Three Years Forgotten, Why Go Crazy When I Say Goodbye? novel Chapter 430

Compared to Willow's fierce battle for approval, Vivienne's request was a walk in the park.

Having spent her days pretending to play scientist at the lab, she hadn't had the time to hound Julian during office hours. Her only window to see him was late at night.

After dinner, Julian was locked in his study dealing with corporate matters when Vivienne knocked and walked in.

Annoyed by the sudden intrusion, Julian snapped his laptop shut. "What are you doing in here? Do you need something?"

Sensing his foul mood, Vivienne immediately softened her tone. "Next week, Professor Smith is embarking on a field study for an ultra-rare case. I'd like your permission to accompany the team."

Julian stared at her, his handsome face an unreadable, emotionless mask. "Will this field study actually accelerate the project?"

"Yes. It's a phenomenally rare genetic mutation, the kind we might not see again for decades. If we secure the firsthand clinical data, it will drastically propel our R&D forward and give Sinclair Group a massive edge in the market."

Getting the business justification he needed, Julian gave a curt nod. "Then go."

Just two words. No hesitation, no concern, and absolutely zero reluctance to see her leave.

He didn't bother asking how treacherous the remote mountains were, or if the journey would be dangerous. He didn't offer to connect her with local authorities, nor did he show the slightest inclination to ensure her safety. He was too stingy to offer even a single word of comfort.

Staring at his cold, detached demeanor, a sharp ache pierced Vivienne's chest.

Refusing to give up, she tried to bait a reaction out of him. "The environment out there is notoriously hostile. It's filled with unpredictable dangers."

Julian merely raised an eyebrow, his tone agonizingly dismissive, as if she were discussing a minor inconvenience. "Then make sure you take care of your health."

Pausing for a second, he added coldly, "If you need more funding for security, just submit a request to finance."

Every single word was painfully professional and deeply hollow. There wasn't a shred of genuine human concern.

Over the next few days, Willow cornered Silas twice more to argue for the Appalachian expedition. No matter how passionately she explained the revolutionary impact the data would have on their company, Silas's answer remained an impenetrable wall of ice: "I don't give a damn about the data. The answer is no."

With the expedition's departure date looming closer and her request still completely blocked, the sheer stress and frustration finally broke Willow's immune system. She collapsed with a severe fever.

Silas didn't find out until he arrived at the office the next morning. Willow hadn't told him she was sick. He was in the middle of a high-stakes cross-border executive meeting when his assistant broke the news. Without a second thought, Silas stood up, abandoned the boardroom, and ordered his driver to race straight to her apartment.

Arriving at her door, he didn't hesitate for a single second before knocking.

Through the wood, Willow's voice was weak and painfully hoarse. "Who is it?"

"Me."

It was a single syllable, deep, rich, and intensely commanding. Even without a name, Willow knew exactly who was standing on the other side.