In the Seaside Hospital of T City...

"Mommy, I want an apple." The girl who spoke had naturally curly, long, brown hair, and her big eyes were like stars, blinking at her mother.

Sophia gently pinched the little girl's fair, smooth face. "You greedy eater. While Mommy was away, did you behave yourself and listen to Alice?"

The girl pursed her lips and puffed up her cute cheeks. "Yes, I was very obedient."

Alice White, by the side, handed Sophia an apple and winked playfully at Ivy. "Yes, Ivy was good and obedient."

Sophia took the apple and picked up the fruit knife to peel it carefully. After that, she cut the flesh into eight crescent shaped pieces.

She picked up one piece and handed it to Ivy. "You'll go to sleep after having the apple."

With the fruit in hand, Ivy took a crunchy bite and then revealed a bright smile. "I know."

After chewing twice, she asked, "Mommy, when are we going home? I don't want to stay at the hospital."

At the question, Sophia could not help but furrow her brows.

Alice patted her on the shoulder and turned to Ivy with a smile. "Rest well tonight, Ivy. We'll get back home tomorrow."

Ivy's eyes lit up. "Really?"

"Really."

Hearing that she would be leaving the hospital the next day, Ivy quickly finished eating the fruit, then headed to the hospital bed. "Mommy and Alice, I'm going to sleep."

Sophia revealed a bitter, helpless smile.

Ivy fell asleep in a short while, and Sophia and Alice slipped out of the ward.

"Did you meet Leon Scott today?"

"Yes."

Alice asked excitedly, "Really?"

"It's true that I've met him, but..." Sophia then told her friend what had happened.

"No way!" Alice widened her eyes open in surprise. "You screwed up his engagement?"

"I didn't screw it up." Leon had kissed Sophia, and it was actually her second time of being kissed by a male, and she had forgotten to discuss that with him. "I don't think he wanted to get engaged in the first place."

Alice touched her own chin and slightly narrowed her pretty, almond-shaped eyes. "He is unwilling to help you. What are you going to do with that?"

And that was exactly what was worrying Sophia.

"I'll have to find another way to see him and keep talking to him." Her eyes became determined at the thought of treating Ivy. "No matter what, I won't give up."

At this moment, there was only one belief on Sophia's mind. She had to convince Leon to help Ivy with her surgery.

...

In the exclusive parking lot of the Universal Building...

Sophia was standing at a short distance away from the parking lot exit and waiting anxiously under the scorching sun.

According to her inquiry, Leon's car would be parked in the parking lot whenever he came to work.

Because the two of them were of utterly different status, it was impossible for Sophia to make an appointment to see the man in a proper manner. After careful consideration, she decided to wait for him here and stop his car.

It was one of the dog days of summer. Though it was already about six o'clock in the afternoon, after being exposed to the burning sun, the earth was giving off searing heat. Sophia felt her mouth parched and tongue scorched.

"I should have prepared a bottle of water beforehand." She wanted to buy herself some icy beverage but was worried that Leon would get out of the parking lot in the interval.

After lifting her wrist to check the time, she could not help but feel even more anxious. "Where the hell is Mr. Scott? He is here today, isn't he?"

Just as her words fell, Sophia noticed a vehicle driving towards her at an unhurried pace, and somehow, her heart skipped a beat.

Seeing that car, the guard standing in the security booth hurried to press the button to lift the block rod.

The car was getting closer and closer to Sophia.

The woman clutched her hands. As the vehicle was about to pass by her, she took the chance to close her eyes and rush forward with open arms.