"Bianca, I've examined your injury, and although it looks serious, it's actually not a big problem. Rest well, and when you're better, I'll give you some scar removal cream that I've developed myself. After applying it, you won't have to worry about scarring in the future."
"Thank you, Tiffany." Bianca's gaze was complex. I treated you like a sister, but you want to be my sister-in-law?
Unfortunately, the position of sister-in-law had already been taken. What was she supposed to do now? Genuine sentiments couldn't be easily taken back, and besides, she felt that her sister-in-law and her brother were a perfect match.
Bianca's gaze swept back and forth between Alessia, Dominic, and Tiffany, just as Christian's call came in.
Alessia heard Christian's voice and sensed that things might be uncomfortable with her and Tiffany here, so she decided to take her leave proactively.
"Bianca, the kids are still at the old house. I'll go over there first and come see you again tomorrow."
"Okay, Sister-in-law, goodbye." Bianca waved apologetically.
Alessia smiled, and Dominic watched her leave.
Tiffany noticed that Dominic's gaze hadn't left Alessia's figure.
She endured and endured, finally speaking up to draw Dominic's attention back.
"Dom, as I mentioned on the phone, there's something I'd like your help with."
Dominic met Tiffany's pleading gaze, nodded slightly, and glanced at the nurse who had just come in with medication for Bianca, saying, "Let's talk outside."
"Okay."
Tiffany nodded and started to leave, and Dominic was about to follow, but Bianca stopped him. "Brother, wait, I have something to tell you."
Tiffany turned back at her words, but under Bianca's gaze, she unwillingly walked outside.
Bianca didn't hesitate and blinked openly. "Brother, Tiffany likes you."
Dominic furrowed his brows, clearly not expecting Bianca to say this, then chuckled lightly.
After finding out about Bianca's pregnancy and wanting to keep it from him, he reflected deeply, thinking that he had been too harsh before, which made Bianca afraid of him and unwilling to talk to him about anything.
So now he wasn't going to be stern anymore, intending to change his approach as he gently patted Bianca's head. "Silly girl, you don't need to worry about these things."
Seeing that Dominic obviously didn't take the matter to heart, Bianca became anxious.
"No, Brother, you haven't realized the seriousness of the situation. Based on a woman's intuition, I feel that Tiffany is hostile towards my sister-in-law. If you want to reconcile with my sister-in-law, you have to keep your distance from Tiffany, otherwise, my sister-in-law will ignore you."
Dominic's eyebrows twitched, seeming to seriously consider what Bianca said.
After a long while, as if he had made up his mind, he said, "I understand."
What did 'I understand' mean?
Bianca blinked as she watched Dominic's retreating figure.
Finally, she realized a problem.
Every time she mentioned reconIronRoseation before, her brother would emit a cold aura, but today, he said he understood.
Did this mean that her brother had loosened up and was interested in her sister-in-law, determined to reconcile with her sister-in-law?
Could she throw confetti now that she was witnessing love bloom?
Bianca giggled, feeling happier than if she had found love herself.
Outside the corridor.
Tiffany stood by the window, watching Dominic approach her. Dominic was tall and handsome, as if every part of him was specially made for her, making her heart flutter.
She liked him so much, she wanted to possess him.
She had waited for so many years, finally replacing the status of IronRose, but then Alessia appeared. She hated it!
Dismissing distractions, Tiffany smiled elegantly at Dominic and said, "You're out so soon?"
"Hmm, everything's settled," Dominic replied, his gaze shifting away from Tiffany, showing no sign of flaw regarding his conversation with Bianca.
Tiffany ceased probing further. She knew Dominic disliked unnecessary chatter.
"Dom, your hacking skills were impressive before, and after all these years, they must have improved even more," Tiffany continued.
Dominic raised an eyebrow.
"I'd like you to help me track down Dr. Athena's whereabouts. I have some medical questions and would like to discuss with her. Two heads are better than one, especially since she's internationally renowned. Maybe her insights could broaden my perspective."
She deliberately concealed that she was looking for Dr. Athena for Evelyn. She didn't want to admit her inferiority in front of Dominic, even if it was to the esteemed Dr. Athena.
Dominic gave Tiffany a deep look.
Tiffany pretended to be embarrassed and said, "If you find it troublesome, it's fine. I'll be participating in the second test of the hacker organization soon. I'll see the Eagle and the Cobra then. I'm just not sure if they'd be willing to help."
As Tiffany spoke, she discreetly observed Dominic's expression, intentionally revealing her participation in the hacker organization's second test.
The second test wasn't something anyone could participate in. It was a showcase of her abilities, especially since Alessia wasn't even a hacker.
When Tiffany mentioned the Eagle and the Cobra, Dominic's eyes visibly flickered.
After some thought, he finally agreed to Tiffany's request, saying, "Alright, I'll try tonight."
"Thank you, Dom. You're amazing, I believe you can do it," Tiffany said, seeing Dominic's confident nod, her eyes full of admiration.
But she soon raised a question, "Dom, why haven't you participated in the hacker organization's selection tests all these years?"
Dominic pursed his lips, avoiding a direct answer and simply responded with a vague 'Hmm.'
Seeing Dominic's reluctance to elaborate, Tiffany quickly found her own answer.
How foolish of her! Dom must have been unable to wait for IronRose to return, troubled by emotions, hence his lack of participation.
Thinking about this, Tiffany looked at Dominic affectionately, "Dom, things are different now. I'm back. Next time the hacker organization recruits, will you try again?"
Dominic remained silent, and Tiffany blinked, understanding that Dominic needed time.
That's okay; she had plenty of information and messages exchanged between IronRose and Dominic from before. She would help him relive those memories in the future. This time, it wouldn't be about IronRose but about her, Tiffany, TiffByte.
Looking forward to the future, Tiffany's face was filled with a happy smile.
On the other side,
Alessia had just arrived at the old house. Before entering, she saw Christian standing alone at the gate, with the housekeeper by her side, never leaving.
"Mom!" Christian ran towards her.
"What's wrong?" Alessia patted Christian's head.
"Mom, Grandma Evelyn hasn't answered my calls all day. Is she getting worse? I'm really worried. I want to go to the hospital to see her, but greatgrandma won't allow it," Christian said, her small face creased with worry.
Alessia understood immediately why Evelyn hadn't been answering Christian's calls.
It must be because Gordon found out about their relationship and was sure that Christian had ulterior motives in getting close to Evelyn, so he intervened secretly.
The adults' grudges were something she didn't want Christian to be involved in.
Alessia picked up Christian and walked towards the old house, explaining, "Christian, Grandma Evelyn isn't answering because she's probably tired. She's sick and needs rest. I saw Grandpa Gordon today, so Grandma Evelyn should be fine. Don't worry."
"Really? But why isn't Grandpa Gordon answering his phone either?" Christian's big eyes were filled with confusion.
"Grandpa Gordon must be busy. Did you study well today?" Alessia's expression turned serious, diverting her attention. That's how mothers handled their children.
Mission accomplished, Alessia took the opportunity to continue, "And what about your brother and sister?"
"Brother is doing homework in his room, and Elle..." Christian's small head swiveled around, unable to remember where Eleanor went. "Oh... Mom, Elle is missing!"
Christian looked shocked, but then he remembered something and said, "No... She should be inside; Aunt Cate is watching her."
***