Vanessa Sterling thoughtfully considered the words of the assistant teacher, but she didn’t feel she could like Miles Sterling.

The reason she noticed him was simply because they knew each other in the past, so she instinctively paid attention to things related to him, that’s all.

She indeed didn’t loathe the current Miles Sterling like she used to, but how could she possibly like him?

But why did she start thinking about this sort of question?

Vanessa shook off her chaotic thoughts and shut herself in the studio again, busying herself with works for next month’s art exhibition.

When she picked up the brush, she found herself somewhat lost, feeling she should go out for a walk to seek inspiration for her painting.

Vanessa didn’t take any paint supplies or canvases, only carried her camera bag.

After being talked to by the assistant teacher, not only did she fail to sort out her inner feelings, she even deliberately avoided paying attention to Miles Sterling’s whereabouts.

But when heading out, her eyes couldn’t help but glance at that parking spot.

The space was empty; he must have gone out.

Was he busy with work? Or...

Before Vanessa could continue thinking, the assistant teacher’s words echoed in her mind.

Seeing he wasn’t there, she couldn’t help but wonder what he went out to do...

In order to break free from such thoughts, Vanessa quickened her pace and rushed toward the subway station.

She rode the subway for over an hour, arriving at a coastal tourist town.

Though the scenery before her eyes was picturesque, she couldn’t calm down to appreciate the beauty.

She took a heap of photos with her camera but couldn’t select a single satisfying piece.

As night fell, Vanessa caught the last subway home.

By the time she got out of the subway station, it was already past midnight, and she chose to walk the few hundred meters home.

She walked at an unhurried pace along the street illuminated by streetlights.

In the past, when walking, Vanessa would always observe the roadside scenery, occasionally finding inspiration for painting from daily life.

But today, she was absent-minded on the way, couldn’t pinpoint what was troubling her, but simply couldn’t calm her mind.

When passing the road in front of her home, she deliberately controlled herself not to look across the street and directly opened the door to return home.

After a bath, she felt her physical fatigue eased considerably.

Sitting cross-legged on the carpeted floor by her bed, she went through the photos in her camera again.

"Dingdong—"

The charging phone on the bedside lit up, and Vanessa glanced over.

She was somewhat surprised that Quentin Sterling suddenly messaged her: Vanessa, are you awake?

Vanessa looked at the time displayed at the top of her phone; it was close to two o’clock.

It’s so late; there must be something urgent, right?

Vanessa immediately replied asking: What’s wrong, Uncle?

Quentin Sterling: Has Miles come to find you? I heard his place for this business trip is close to you, so I wanted to ask if you could help get in touch with him. His mom was suddenly taken to the hospital in serious condition just now, and I’ve been unable to reach him by phone, leaving me no choice but to ask you.

Vanessa was stunned for a moment, then immediately got up, walked to the studio room, and looked across the street from beside the window.

His car wasn’t there; he probably wasn’t at home either, right?

It’s so late; is he spending the night at the bar like before?

Vanessa wasn’t sure how she could find Miles Sterling.

She entered Miles Sterling’s phone number into the dialer, hesitating as she saw Quentin Sterling message again: The hospital issued a critical notice. Please think of a way to contact him soon.

Vanessa took a deep breath and replied with "Okay."

Then without thinking much else, she nervously clenched her hands into fists and dialed the number.