Chapter 1313

Cameron was strict about Anastasia's diet, but he encouraged her to socialize and hoped she would make friends. However, Anastasia remained reluctant, perhaps due to low self-esteem.

Alexander was speechless. "It turns out Lily just wants to use my name! She even said she didn't need me at first! I'm still useless, even more so than that punk." He turned to Galen, who smiled brightly, seemingly mocking his ineffectiveness with his wife despite his influence in the business world. Alexander stared. "What are you laughing at? You're just a tool!"

Lily, unaware of their exchange, assumed Alexander agreed. "That's settled then. If Secretary Rollins asks, tell him what I said."

"Okay..." Alexander mumbled, slightly upset.

Maria had waited outside the institute for two days without seeing Austin. Doubt gnawed at her. "Did I get the wrong message? That's impossible! Did Austin not come at all? That seems possible. After all, he's the miracle doctor; occasional visits suffice. Why would he come daily like a white-collar worker?"

The thought made her feel foolish. Two days of waiting had taken a toll; her complexion was poor. She could have sent subordinates, but she wanted to demonstrate her sincerity. Lack of sleep and two days in her car left her swollen and exhausted. Just as she considered giving up, she saw Austin exiting the institute.

"He's inside? When did he get in? I didn't see him! I've been here for two days!"

Maria was stunned, unaware that Austin hadn't left the institute for two days. He'd slept and eaten there. Austin himself wasn't faring better. Leaving Dominic's, he'd gone straight to the institute, determined to solve the problem alone.

Two days later, he emerged dejected. He'd promised Thompson success; failure meant Lily was superior. He couldn't accept losing to an outsider, especially a woman.

Frustrated, he planned to rest and clear his head. The institute had drained him. He was heading to his car when he heard hurried footsteps and the click of high heels, adding to his headache. He looked up, felt a gust of wind, and then a panting woman rushed toward him.

"Mr. Fike! Mr. Fike..."

Before he could react, she was running towards him. She twisted her ankle at the last moment, and crashed into him.