Chapter 617

Grace frowned with worry.

Evelyn saw her expression and immediately reassured her.

"Don't panic. I'm prepared."

Grace pressed urgently.

"What do we do now?"

Evelyn glanced at her.

"You go back and get some sleep. We'll talk after you wake up."

Grace had stayed up all night here.

Nicole hadn't slept, and neither had she.

Dark circles shadowed her eyes now, her face pale and weary.

Hearing this, Grace sighed.

"Alright."

They walked side by side out of the Special Operations Division.

Just as they reached the entrance, an anxious voice called out.

"Grace!"

Evelyn looked toward the sound and saw Grace's father, Benjamin Wright, striding over quickly.

The middle-aged man still maintained his refined and dignified demeanor.

His steps were steady, his gaze clear.

Evelyn looked at him, her expression momentarily distant.

In middle school, she and Grace had been best friends.

She had often seen Benjamin.

Though a forensic pathologist, Benjamin usually wore casual clothes.

He would carry fried dough sticks, seeing Grace off to school.

Back then, if he occasionally knew she hadn't eaten breakfast, he would bring her a portion too.

When Benjamin spoke to Grace, he was always gentle, a smile on his face.

He wore glasses, spoke with clear logic.

His deep voice always gave a sense of calm, as if he could hold up the entire sky for Grace.

Back then, every time Evelyn saw Benjamin, a feeling of admiration and longing would surge in her heart.

Because the father she imagined should be exactly like this.

William Ashcroft treated Isabella Ashcroft with the same gentleness and patience.

But every time he faced her, there was only disgust and impatience.

That had once made her doubt if her very existence was a mistake.

Otherwise, why would she be so detestable...

The more she yearned for paternal love and couldn't have it, the more she envied others' paternal love.

Grace and Benjamin probably never noticed that young girl's feelings back then...

Thinking of it now, Evelyn felt as if a lifetime had passed.

The entanglements with William Ashcroft and Linda Lowell in San Francisco seemed long blurred.

Now, she too had a father who cherished her...

Evelyn pulled her thoughts back and saw Grace's eyes redden.

The girl who had put on a brave face in front of her instantly reverted to a child who never grew up in front of her father.

She said plaintively.

"Dad, what exactly is going on with Grandpa?"

Benjamin had come here precisely for this matter.

His expression remained gentle as he patted Grace's head, explaining directly.

"Your grandfather will be fine. Our Wright family is loyal to the nation. There absolutely cannot be a problem."

Grace frowned.

"But they said they found key evidence!"

Benjamin lowered his eyes.

"Don't worry. There must be a misunderstanding. We must trust the authorities, trust the country. They won't wrong any innocent person."

Grace bit her lip.

Seeing this, Benjamin couldn't help but smile.

"What's wrong? I know you're worried about Grandpa. I came specifically to reassure you. Why are you still looking so troubled?"

Grace looked at Evelyn.

"But the prisoner we caught, Nicole, is the one who tried to kill Grace. There's a very powerful force behind them. They directly contacted the International Division. The International Division is coming to take her away tomorrow! Dad, we can't let them take her. Otherwise, we'll never get to the bottom of what happened to Grace!"

Hearing Grace's words, Benjamin finally looked at Evelyn.

Seeing her face clearly, he was slightly taken aback.

"Evelyn? You..."

His words were interrupted by Grace.

"Dad, she's not Evelyn. She just looks like her. She's the only daughter of the Valentine family, Grace Valentine."

Benjamin was stunned.

The last time he had seen Evelyn, she was still a middle school student.

Counting the years, it had been over a decade since he'd seen her, so he wasn't sure what Evelyn looked like now.

He examined her hesitantly.

Grace spoke up immediately.

"She's a friend I made in New York. Dad, can you help her, keep Nicole here?"

Benjamin frowned.

"Grace, you..."

"Dad, I'm begging you!"

Grace shook Benjamin's arm.

Benjamin gave a wry smile.

"Alright, I'll try to think of something. But I can't promise it will work."

"My dad is the best!"

Grace acted a little spoiled, then looked at Evelyn.

"Grace, don't worry. Since my dad said he'll try, he'll definitely help you keep her here."

Evelyn nodded gratefully.

"Thank you, Uncle."

"You're welcome."

At this point, Benjamin looked at Evelyn hesitantly.

"But you just said the person arrested is named Nicole? Her surname is Sterling?"

Evelyn immediately caught something keenly and asked directly.

"Uncle, do you know about the Sterling Family?"

Benjamin nodded.

"The Sterling Family is a very mysterious clan."

This opening line, Evelyn had heard countless times already...

Those in New York who had heard of the Sterling Family always started with this when mentioning them.

Mysterious.

These two words were the Sterling Family's label.

Benjamin continued.

"Your grandfather and I have studied the Sterling Family. We believe that although the Sterling Family keeps a low profile, they are not to be underestimated. The Special Operations Division has also been collecting all information on the Sterling Family. Unfortunately, nothing substantial has been gathered so far. If your grandfather were here, he would never let the International Division take the person away. This is such a good opportunity to understand the Sterling Family!"

Grace was taken aback.

"Is the Sterling Family that important? Worth our attention like this?"

Benjamin nodded.

"Mainly because we don't know if they are friend or foe. Their stance is strange. It seems they have no stance, yet it seems they have some kind of stance..."

Grace immediately explained to Evelyn.

"The Special Operations Division exists to collect information on potential future threats to the nation..."

Evelyn nodded in understanding.

Benjamin said.

"In that case, I must help your grandfather keep this Nicole here. I'll go think of a way."

After saying this, he turned and left.

Grace looked at Evelyn.

"The International Division people are coming tomorrow. Should we go interrogate Nicole now, see if we can get anything more out of her?"

Evelyn shook her head.

"The International Division is coming. That fact has already given Nicole hope. Before that hope is shattered, she won't say anything."

Grace was somewhat disappointed.

"So we can't do anything today."

"Mm. Get some good rest. Conserve your energy. Tomorrow we need to deal with the International Division people properly."

Grace said.

"Mm. We absolutely cannot let them take Nicole away!"

Evelyn nodded, adding in her heart.

And incidentally, expose the mole, that fox, within the Special Operations Division!