Chapter 476

Mrs. Linton's fingers tightened around her purse strap, her knuckles turning white.

Her lips trembled slightly, but no coherent sound escaped.

"Miss Roland, please reconsider..." Her voice was rough, as if scraped by sandpaper, laced with unmistakable tremors.

Evelyn Roland set down the file in her hands, her gaze calm to the point of indifference.

"Mrs. Linton, our drug hasn't undergone human trials yet."

"I know..."

"Melanie's condition can't withstand any risks." Evelyn's fingertips tapped lightly against the desk. "If rejection occurs, the consequences would be catastrophic."

Mr. Linton's hand jerked suddenly, his coffee cup clinking sharply against the saucer.

"My apologies."

Evelyn stood and bowed, her black hair slipping over her shoulders. "We'll cover all examination and travel expenses in full."

As she turned, the hem of her coat stirred a faint breeze.

"How could this..." Mrs. Linton murmured, her nails digging deep into her palms.

"Miss Roland!"

A cold hand suddenly seized Evelyn's wrist.

Mrs. Linton's breathing was ragged, as if she'd just run a marathon. "Let Melanie try the drug. We'll accept any outcome."

Tears welled in her eyes, hovering on the brink of falling.

"She could die." Evelyn's voice was soft, yet it landed like a sledgehammer.

Mr. Linton staggered, gripping the chairback for support.

Melanie, who had been as still as a doll, suddenly lifted her head. A ripple of emotion flickered in her lifeless eyes.

"We accept." Mr. Linton's voice was hoarse, barely recognizable. "Better than watching her live like this..."

His smile was more painful than tears.

Evelyn's gaze swept over the family of three before she shook her head decisively. "No."

"Yes."

Sebastian Valdemar's voice cut through from the doorway, carrying an unshakable authority. "But they'll need to sign a liability waiver."

Evelyn narrowed her eyes, all traces of gentleness vanishing.

"Are you sure?" A cold smirk curled at the corner of her lips.

Sebastian met her gaze and suddenly wondered if this decision might be a mistake.