In this day and age, a cerebral hemorrhage was a terrifying disease. Most patients were left with debilitating after-effects, even after surgery. But Vera Xavier knew it wasn’t nearly as dreadful as people believed.

In her past life, her greatest pride had been pharmaceuticals; her factory had even produced an effective remedy for the after-effects of a cerebral hemorrhage.

She knew full well that the terrifying after-effects were simply the result of nerves in the brain being damaged during the bleed. This caused the brain to lose control over the body, leading to issues like hemiplegia, paralysis, aphasia, and incontinence.

In reality, with the right medication combined with proper rehabilitation, there was a high chance of making a full recovery. 𝘧𝓇ℯℯ𝑤ℯ𝘣𝓃ℴ𝓋𝑒𝑙.𝑐𝘰𝑚

The house was a complete mess after Rona Langdon’s tantrum. Vera Xavier stayed behind to clean up, telling her grandmother to head back to the hospital first to look after Zachary Preston.

Seeing how calmly Vera had handled everything today, her grandmother knew she was smart and sensible enough to manage things at home. So, she simply nodded and returned to the hospital.

As soon as her grandmother left, Aaron Cheney arrived. "Vera, how did I do today?"

Vera couldn’t help but smile. She nodded and said, "Thanks so much for your help today!"

"We’re practically family, don’t mention it!" Aaron Cheney said, flashing a wide grin that showed off his pearly white teeth.

In fact, Aaron Cheney had been running around and helping out a lot over the past few days while Zachary Preston was ill.

Vera Xavier took a box out of her bag and handed it to him. "Here."

Aaron Cheney took it, his curiosity piqued. When he opened it and saw the piece of Emperor Green jade inside—as large as his thumb—his eyes instantly lit up.

Vera smiled. "I’ve been meaning to give this to you for a while, but with my dad’s incident and the college entrance exams, I never found the time."

"My grandmother has been talking about those earrings ever since I was a little kid," Aaron Cheney said, his face alight with joy. "I can finally fulfill her wish."

Then a worried look crossed his face. "A piece of Emperor Green this big must cost a fortune, right, Vera? You can’t charge me too much, or I won’t be able to afford it."

Seeing his earnest expression, Vera chuckled. "It’s a gift. I’m not asking for money."

Aaron Cheney’s eyes flew wide. "No way! I can’t accept this! My uncle said this kind of Emperor Green is ridiculously expensive! Besides, your family needs money right now!"

"It’s just a scrap piece, not worth much," Vera said with a faint smile. "The main piece of jade has already been sold, so I’m not short on cash. But you absolutely cannot tell anyone about this, or it could bring unnecessary trouble. You have to keep it a secret for me."

Aaron was young, after all, and didn’t grasp the jade’s true value. Hearing her explanation, he accepted it. "Alright, I won’t argue with you then, Vera. If you need anything in the future, just say the word!"

Vera smiled and nodded, then asked, "You’ve been in the residential compound. Do you know where Cara Preston went?"

"She left early this morning, no idea where." Aaron Cheney answered. "I always thought she was so sweet and gentle, such a good person. Now I realize your mom raised her all wrong. She’s just cold-hearted and selfish."

Vera’s gaze darkened. Now that Cara Preston had lost her chance to take the college entrance exams, Vera was determined. No matter what Cara did, Vera would never let her reach the same heights she had in their past life.

She said calmly, "I have some other things to take care of. Since you live in the compound, help me keep an eye on Cara Preston. Let me know immediately if she makes any unusual moves."