“Oh, yes, I understand. But, grandma, did you mean what you said?" Barbara's excitement mingled with a hint of trepidation.

She averted her gaze, lowering her head to conceal her true emotions. The embarrassment was so overwhelming that she couldn't bring herself to meet her grandmother's eyes directly.

Barbara overheard Mrs. Jenkins engaged in a soliloquy.

“What was his name again? Anthony Wilson? The Wilson family in Sheffield?" Mrs. Jenkins muttered to herself.

“Young people are often driven by impulsive emotions. They easily fall in love with a charming young lady. I got to have a conversation with him."

Upon hearing this, a furrow formed on Barbara's brow.

“Grandma, the Sky Group possesses substantial resources. It is we who seek collaboration with their company."

Barbara felt great concern that her grandmother's actions might cross the line, potentially angering Anthony, the head of the Sky Group.

If Anthony were to withdraw his support from the Jenkins family in a fit of temper, they would be plunged into financial crisis.

Barbara vehemently hoped to prevent such a predicament. The funds provided by the Sky Group were crucial for training her as a skilled alchemist.

Barbara wanted Mrs. Jenkins to maintain composure and exercise utmost restraint.

Maria finally woke up.

She expected to see Julie, but instead, she opened her eyes and saw someone else.

A familiar figure sat at her bedside with his back to her. He seemed to be in a whispered conversation with someone else in the room.

Maria blinked and stared, deliberating whether she was imagining things or not.

“What are you doing here?" she rasped, tugging at the back of his sleeve to get his attention. The man turned around to Look at her.

Maria almost gasped at the sight of his handsome face. It was Anthony. He Looked dapper in a gray trench coat, and his hair was combed back in net strokes. Her eyes fixed on his face as his fresh and clean scent wafted over to where she Lay.

Maria almost asked him if he had especially taken a shower before coming to visit her. Luckily, she was able to hold her tongue at the last second.

She had come to realize that Julie was also in the room. Such a question would only put everyone in an awkward position.

And even if Julie wasn't here, it would still be a rather forward question.

Maria and Anthony might be a couple in the eyes of the public, but they both knew that it was simply a contract that bound them together. ALL they got was a relationship in name, nothing more.

Now that she thought about it, Maria couldn't recall a time when Anthony touched or approached her without asking for permission first. She supposed she should commend him for his discipline in that aspect.

Anthony gazed down at her surprised face and noted the subtle sparkle in her eyes. If he didn't know any better, he would have assumed that she was expecting something from him.

In response, he gave her a knowing smile.