Grace put considerable effort into traveling to Salt City under the guise of a business trip.This marked Queenie's first encounter with Eric's family in King City. She had long been familiar with Grace's reputation. Among the major families of King City, Grace held even greater renown than Alexander.Naturally, some individuals looked down on Alexander. Despite being the eldest of the Montgomerys, he allowed a woman to manage the family business. However, Grace had proven herself adept at the task.Under Alexander's leadership, the Montgomerys might have maintained their position as a major family yet struggled to advance to the top-tier echelons.At present, the Montgomerys hovered between major and top-tier status, boasting substantial financial resources.There was also another scenario: had the Montgomerys entrusted Alexander with leadership, they might have descended to a second- or third-tier prominent family.Some admired Alexander's audacity—few among the prominent famil
"Sylvia is pregnant, and you didn't even bother to inform us. We only found out because of your mother-in-law. What? Are you trying to keep me from coming to Salt City?" Grace retorted impatiently.Eric scratched his head and remained quiet.-After dinner, Blake and Melinda sat aside. In fact, over the past few days, the two of them seemed somewhat distant. They simply weren't in the same social circle and couldn't engage in conversation together.Occasionally, Amelia would chat with them, ensuring they didn't feel neglected. When Eric wasn't around, Sylvia often showed concern, making them feel included in the Williams family.Grace was particularly attentive. She always held a grateful heart toward Blake and Melinda. She would call Nutikiville to inquire about their well-being, among other things. Although each call was brief, it demonstrated Grace's genuine care for them.Grace refrained from interfering in their lives, understanding that everyone had their own lifestyle.Bl
Eric headed to the stadium immediately after seeing Grace off.Since the outbreak in Dortmund City, he hadn't experienced a single day of rest. However, a sense of relief washed over him as he recalled Winston's reassuring words from the previous day and the news that Amelia was no longer restricting Sylvia's diet.Around noon, Kirk paid him a visit. He took advantage of the lunch break and discussed matters with Eric as the hospital was sending over some items.During their conversation, the topic of the newly established laboratory at the hospital arose."I've heard that Dortmund City has also set up a laboratory and has made significant progress in virus research," Kirk mentioned, his gaze fixed on Eric. "Hol. Johnson, do you think our two laboratories can collaborate? Our advancements could be substantial with such a partnership."Eric, though amiable, understood the importance of discretion. The Dortmund laboratory, being personally funded by the Combat Department, dealt with
Around 8:00 p.m., Ruth arrived in Salt City and headed directly to the Williams residence."Who do we have here? A lovely visitor," exclaimed Amelia with enthusiasm. "Have you had dinner? If not, let me arrange something for you."Ruth smiled appreciatively and replied, "Thank you, Mrs. Williams. I'm actually here to see Eric. There are some confidential matters I need to discuss with him.""Oh, I understand. Well, you two, go ahead and talk. Once you're finished, we can all have supper together!"Eric and Ruth entered Henry's study. Originally, the Williams had planned to construct a study for Eric, but he had declined the offer. Since he didn't permanently reside there, building a study seemed unnecessary.Accompanied by a few officers from the Combat Department, Ruth's demeanor turned serious as they settled in."Eric, we now have enough evidence to confirm that this is indeed a war."Eric's expression shifted slightly. He was aware that the landscape of warfare had evolved s
After supper, Amelia motioned for Sylvia to join her privately."Mom, what's the matter?" Sylvia asked, perplexed by her mother's demeanor.Sylvia sensed that something was awry.Amelia glanced around cautiously, ensuring Eric wasn't within earshot before addressing Sylvia, "Sylvia, can't you be more observant?"Her words left Sylvia even more bewildered. "Mom, what exactly is happening?""You still haven't grasped the issue?!" Amelia responded with irritation."Look at Eric. The scars on his face have been fading lately. I'm certain they'll vanish completely soon."Once they're gone, he'll have his handsome appearance back. A handsome and talented young man is bound to attract many admirers!"That young woman who visited us tonight is quite remarkable. Beautiful, fair-skinned, long-legged, well-endowed... She's not different from you!"Sylvia finally understood Amelia's apprehension. She couldn't help but chuckle. "Mom, Eric isn't that type of person. And regarding Ruth, she'
"The distinction between humans and animals lies in humans' capacity to think and control their desires. If one cannot even manage trivial desires, what sets them apart from animals?"When I was young, herding cattle on the mountain, those bulls and cows paid no heed to whether anyone was watching. They simply acted. If humans cannot exercise self-restraint, we are akin to animals."Sylvia chuckled. "You're absolutely right. There is indeed a significant disparity between humans and animals!"She agreed with Eric's perspective. Life wasn't solely about sex, after all. Based on her understanding of Eric, she knew he wasn't inclined in that manner."Let's turn in early. I'm taking tomorrow off to spend the day at home with you. There's a new deployment looming, so I might get busy soon," Eric said.He was also preparing for the future. Although there weren't many indications within the Combat Department yet, it was only a matter of time before the truth would surface.Upon hearing
Considering the situation and following a discussion among Eric, Sylvia, and Andy, they decided to institute an employee allowance. Each individual, including janitors, would receive 100 dollars. Additionally, those on duty would be granted an extra 50 dollars.Employees stationed overseas wouldn't receive the allowance but would instead be compensated with increased subsidies.In reality, work at the Innova Group had temporarily ceased, including research and development, while equipment production gradually declined due to employee safety concerns. Some high-level executives initially considered increasing production under the assumption that a cure would be developed. However, subsequent events proved their caution justified. Despite being curable, the disease left lingering effects, impacting employees' health.The Innova Group prioritized its workforce and spared no effort in distributing funds. They recognized the importance of fostering a sense of belonging among employees
It was a serene day for Eric as he lounged in the sun with Sylvia, savoring afternoon tea.The following morning, Ruth sent over crucial data. After days of meticulous effort, they finally traced the virus' origin. Regrettably, the initial infected individual had already succumbed to the illness. Consequently, the Combat Department grew increasingly convinced that the virus had been intentionally unleashed.Coincidentally, the outbreak coincided with a large exhibition hosted in Dortmund City, providing an ideal opportunity for the virus to spread.Upon checking the data, Eric even began to harbor suspicions regarding the Oberdeens' involvement. If indeed they were implicated, it would suggest the existence of other collaborators aiding them in profiteering from this dire situation.However, the complexity of the matter far exceeded Eric's initial estimations.-A few days later, an urgent report arrived from the Combat Department."We have uncovered a grave case of confidential