At the entrance of MDH Pharmaceutical Research Institute.
Sophia Sullivan and Liam Winston stepped out of their cars simultaneously.
"We've searched for seven whole days to find this place," Sophia murmured, brows slightly furrowed. "Do you think we can get the medicine this time?"
Her voice carried concern, but inwardly she sneered.
The Winston Group's plagiarism scandal hadn't even died down, and now that old hag was making trouble again, forcing them to suffer in M-Country.
"We'll try," Liam replied heavily.
He'd hoped to obtain the medicine through The Nexus, but the full-dive game remained inaccessible. His mother's neuropathic headaches were worsening—smashed valuables and screamed insults had already driven away several maids.
With no other options, they'd come to the institute as a last resort.
As they entered the lobby, familiar figures came into view.
Sophia's eyes narrowed, locking onto the little girl in Emma Sullivan's arms.
She instantly painted on a sweet smile. "What a coincidence, sister."
Her gaze then swept over Emma and Ethan with feigned surprise.
"I didn't know you had a child already? You've only been married to brother for three years... Where did this girl come from? You've kept secrets so well."
Liam snapped to attention at Chloe's insinuations.
The implications were obvious and damning.
"Emma," he demanded, "what's your relationship with this child?"
Before Emma could respond, Ethan Sullivan wheeled closer in his chair.
"If your eyes are useless, donate them." Ethan's glacial stare raked over them. "With Winston Group's stocks plummeting, you still have time for vacations abroad? Though I suppose once bankruptcy hits, you won't have the means."
Ian Watson, ever sharp, immediately added, "This is our Sullivan family's young miss, Mr. Sullivan's niece. To imply illegitimacy so readily, Ms. Evans—does that reflect your own origins?"
Chloe choked on her fury.
Having started the provocation, she could only feign innocence. "I didn't mean... I was just surprised to see sister holding a child. Since you're already at the institute, why not get medicine for Mrs. Winston? Even if you refused to help before, surely you've cooled off by now."
Liam's expression darkened. "Emma, if you're here to get mother's medicine, I'm willing to let bygones be bygones."
"Get medicine? For you?" Emma handed the child to Ian, her lips curling in derision.
The same emotional blackmail routine.
"The institute does treat mental illness," she said coolly. "But for advanced cases like yours, I doubt they have the right prescription."
"You—!" Liam's face purpled with rage at the insult.
After his magnanimous offer, this woman still dared to be ungrateful!
Chloe fanned the flames. "That's unfair, sister. What grudge could last between mother and daughter? Mrs. Winston treated you like her own."
She secretly wished the old woman dead, but layered her voice with faux concern.
"Giving the medicine to Mr. Sullivan in A-City was one thing, but to refuse at the institute's doorstep... How would that look?"
Only Liam would fall for such transparent manipulation.
Emma scoffed. "Even kindergarteners know to handle their own business."
She tore off the veneer of politeness.
"Are two grown adults really this shameless? Get your own mother's medicine. Stop with the emotional blackmail."
Liam barely contained his temper. "Don't think you're special just because you got lucky last time! The institute said all slots are full—you're wasting your trip!"
His gaze lingered on Emma and Ethan standing shoulder-to-shoulder, an inexplicable irritation rising in his chest.