Phoebe’s expression changed instantly. Forgetting everything else, she turned and ran toward the noise. Gary, puzzled but intrigued, hesitated only briefly before following her inside.

The lab was crowded with researchers in white coats, all gathered around a massive display screen. On it, cells once ravaged by Alzheimer’s showed clear signs of recovery—healthy, active, and vibrant, as though newly reborn.

“We did it again!” someone said. “Ms. Sullivan, your research approach was correct. In just a month and a half, we’ve successfully developed a drug capable of reversing Alzheimer’s symptoms…”

“I never imagined this moment would come so soon.”

“I’m beyond excited. It still doesn’t feel real.”

Inside the laboratory, a wave of emotional cheers mixed with stifled sobs echoed through the room. Standing at the entrance, Phoebe felt her own eyes burn as tears welled up.

Gracie rose slowly from her chair and looked around at the team. “This isn’t the end,” she said firmly. “Until we pass clinical trials, we can’t afford to let our guard down. Our priority now is to move through the clinical phase as quickly as possible. One day, no one will have to endure Alzheimer’s again.”

Her voice was rough as she removed her lab coat and walked out.

Just outside the door, she spotted Gary. “Gary, when did you get here?”

“Only a moment ago. I didn’t expect to witness something like this,” Gary replied. “I may not be a specialist, but I know how difficult Alzheimer’s research is. Radiant Technologies has surprised me once again. At this rate, the Nobel Prize this year will belong to you.”

Gracie smiled faintly. “I’m not thinking that far ahead. My only goal is to give something meaningful back to the country and to society.”

Her eyes flicked to the invitation in his hand. “As for the wedding, I won’t be attending. What happened before left a bad taste, and I don’t have a favorable impression of your future sister-in-law.”

“That’s completely fair.” Gary nodded in understanding. “I was only here to pass along a message so I’d have something to report to Gifford. But Yousef has been worried about you. You’ve been unreachable for nearly two weeks, and he hopes you’ll get in touch when you have the time.”

With that, he turned and left.

Gracie went back to her office and picked up her phone from the charger.

For over half a month, aside from a brief daily call with Brayden, she had ignored nearly everyone else, devoting all her energy to the research.

The moment she unlocked her phone, it buzzed nonstop.

“I’ve arrived for the competition. This one means a lot to me. I hope I can get your blessing.”

“I’ve made it to the semifinals. It would mean a lot if you could come watch.”

“The weather’s great today. I found a bronze ornament while shopping and had it delivered to your office.”

The most recent message had come in just thirty minutes earlier.

“The finals are in three days. Wish me luck!”

Gracie paused, her fingers hovering over the screen, before finally typing a reply. “Trust yourself. You’ve got this.”

She slipped the phone away, changed into casual clothes, and used a damp towel to freshen up before heading out.

Phoebe hurried after her. “We’ve made the arrangements for clinical trials just as you instructed. The partner hospitals are eager to proceed and will begin reaching out to patients in the coming days.”

“I’m going to the hospital now. Reserve one of the clinical trial slots for me,” Gracie said.

With that, she picked up her car keys and drove straight to the hospital.

“You promised me a spectacular wedding, but the proposal the designer showed me is painfully plain. Let’s do a cruise wedding instead,” Delia said from her seat, complaining. “And don’t forget the gifts you promised; make sure they are delivered soon.”

“Whatever you want,” Gifford replied, massaging his temples. “You can discuss the details with the designer. I’ve been swamped at work lately. You know how unhappy my parents are with me right now. I need to show them I’m capable.”

His detached tone made her expression harden. “What kind of attitude is that?” she snapped. “Are you blaming me now? Do you think marrying me is why your parents are dissatisfied with you?”

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