Maddox's grin froze on his face, and the bowl in his hands clattered to the floor.
Heads turned at the sound.
"Maddox, you just broke Natalia and Yasmine's favorite bowl, you're so screwed, man! Say goodbye to your wallet!"
"Oh, Maddox, when will you learn? You handle things like a bull in a china shop, and look what happens!"
"Oopsie, don't be mad, Natalia and Yasmine, I'll buy you a new one and make Uncle Maddox here pay up!"
Trying to keep cool, Maddox forced a smile and turned to the girls. "Sorry, Natalia and Yasmine, but I cut my hand pretty bad. Doesn't anyone feel sorry for me?"
Luke immediately whisked the two kids away. "Girls, remember not to date a guy like this one."
Yuri and Fredrick also quickly made their exit, unable to watch the embarrassing scene any longer!
After everyone left, Karen pulled out a small bottle of antiseptic powder and sprinkled it on Maddox's wound, which healed quietly.
"No need to look so surprised, Maddox. Without Frost, I'd have less than a 2% chance."
Karen smiled at Maddox and added, "Just don't tell Dad, okay? I don't want him to worry. Just say I'm off to find Frost's dad, and it'll be a long time before I can come back, alright?"
Maddox fought back tears, his eyes reddening but not allowing a single tear to fall.
Even with Vivienne and Karen working together, they only had a 2% chance of success. That left Maddox thinking...
"Sasha, can't we just not do it?" Maddox struggled with the idea one last time.
"No, we have to do this," Karen replied with certainty.
Maddox went silent, accepting that this was unstoppable.
In the yard, Jasper and Vivienne were locked in a tense game of chess, neither willing to give in.
Just as the game neared its end, Jasper suddenly asked, "Vivienne, what's your mom up to?"
Vivienne's hand trembled ever so slightly, and she managed a smile. "Oh, just out for dinner, shopping, and a movie."
Jasper tapped her head lightly. "She's my daughter; she can't fool me!"
Vivienne could no longer hold back, and her chess piece landed with a thud on the board, shaking slightly before coming to rest.
"My mom is attempting a procedure. It could restore memories, or it might..."
Jasper exhaled silently, a heavy breath dissipating into the air, followed by his grave voice. "I knew it. She was too chatty tonight, fussing over this and that. She's up to something, isn't she? And she didn't plan on telling me, did she?"
Vivienne bit her lip. "She doesn't want you to worry."
Jasper chuckled, a hint of sadness in his voice. "Tell me the truth, Vivienne. What are the chances of success?"
Vivienne clenched her fists, the words barely escaping her lips. "One percent."
In her eyes, the procedure had only a one percent chance of working.
The ST-1 was powerful; otherwise, it wouldn't have so easily repaired Calista's failing organs. Yet, its effects seemed mild, which baffled Vivienne.
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