Ronald and Walter stared at James, exclaiming, "Where did you get a granddaughter from?" Their skepticism had solidified into a conviction: the old man was losing his mind. With only Michael as his grandson, a granddaughter seemed impossible. Ronald silently retreated into the house, leaving the bewildered pair to ponder the possibility of another afflicted elder.

Jase called out to Ronald, who was leaving with his cane, "What are you up to now?"

Ronald stopped abruptly. "I need to find a psychologist for this old fool. He's completely lost it. Poor old friend, all those late nights in the lab have clearly taken their toll."

James, furious, leaped to his feet. "That's my newly recognized god-granddaughter! What are you three old fools thinking?"

Speechless, the three men contemplated this latest development in the eccentric elder's life. Ronald, doubt etched on his face, turned back to James. "Are you sure you're not the one with mental issues?"

James, his face reddening with anger, vehemently defended his sanity. The scene, a mixture of confusion and skepticism, was quite comical.

Yusef, eyes twitching from the doorway, thought the spectacle made all four elders appear unhinged.

Jase, looking at James, asked, "What made you think of adopting a granddaughter? Are you trying to find a wife for Michael?" He reasoned that James, a man of high standing, would only acknowledge a granddaughter of exceptional caliber.

James paused, surprise and a bemused smile gracing his lips. "Oh, I wish! But she already has a boyfriend. The problem is, her boyfriend's grandfather is incredibly annoying. He charmed other people's wives in his youth, and he's still stealing companions now—completely oblivious! What a shame for my granddaughter."

Jase felt a strange unease, wondering if James's words held a hidden critique. The thought lingered, making him wary.

Ronald and Walter, however, didn't overthink it. James's high standards guaranteed the granddaughter's excellence. Ronald declared, "When she arrives, I'll prepare a grand gift." Walter agreed, promising a similarly impressive present.

Jase, about to offer his own gift, was interrupted by James: "You don't need to bother." Jase was astonished; this was unlike James.

James mumbled, "Anyway, when you're gone, everything will go to my granddaughter." Only Yusef heard this, chuckling at the audacity of the old men. He suspected James's time in the lab had driven him slightly unhinged. The inheritance, he knew, rightfully belonged to Michael, regardless of James's newfound god-granddaughter.

Leaving, James turned back to Ronald and Walter, fixing them with a silent stare. The unsettling gaze startled them. Walter finally exclaimed, "Old coot, if you have something to say, say it! Why are you staring like that?"

Ronald agreed, "Yeah, don't just stare. It's creepy in broad daylight."

After a pause, James said, "The gifts you're preparing need to be nicer and more expensive."

Ronald and Walter hesitated. "Isn't that wrong? Jeremiah's girlfriend is the future Chavez matriarch. A better gift for your adopted granddaughter might upset her."

James scoffed, "Don't worry about it."

Seeing their reluctance, James's expression fell. To avoid further conflict, they quickly agreed. "Alright, alright. It'll be valuable."

James, appeased, announced, "They'll arrive the same day. Ronald, prepare the blue-and-white porcelain. Walter, the emerald screen will do; my granddaughter isn't picky." He left, appearing carefree.

Ronald and Walter exchanged glances. "And this isn't picky?" The porcelain had cost Ronald thirty million dollars, and the emerald screen was a Walter family heirloom. The request felt backbreaking, especially with both girls arriving simultaneously. They foresaw inevitable conflict between the women.

Ronald gritted his teeth and called his son. "Find me the best psychologist you can."

Walter, too, reached for his phone. "Sweetheart, find me a spot in a mental health care home, just in case."

Outside the National Physics Lab, Yvette sat under a tree, sipping a milkshake. James, eyebrow raised at her casual posture, approached.

"How long have you been here, Yvette?" he called from afar.

Yvette stood, brushing off leaves and discarding her empty cup. "Only just arrived, two minutes ago," she replied coolly.

James, noticing the discarded milkshake, said with concern, "Girls should drink less milkshake. If you like, the housekeeper can make some. This stuff has additives."

Yvette nodded. "Homemade ones aren't as tasty, and they lack additives."