On the other side, Dominic quickly set up a medical laboratory, and for convenience, the laboratory was set up in a villa within the Forest Hill community.
The medical equipment was ready, but they were still short of a few staff members. Dominic was recruiting externally.
However, it was time to schedule the physical examination for Alessia as agreed earlier.
Alessia entered the laboratory wearing a white hospital gown. The laboratory staff, led by Riley, conducted a full-body examination for her.
The results were available in just two hours.
In the living room, Alessia and Dominic were sitting on the sofa.
Riley handed the report to Alessia.
Alessia took it and lowered her eyes.
Riley said, "Sia, we still haven't found the cause of your amnesia, but I guess there's a ninety percent chance it's related to the toxins in Elle's body. We need to research a treatment for Elle's toxins as soon as possible."
Alessia had already guessed this result. She agreed to the examination to reassure Riley.
And also because Dominic didn't trust her.
Alessia handed the medical report to Dominic, but he didn't take it, just glanced at her. He looked at Riley and said, "Dr. Sinclair, I'll leave the laboratory to you. Let me know if you need anything."
Riley nodded without being polite with Dominic. Although Elle was his niece, she was more Dominic's daughter, so there was no need to be polite with him.
Seeing that Riley didn't decline, Dominic got up and left the villa. His heart was in turmoil.
Alessia had indeed lost her memory, and when she stayed in the Carter family, she had nowhere else to go.
And he had indeed treated her badly back then.
When she left alone all those years ago and couldn't find her grandfather, how did she manage to survive with two children all these years?
And she even became the renowned fashion designer Al in the fashion circle.
He couldn't help but be curious about Alessia.
Little did he know, this wasn't the first time he had become curious about Alessia.
When a man's curiosity about a woman deepens, it signals that he will soon be deeply ensnared.
However, obviously, Dominic hadn't realized his own situation yet.
Inside the villa, Alessia waited until Dominic left before speaking to Riley about her decision.
"Brother, since we still haven't found Grandpa's whereabouts, I want to take the initiative and set up a trap."
Riley raised an eyebrow.
Alessia continued, "Do you remember Z that I mentioned to you? I think he has a grudge against me, and his appearance may be related to Grandpa. Since my amnesia was exposed, he hasn't appeared again, but I believe he must still be monitoring my information. Didn't Ava say she would host a family recognition banquet for me? I want to publicly announce on that day that I've regained my memory."
Actually, she had already thought of this plan when she agreed to attend the banquet hosted by Ava.
She had been hesitant to tell Riley, fearing he would disagree. But it was almost time for the banquet, and it was time to speak up.
As expected, her guess was right.
Riley listened to her and immediately disagreed. "It's too dangerous. You said yourself that after you left the Carter family back then, a group of people wanted to attack you."
"I can't bear to throw good money after bad. But now, Christian and Elle have you to protect them, so I'm reassured."
Alessia's mind was made up.
Riley frowned at Alessia's appearance but eventually compromised.
He knew Alessia's personality too well. She was extremely determined, and once she made up her mind, no one could stop her.
Pushing his glasses up on his nose, Riley gently said, "I'll accompany you to the recognition banquet."
Alessia lifted her almond-shaped blue eyes, but before she could speak, Riley stopped her. "Sia, I care about you, and you don't need to worry about me. Since Master's whereabouts are unknown, I must protect you."
"But your leg..." Alessia worried.
"It's almost healed. I just need a crutch. With more people around, and considering what you'll do at the recognition banquet might provoke the Ramirez family, I'm afraid you might get hurt."
Alessia looked at Riley with a caring gaze, and at that moment, she couldn't find a reason to refuse anymore.
"Alright then!" Alessia agreed.
A smile finally appeared on Riley's refined face.
In the blink of an eye, it was time for the recognition banquet.
The Ramirez family attached great importance to this event. Three days in advance, Jessie, as the representative, sent out the invitations.
In addition, they also donated a sum of money to welfare organizations. Various news outlets reported on it. In just a few days, the recognition banquet became widely known throughout the city, attracting envy from many people who whispered privately about Alessia.
They said Alessia was like a phoenix rising from the ashes, finally about to soar.
Some people made sarcastic remarks, saying that even if Alessia soared, she wouldn't become a phoenix, especially with two burdens like her children from a failed marriage.
What a joke!
Alessia ignored these comments, but Bianca felt uncomfortable hearing them.
"The children from the Carter family can't be called burdens. Those people are just blind."
Alessia glanced at Bianca sitting on the sofa. "Why don't you go tell your brother?"
Bianca hesitated for a moment.
Alessia raised an eyebrow. She was actually teasing Bianca with that remark.
As the wealthiest family in Toronto, the Carter family was under constant scrutiny. Christian was lively and liked to run around, so being too high-profile might attract danger.
Moreover, there hadn't been any photos of Christopher leaked in five years, indicating that Dominic shared the same concerns.
Alessia checked the time. It was five in the afternoon, and the recognition banquet was at eight.
Ava had called to personally pick her up.
She should be here soon.
Alessia stretched lazily and prepared to go upstairs.
Seeing Alessia move, Bianca also got up, her gaze sweeping over Alessia's short sleeves and jeans. She asked eagerly, "Sister-in-law, are you going to change clothes?"
Alessia nodded.
Bianca was excited. "Can I go through your wardrobe and pick something?"
The dresses in her sister-in-law's wardrobe were precious. Last time when she packed up to leave, she had hesitated to take a few items.
Because she wasn't familiar with the situation at the time, etiquette told her not to take things that were too precious. But now that they were on good terms, it must be different.
"Are you also attending tonight's banquet?" Alessia turned around.
"Of course! I'm going to escort you. If anyone dares to provoke you, I'll definitely beat him up." Bianca said earnestly, her expression serious.
Alessia knew that Bianca wasn't joking. This brave little princess feared nothing.
She had important things to do tonight and couldn't let Bianca interfere.
Alessia said, "You can attend, but you can't stay too close to me, and you're not allowed to defend me."
"Why?" Bianca widened her eyes in confusion.
"Don't ask why. Just answer me, will you agree or not?" Alessia's expression was serious.
"Okay!" After thinking for a moment, Bianca agreed. She knew her sister-in-law's abilities well.
Moreover, if someone dared to disrespect her sister-in-law, she couldn't defend her in front of her, but couldn't she do it privately?
Alessia and Bianca went upstairs for a while. When they came down again, both of them had undergone a significant change in appearance.
Dominic had just finished work and came to see the three children. When he walked in, he saw Alessia coming down the stairs and immediately blinked.
Similarly, Riley, who had just finished styling and was sitting on the sofa, also darkened his eyes.
***