“What? Ian? Why is he here?" Julie's eyes lit up, as if she wasn't crying just a moment ago.

She also didn't realize that the moment she heard that Ian came to Sheffield, her gloomy mood was instantly changed to delight.

“Well, he has joined the No.1 Research Institute and is participating in a project here."

Of course, Maria didn't tell Julie many details. Even with the job transfer, Ian still focused on the technology regarding the hibernation pod.

Noticing the confusion on Julie's face, Maria added, "This No. 1 Research Institute is in Sheffield.

That's why he needed to come here."

As Julie and Maria talked, the door of the villa suddenly opened.

“Huh? Who could it be?"

It was only two in the afternoon. Vivian and Bill thought that they had arrived ahead of time, but it appeared that they were wrong. When they saw the person walking into the living room, their eyes widened in surprise.

“Dad, didn't Mom say that she'd arrive at three o'clock?" Vivian asked urgently under her breath.

“How come she's already here?"

Bill pulled a long face, obviously displeased at this unexpected development .

His original plan was to tidy the villa before Julie arrived. That way, she wouldn't know that the place had been deserted for a long time.

But now, there was no way they could hide the truth from her.

Bill quickly came up with an excuse and reminded his daughter in a Low voice, "Watch your words. Don't give me away."

“Of course."

Vivian nodded readily. She knew she had to side with her father.

“What a surprise! Julie, I didn't expect you to arrive so early! I thought you wouldn't be here until three!"

Bill greeted Julie just as she sat gracefully on the sofa. He had a wide smile on his face as he continued to fawn over her.

“You should have notified me in advance. I could have picked you up from the airport!

You've been away for so Long. Vivian and I miss you so much!"

Bill kept on rambling about inane stuff and glossing over the important matters. Vivian just stood beside him with a tight smile on her face.

The father and daughter welcomed Julie with faked enthusiasm, all while ignoring Maria, just as they had always done.

Bill had been babbling for a good while, but Julie remained silent. He began to bristle with unease.