they arrived at the executive office with expansive views.

The assistant delivered coffee.

Aiden Fordham picked up the cup, seeming to speak casually.

"Professor, I’ve been following some of the latest advancements in cancer research; a cancer patient can nearly devastate a family."

"Do you know a mysterious person code-named God N? She’s made tremendous advancements in cancer treatment. It’s said her aroma therapy can precisely target cancer, reviving hope for patients."

Professor Franck’s hand holding the coffee cup paused imperceptibly.

He lifted his head, looking at Aiden Fordham, a complex emotion flickered in his eyes.

"Oh? God N?"

Aiden Fordham continued, sounding earnest.

"The Fordham Group’s intelligent medical system, if it can achieve deep collaboration with top talent like God N in the cancer domain, will undoubtedly open a whole new scenario."

"We might even solve any cancer challenges worldwide; The Fordham Group has the financial strength to support it."

He meticulously observed the changes in Professor Franck’s expression.

Professor Franck put down the coffee cup, a meaningful smile appeared on his face.

"God N... know her!"