"Impossible." Julian Grant refused without even thinking, "Do you know how difficult it is for Crime Analysis to make a case file? Not to mention the huge costs, even the social orientation is a very serious issue. We don't take on any cases without clear evidence, and we certainly won't believe just your testimony alone."

Rachel Thornton said excitedly, "You can go investigate!"

Julian Grant replied, "That's the police's job. If you have evidence, you can report it to them first. If it's just what you think, I'm sorry, but we have no chance to cooperate."

Rachel Thornton clenched her fingers, held back for a long time, and shouted, "There's something wrong with the police!"

Julian Grant: "Little girl, that's why you need evidence."

Rachel Thornton insisted, "It's true! Back then, the police clearly had the chance to prove my dad's innocence, but they kept holding onto the evidence and never made it public! Why? After all these years, there are still people who think my dad had a bad reputation and deserved to die. What a joke! He was about to be promoted to associate chief, he was the most promising doctor in the hospital! He saved countless people, but in the end, he died so miserably. Is that fair? Isn't the purpose of your Trident to restore the truth? How does this case not meet your standards!"

Julian Grant sighed, not knowing how to explain to her, and asked, "What about your other family members?"

Rachel Thornton snorted and turned her head away without answering.

The Vault tapped the keyboard and hit enter: How did you meet Harry Forrest?

Rachel Thornton hesitated for a moment, but still answered, "He came to me first."

"Harry Forrest?" Julian Grant recalled the figure that flashed by at the intersection, and asked suspiciously, "So it really was him?"

The Vault: Did you form an alliance?

Rachel Thornton said, "Is that not allowed? We're both victims."

The Vault: How long have you been following me? How long have you known Harry Forrest?

Rachel Thornton fell silent again. She looked at the two people scrutinizing her, bit her lower lip in grievance, and probably realized they weren't thinking the same way as her. Disappointed, she grabbed her backpack and ran out.

Julian Grant didn't stop her, just sighed, "Young people."

The Vault: Look into it.

"Okay." Julian Grant knew what to do; finding out Rachel Thornton's exact identity wouldn't be difficult.

Only the two of them were left in the room, and their presence became more pronounced, both unconsciously relaxing.

Julian Grant looked at The Vault, his expression complicated: "Have you been having bad luck lately?" Just recovered from a serious illness, and now with an external injury—what's going on? Did you form a bond with the hospital?

The Vault nodded solemnly, mouthing: I think so too.

Of course, he couldn't say it was her fault, so Julian Grant held back the rest of his words. He adjusted his mood, leaned over the hospital bed, and asked, "Are you hungry? Want to eat something?"

The Vault was immediately distracted by the change of topic, thinking about what to order, but Julian Grant added, "Oh, you can't eat much anyway, so don't be picky. I'll order you some porridge, and if that doesn't work, just have a drink."

The Vault: "..."

Julian Grant reached into his pocket, stood up and said, "I'll go to the car to get something. Just lie down, and if you feel unwell, press the bell."

The Vault nodded.

Julian Grant went to the car to get his computer and some documents, and also to brief Susan Scott about Trident's work. He planned to stay with The Vault in the hospital for the night and not go back the next day.

He opened the car door and saw the bouquet of flowers on the back seat again, pausing for a moment. Then he thought the flowers were just right for the occasion—he'd been worrying about finding a reason to give them, and now he could use them as a get-well gift.

He picked up the bouquet, tidied the edges, made sure it looked delicate and beautiful, and carefully carried it out.

When he returned to the ward, The Vault was already more energetic, lying on the bed watching TV. When she saw him come in, her eyes immediately locked onto the flowers, tilting her head and sending out a questioning vibe.

Julian Grant pretended to be calm as he handed the flowers over, saying, "From your dad..."

The Vault quickly let out an "Eh!"

Julian Grant angrily threw the flowers at her face.

The Vault moved the flowers away and forced out a sentence despite her discomfort: "I was just clearing my throat."

Julian Grant said, "You're asking for it."

The Vault thought to herself that she just couldn't talk much right now, or she'd definitely expose his real intentions.

Who was the one who started joking first? He even wanted to take advantage of her.

