Elder Mr. Black leaned lazily against the sofa, his presence calm yet commanding.
"Lin," he said mildly, "it's just a worthless trinket. There's no harm in letting your sister take a look."
Lina had a hundred reasons to refuse.
But since Elder Mr. Black had spoken, resistance was no longer an option.
The box was light.
She untied the red string, lifted the lid—and froze.
Her pupils shrank instantly. Lina snapped the box shut almost reflexively.
She lifted her head, disbelief flashing across her face as she met Elder Mr. Black's gaze. A trace of surprise flickered through his eyes in response.
Wasn't it said that Lina was poorly educated?That she hadn't even completed middle school?
Then why had she reacted like that?
Even highly educated professionals—top-tier scientific researchers in Harbour City—would need time to decipher what lay inside.
Yet Lina's reaction had been immediate.
Tia watched her guarded movements and grew even more certain that the gift held nothing of value. Judging by the plain box alone, it didn't even compare to the chocolate Evan had once given her.
"What is it?" Tia asked, curiosity sparkling as she looped her arm through Nick's.
"This gift is quite… innovative," Lina replied lightly.
Nick didn't bother waiting. He took the box straight from Lina's hands.
The moment he opened it, his expression stiffened.
Inside lay a small slip of paper—covered in dense mathematical formulas.
Tia didn't recognize it.
Neither did Nick.
But Nick knew one thing.
Cole Pharmaceuticals had been secretly developing a new antidepressant—one with staggering market potential.
If this formula truly belonged to such a drug, who needed shares?
One could simply establish a factory, mass-produce it, and reap profits that dwarfed the value of several luxury properties.
Then why?
Hadn't the Black Family already abandoned Adrian?
Why would they present something this valuable as an engagement gift for him?
"This…" Nick hesitated, deliberately leaving his words unfinished. "Elder Mr. Black, this is…?"
He was testing the waters.
Perhaps the formula wasn't for an antidepressant at all.
After all, the Black Family possessed countless pharmaceutical formulas. Cole Pharmaceuticals depended heavily on their channels and resources.
"Dad, what is it?" Tia tugged playfully at Nick's arm.
Unprepared, Nick's fingers loosened.
The paper slip fell straight into the teacup.
Nick reacted quickly, fishing it out—but it was already ruined. The ink had bled, dissolving into unreadable smears.
Complete gibberish.
Lina let out a silent breath of relief.
In her previous life, this very drug had propelled the Cole Family into national prominence.
Its profits exceeded Cole Pharmaceuticals' total earnings over ten years.
It was also the money Evan later used to establish his private research base.
But the glory didn't last.
Severe side effects began surfacing. Patients suffered neurological damage.
The Drug Administration intervened, inviting top experts to investigate.
The verdict was devastating—one of the drug's core components caused irreversible brain damage.
Lina remembered the formula because she had once seen it at the Apex Biomedical Research Center while accompanying Evan.
If she hadn't memorized it instantly back then, she wouldn't remember it now.
"Dad," Lina said softly, a faint smile on her lips, "this must be fate. Such a precious gift—I can't accept it."
Nick's face darkened instantly.
She made it sound so casual—as if his properties were worthless.
Elder Mr. Black let out a thoughtful hum. "You know what it is?"
"I don't," Lina replied calmly.
It was an obvious lie, yet her clear gaze made it impossible to challenge.
"But judging from Dad's reaction," she added gently, "it must be far too valuable."
She had, at least, spared Nick some dignity.
Since he was the one who ruined it, generosity was the only way forward—lest embarrassment sour relations with the Black Family.
"The fact that Lin can marry into the Black Family is a blessing cultivated over many lifetimes!" Nick said stiffly, forcing a smile.
"There's no need to spoil her with gifts."
Tia quickly followed suit. "Lin didn't receive much formal education, but she's kind-hearted and devoted. She'll take good care of Adrian. Please rest assured, Elder Mr. Black."
A faint sneer curved Elder Mr. Black's lips.
"We're not lacking a maid in the Black Family."
The chill in his voice made Tia instinctively retreat behind Nick.
Seeing his favourite daughter frightened, Nick hurriedly changed the subject.
"Tia, go brew some good tea. I'll play a round of chess with Elder Mr. Black."
"No need," Elder Mr. Black said as he rose. "I have other matters to attend to."
He turned to Lina, his gaze softening.
"Pack your things. The driver will pick you up tomorrow."
"Tomorrow?" Lina blinked.
She had just gotten engaged—and she was moving in already?
Tia's face stiffened. "Lin is still young. Wouldn't it be better to wait until—"
Nick cut her off quickly, sensing Elder Mr. Black's growing impatience.
"Young? She's already twenty. It's better for her to adapt early."
Adapt to life with Adrian—blind, sharp-tempered, and isolated.
If Lina regretted it early, plans could still change.
If she refused later, the fallout would be catastrophic.
Seeing no room for negotiation, Lina spoke quickly. "There's no need for a driver. My office is near where Adrian lives. I'll take a taxi."
Elder Mr. Black nodded.
She owned little anyway. Anything she lacked could be provided by the Black Family.
He patted her shoulder gently. "If you need anything, tell Grandpa."
"I will."
Lina walked him to the door. As the car was about to depart, she suddenly said, "Grandpa, you should eat less sweet food in the future."
Elder Mr. Black paused. "How do you know I like sweets?"
Lina scratched her head shyly. "You're my idol. Of course I'd know. I also know you enjoy listening to opera."
She waved. "Take care, Grandpa."
Only when the car disappeared did Lina finally relax.
As she stepped back inside the Gray Family Residence, she heard Tia sobbing.
"Lin's life is so hard… She suffered so much outside, and now she has to go to the Black Family like a nanny. I wish I could go in her place."
"It's her fate," Nick murmured soothingly. "In the future, I'll find you a good family. You'll never be wronged."
"Dad… I really can't bear to part with Lin. Why don't you ask Elder Mr. Black to let her stay longer?"
Nick sighed. "Let her go. It'll give your mother some peace."
"But—"
"You're right, Dad," Lina's voice cut in suddenly.
The pair on the couch jumped.
"If I go there," Lina added calmly, "I might even get another chance to have Elder Mr. Black write me another little note."
At the mention of the note, greed flashed unmistakably in Nick's eyes.
"Yes—yes! Make sure you find out what it is!"