At the very least, she had never imagined her grandfather’s matter to be linked to Eugene.


    Xander sensed something off in her tone and walked a bit farther away, distancing himself from Oliver and the others. He asked, “What’s going on?”


    Mnie hesitated a bit before saying, “I’m waiting at Jepton Hotel to meet Dr. Hel. Dr. Wells mentioned he’s a renowned neurology expert, and he’s also Eugene’s uncle.”


    Xander’s brows creased slightly at that. Yvonne happened toe over then. When she saw Xander’s serious expression, she asked, “What’s wrong?”


    “Nothing,” Xander said before turning around and going back to the room.


    Mnie waited outside the hotel for a while. She made up her mind before leaving. When she arrived at the vi, the group had returned and were gathered around the coffee table. They were engaged in conversation.


    Yvonne sat alone ying games on the side, enjoying the lively atmosphere. She liked thepany and had decided to stay there after meeting up with Renyst night.


    Mnie, still holding the stew that had cooled down, asked, “Anyone want stew? I bought it from the north of the city. I can heat it up.”


    “Yes, but why did you go there again?” Yvonne put down her phone, stood up, and helped Mnie prepare the stew.


    “To tidy up the house over there.”


    “Do you have a house in the north of the city?” Yvonne asked.


    “It’s an old family home,” Mnie replied as she took the stew into the kitchen. She poured it into a bowl before cing it in the microwave.


    The aroma of the stew quickly wafted through the air. Reny, who had seemingly arrived unnoticed, stood at the doorway while sniffing. “That smells amazing.”


    Without turning her head, Mnie said, “Could you go ask how many people want stew?”


    Reny responded and turned toward the living room. Yvonne’s phone suddenly rang. When she looked down at the caller ID, the smile in her eyes instantly vanished. She whispered to Mnie about answering a call before taking her phone and leaving.


    Alone in the kitchen, Mnie stared at the light of the microwave and got lost in thought.


    “Don’t worry.” A deep, maic voice interrupted her thoughts, bringing her back. She turned to see Xander at the door, his face as calm as ever. “Howard will be in Jepton for two days. I can help you ask him too.”


    Mnie paused. “Do you know him?”


    “Family connections,” Xander replied vaguely.


    Even though Mnie and Xander had known each other for a long time, she rarely ever heard him voluntarily mention his family. She knew Xander was rted to Stephen, though. He was likely from a well–off background.


    The corners of her lips lifted into a faint smile. “Thank you.”


    Xander’s gaze lingered on her for a moment before he swiftly looked away. “You can talk to me if you need anything. After all…” he started casually and paused for a bit before continuing, “Stephen did ask me to take care of you.”


    The mention of Stephen reminded Mnie that she had not seen him in a while. However, she did not dwell on it. She knew Stephen was busy helping his family, often traveling out of town.


    The microwave beeped, signaling that the stew was ready. Mnie was about to ask if Xander wanted some when Yvonne rushed in, holding Mnie’s phone. “Mel, you have a call.” Mnie lowered her eyes to see that it was Ste calling. She did not know why she was calling her at this moment. She stared at the blinking screen, not making a move.