Looking at Maria's reaction, Doris paid it no mind. She was convinced that whether Maria participated or not, she would inevitably make herself look stupid in front of everyone!

With that, Doris bid her farewell and Left the Lemna Yard.

“Miss Maria! Is everything alright?" Isla, who had been listening to their conversation, expressed her concern, thinking that the family competition might not bode well for Maria.

“Of course. I'm fine." Maria flashed her a Knowing smile. She then summoned Grover, who was diligently practicing karate in the yard.

“Miss, how may I assist you?" Grover inquired.

"From this moment forward, I shall provide Isla with intensive pill-making training. You, on the other hand, will keep a vigilant watch outside the premises. No one is to approach the Lemna Yard for the next three days. Understood?" Maria swiftly instructed.

"Got it!" Grover agreed without question. He was unwaveringly determined to carry out any of Maria's orders.

Meanwhile, within Barbara's personal studio at the alchemy laboratory of the Jenkins family, she held a conversation with Elton, the seasoned pill alchemist.

“Elton, are you absolutely certain that you've imparted every ounce of knowledge regarding the Sun Pill's production?" Barbara asked, assuming an air of superiority.

Internally, Elton grumbled to himself. He had lived a life of comfort and affluence within the Jenkins family for nearly two decades. He never anticipated that he would end up teaching his livelihood to Barbara, and he had no choice but to play along!

Despite being over 4@ years old, Elton still remained a third-grade alchemist. If he Left the Jenkins family, finding a similarly well-paid job would prove exceedingly challenging.

Knowing that his future hinged on pleasing Barbara, Elton replied, “Miss Barbara, I have indeed shared all my knowledge regarding the Sun Pill without reservation. However, creating a flawless end product that matches the standard requires ample practice.”

Barbara, determined to showcase her newfound pill-making skills during the upcoming competition, had been tirelessly attempting to perfect the creation of the Sun Pill.

This particular formula was the most advanced one she had access to and had been Elton's mainstay in the Jenkins family for the past two decades.

Barbara had only just discovered her talent as a pill alchemist several days ago. If she could successfully create the Sun Pill in front of the whole Jenkins family, she would captivate all of them with her abilities and solidify her position within their ranks.

“Okay! I shall practice it again!" Gritting her teeth resolutely, Barbara proclaimed.

She then casually tossed a few of her recently-made Sun Pills, which only possessed 55% efficacy compared to the standard, into the trash can. Barbara vowed to successfully create the Sun Pill before the competition.

ALL the elders of the Jenkins family were asked to assemble inside the conference room.

Mrs. Jenkins was in charge of facilitating the meeting, and was seated at the head of the table.

She Looked miniscule, and her skin wrinkled with age. Despite her frail appearance, she was richly clad in an opulent traditional costume and wore fine jewelry. Her presence had a regal dignity that made it clear she was the matriarch of the Jenkins family.

Mrs. Jenkins' eyes narrowed as she examined the faces of the men before her.

ALL of the attendees were in their 50s with peppered beards.

“Are there any new updates on the family competition we're holding in three days?" Mrs. Jenkins inquired. She had a dazzling smile, which made her look approachable.

Now that everyone was in the room, the meeting began.