Addison didn't say anything further. She was pondering where Ryan should go tonight. The Pendomium Heights villa was built in a rather remote location to ensure peace and quiet. Although she didn't know where Ryan lived, she had a feeling that no matter where he needed to go, it would probably be far from there. If she hadn't been drinking tonight, she wouldn't have had to trouble Ryan to drive her home. Now, it was so late, and the thought of him driving back alone made Addison hesitate. She couldn't quite make up her mind. "Why don't you just stay at my place tonight? The house is big, and there are plenty of empty rooms," Addison suggested after some careful consideration. The villa had several floors, she lived on the second floor, and Ryan could stay on either the first or third. That way, there wouldn't be any awkward situations. She felt that this plan was the best solution for the current situation, as it would not cause Ryan any trouble and would not cause any inconvenience. Ryan was taken aback. Stay at ... Dr. Daves's house? He was a bit slow to process what Addison had said, but once it sank in, his heart filled with joy. "Are you sure that's okay?" he stammered. "Wouldn't it trouble you?" "It wouldn't trouble me at all. There are plenty of empty rooms," Addison replied casually, as if it were no big deal. Ryan didn't say anything else. He straightened his back, kept his eyes fixed on the road, and drove with a stiff posture. Addison didn't hear a response from Ryan. She blinked and glanced over at him, only to see him staring straight ahead, focused on driving. Is that his way of agreeing? I can't tell. ... The car came to a stop at the entrance of Pendomium Heights. "Turn left. It's the first house," Addison said, lifting her arm to point out the direction. Ryan followed her instructions and parked in front of the house.Once the car came to a stop, Addison got out and gestured to Ryan with a gentle tone. "Let's go." "It's getting late. Let's just go in and go straight to bed," she added, her eyelids already struggling to stay open. Ryan stood in front of the car, watching her quietly. Dressed in white, he stood tall and straight, his figure illuminated by the soft, golden glow of the streetlights filtering through the tree branches. "Go get some rest," he said softly. His voice was warm and gentle, and there was a faint sparkle in his eyes. Addison blinked in surprise. "Aren't you coming in?" He seemed to hesitate for a moment, though it quickly passed, and finally spoke, "I won't be going in." Addison was confused. "It really won't be any trouble. It's too late to go back now, it'll be such a hassle." She thought Ryan was just worried about bothering her. Ryan shook his head with a smile. "I really won't go in. Dr. Daves, please don't think that driving you home today is a hassle, and in the future, don't ever think that asking me to do something is bothering me. "Otherwise, I'll really be sad," he said softly, his voice so faint that Addison couldn't help but glance at him. She had to look up to meet his eyes. It was then that Addison realized Ryan was actually a full head taller than her. Ryan gazed down at her, his eyes clear and pure like crystal, sparkling with soft, watery light, almost like a puppy with its ears drooping. With such a look and such a weak tone, Addison found herself at a loss for words. Ryan watched Addison, who seemed a bit taken aback, and gently added, "If Dr. Daves is still feeling uneasy, would you be open to having a meal with me sometime? "I'll take you to that really good place I know—consider it a way to make up for today." Addison couldn't bring herself to say no. She nodded. "Of course. "Take me anywhere you'd like. If you have a list of places you love, we can go to all of them."Ryan nodded enthusiastically. "Alright! "Dr. Daves, you can't back out now!" Addison smiled teasingly. "No backing out. If you don't believe me, we can make a pinky promise." Ryan caught the playful tone in her words and scratched his head, feeling a bit shy. "No need for that, I trust you, Dr. Daves! "Well, I'll head out now." Ryan raised an eyebrow, his gaze clear and bright, giving her a soft, gentle smile. As Ryan walked away, he waved goodbye to Addison, his energy and youthful brightness shining through. Addison stood at the villa's entrance, letting out a soft sigh. That boy, Ryan ... She watched him until he faded into the distance. Ryan settled into the driver's seat, but he didn't start the car right away. He sat there in silence, deep in thought. His gaze lingered on the villa in the distance, watching as the lights flickered on, one by one, until the entire house was brightly lit. It was a sharp contrast to the dark night around it. He had actually noticed Addison's habit a long time ago. In the lab, even during the day, she would turn on every light. Sometimes, when she got deeply absorbed in her experiments, she'd lose track of time, and by evening, when the light began to fade, she'd immediately turn on every light. It was as if she were afraid of the dark? ... The next day, Michael called again. "Dr. Nancy, sorry to bother you again." Addison was puzzled. "Didn't we already sign the contract?" Why is Michael calling again? "Yes, the Acygine contract is signed, but ... well, it's about that ... " Michael's voice lacked confidence."Go ahead," Addison said as she sat up. She had stayed up late last night, and now she was still sleepy, her eyes half-closed and her mind foggy. "My grandmother wants to invite you to Fuller Residence," Michael said, hesitating for a moment before finally forcing himself to say the absurd reason. "Your grandmother?" Addison asked, her voice full of even more confusion. "Why would she want to see me?" "She says she knows you and wants to catch up," Michael replied, though even he didn't believe his own words. How could the Fullers possibly know Dr. Nancy? If they did, ApexMed would have been one of the top medical companies in the country by now. But his grandmother had insisted he make the call, and Michael was too intimidated to disobey. "What is your grandmother's full name?" "Her full name is Annie Daves." Daves? Addison's heart skipped a beat. Could she be from the Daves family? And she knows me? Addison couldn't shake the feeling that the Fuller matriarch was likely part of the Daves family— not just any branch, but the main line. Back when she was with the Daves family, Addison had never once crossed paths with any of the side branches. If this elderly woman knew her, then she clearly wasn't from one of those branches. It had been so long, so long since she'd seen anyone from the Daves family. "Did she say anything else? Was there a specific reason she wanted to see me, or was it just to catch up?" Addison asked, trying to probe for more details. "She didn't say much, just that she wanted to invite you to Fuller Residence for a visit," Michael replied. "I know you're busy with your research, so if you really don't have time, it's no big deal. "She insisted that I call you, though. Please don't take it the wrong way." From Dr. Nancy's tone, it was clear she didn't know his grandmother. Michael was sure she wouldn't be coming. "Would today work? I'll just get ready and head over," Addison said gently.Michael's hand shook slightly as he held the phone. Did she really agree? Could his grandmother actually know this globally renowned pharmaceutical expert? "Absolutely, take your time," Michael replied, his tone suddenly warm and eager.