She arranged the flowers and put them aside, stuffing the fallen petals back in.

Julian Grant had just sat down but stood up again, saying, "I'll put them in a vase."

The Vault nodded.

So Julian Grant carried his... The Vault's precious flowers over to change the vase.

When he came back in and placed the flowers by The Vault's bedside, The Vault sincerely said, "Thank you. You're a good person."

Julian Grant glanced at her, "You'd better stop talking."

Chapter 88: The Feeling

The next day, The Vault's throat hadn't improved; in fact, it had gotten worse. Swallowing was difficult and caused severe pain. The doctor said this was normal—she'd had a violent coughing fit yesterday, plus acid reflux, so she was injured both inside and out. Just endure it for two days and she'd be fine.

Susan Scott had originally planned to visit, but when he heard that The Vault's condition had worsened, he ran off as if his seat was on fire, afraid that Julian Grant would take his anger out on him.

This man, who loves to make a fuss, has always been so unkind.

Because of her discomfort, The Vault became depressed. She couldn't take it out on society, so she took it out on Julian Grant instead. Thus, the ward was constantly filled with mechanical "cluck cluck cluck" and "hehehe" sounds, making it impossible for anyone to work.

Julian Grant felt like hitting someone when he heard it.

How could there be such an ungrateful woman in the world? Who was he staying in the hospital for, anyway? Didn't she have any idea?

Knowing he couldn't win against this tyrant, Julian Grant chose to leave the room and take refuge.

As Julian Grant walked out of the inpatient building, he saw a familiar figure sitting cross-legged on the steps ahead. The girl turned her head out of habit when she heard movement.

She must have repeated this action countless times, so when she saw it was Julian Grant, her expression was numb for two seconds before she showed a look of delight.

Julian Grant found it amusing and walked over to sit beside her.

Rachel Thornton scooted over to the side to avoid blocking the main path.

Julian Grant said, "So, have you thought of a reason to convince me?"

Rachel Thornton took a moment to compose herself and said, "Maybe I was too impulsive yesterday, but I didn't mean anything else, I was just too anxious. Sigh, maybe you can't understand my life. After my father died, my family was completely destroyed. My mom was devastated, almost couldn't recover, and I was pointed at and gossiped about by people who didn't know the truth. My life was miserable and pitiful. I waited so many years, and finally got a chance to restore the truth, so... I hope you can help me."

The wind at the entrance was especially strong, blowing Julian Grant's hair into a mess, and the fine sand in the wind made him squint unconsciously.

"Don't try to play the pity card with me. When it comes to storytelling, you're neither better nor more convincing than others." Julian Grant rubbed his fingers, signaling she could make a deal, "How about this: you tell me where Harry Forrest is, and I'll personally speak to the police on your behalf and ask them to reopen the investigation. Whether it works or not depends on how solid your evidence is."

Rachel Thornton was annoyed—what kind of nonsense is that? Who needs it!

Rachel Thornton: "Don't you have any sympathy? If your girlfriend went through something like this, would you still keep talking about evidence? If none of you look for it, where would the evidence come from?"

"I wouldn't let her go through something like this. Even if she did, I'd follow procedure. That's our rule." Julian Grant thought for a moment and clarified, "And she's not my girlfriend."

"None of you ever tell the truth!"

Rachel Thornton angrily grabbed her bag and got up to leave. Julian Grant stayed seated, fanning himself absentmindedly with his files.

Sure enough, it wasn't long before the girl who said she'd leave came back sheepishly.

Heh, she gave in pretty quickly.

Rachel Thornton sat back down next to Julian Grant, pretending nothing had happened, and said, "There's no way I'm telling you where Harry Forrest is."

Julian Grant: "Protecting the alliance?"

Rachel Thornton said, "Because we don't trust the police, at least not some of them."

Julian Grant: "But in the end, you still have to rely on them?"

"What else can I do? This is society!" Rachel Thornton said aggrievedly, "Like a mantis trying to stop a chariot, I'm powerless."

Julian Grant sighed, "Young people, really."

Rachel Thornton was unconvinced, turning to say, "Why do you keep calling me young? If it were you, could you be without prejudice? Oh right, you're close with them, you're a beneficiary."