Eliza looked down at the refunded transfer. Then up at Nolan, who was calmly pouring milk. She gave an awkward smile. “Henry… is really a good guy.” Nolan didn’t smile. Eliza added, “I really should find a way to thank him…” “Keep stock, keep the factory open—you knew there’d be a flu outbreak this year?” One sentence made the air grow heavy. Eliza could feel her heart thudding out of her chest. How did I forget? This man was about to inherit Hayes Corp in a few years. The kind of man who could navigate both the business world and the criminal underworld. His instincts and insight had been trained since childhood. One slip was all it took for Nolan to catch on.“I…” “Don’t tell me it was a guess.” Nolan had heard enough of those kinds of excuses from her. Eliza met his dark gaze. At last, she let out a long breath. “Fine. I knew.” Nolan’s expression grew complicated—but before he could speak, Eliza added quickly, “I just felt like this year was different. The weather’s been colder. I figured people would catch colds in winter, so I stocked up on meds and masks. I just got lucky.” “…” “You know I don’t have a head for business. I’m not that sharp. I just happened to get it right.” Nolan stared at her for a while. No business acumen? Short-sighted? Those things had nothing to do with Eliza. Seeing her still trying to cover her tracks, he finally cut in, “I won’t ask anymore.” He picked up a few pickles, placed them on his plate, and carried it back to his room. “Nolan…” Eliza wanted to stop him. She knew it wasn’t right to lie to a friend. But… She couldn’t tell the truth. Who would believe something as far-fetched as reincarnation? She didn’t want to be labeled crazy and thrown into a psych ward. Eliza shook her head. And just then, her phone rang again. Caller ID: Evelyn. Eliza arched an eyebrow. So soon? Already can’t hold it together? She answered.Evelyn’s voice came through, cheerful now that Eliza had picked up. “Elizze, how have you been lately? Mommy has something she wants to talk to you about.” Eager to get to the point, Evelyn didn’t even bother with pleasantries. Eliza said nothing. Evelyn cut straight to the pitch. “You know how hard things have been lately. I know your dad bothered you the other day. But we’ve got our own stock of meds and masks now. I know you’re working at a pharma plant, right? You must have connections. Mommy wants to ask you to speak to your boss…” “Sorry. I can’t help with that.” Evelyn’s tone shifted immediately. “You haven’t even tried—how do you know you can’t? It’s simple. Just ask your boss like I said. If you don’t have their contact, ask someone else. And if you think it’s too much trouble, then let me talk to your boss. Who turns down business delivered to their door?” Evelyn kept going, confident as ever. Normally, a few kind words from her, and Eliza would be running to help.Eliza said, “Mother… no, ma’am. I really can’t help. My boss is out of town. And who’s still buying meds and masks? That ship has long sailed.” “Ma’am? I’m your mother! You’re not even listening to your own mother now?” Evelyn frowned. She had no idea what this ungrateful girl was playing at. Not only refusing to come home, but stirring up trouble and even sending her own mother to prison. Truly heartless. If she didn’t need something, Evelyn wouldn’t be lowering herself to make this call. She continued, “Just do as I say. You’re just a kid—what do you know about business? I’m telling you, if we can’t move this inventory, we’ll lose eight million! If that happens, don’t even think about coming home again!” She added, smugly, “But if you get it done, you’ll still be my good daughter. I won’t hold the prison thing against you. You wouldn’t want to be stuck out there sleeping on the streets, would you?” Evelyn thought she had Eliza in the palm of her hand.After all, Eliza was just a high schooler. With the global flu outbreak, rent was sky-high. She didn’t believe Eliza had anywhere else to go.