Chapter 19
Chapter 19:
“This research holds the key to my surgery,” Brad explained earnestly. “My career cannot be compromised by medical limitations. I’m certain you grasp the gravity of that, Miss Kirk p>
Recalling her dark, confined sessions treating Brad, Rylie vividly remembered the countless scars marking his skin — battle injuries from dedicated service to their nation.
Yet Brad’s condition was neurological, and a single error during surgery without advanced medical techniques could render him permanently paralyzed. Looking at Brad, who had given everything for his country, Rylie felt genuine admiration stir within her. After a thoughtful pause, she asked earnestly, “Are you willing to trust me with your life’s most critical research p>
Brad calmly asked, “Do I have any reason not to p>
His penetrating gaze remained fixed on her. “There’s nothing left for me to fear losing, so why not risk one last gamble p>
Slightly narrowing her eyes in approval, Rylie handed Brad her phone. “As expected of a high-ranking naval officer. Please leave a contact, Mr. Morgan.” Brad’s fingers brushed lightly against hers as he accepted the device, the brief touch carrying unexpected warmth.
“VitaLink Hospital produced a vial of Nexo-7; I intend to collect it,” Brad said quietly, handing the phone back slowly, fingers grazing again. “But I’ve heard recent troubling reports about VitaLink. I’m no medical expert — could you accompany me, Miss Kirk p>
Brad had grown suspicious of VitaLink Hospital after discovering the Wilde family’s blacklisting through dark web channels.
Conveniently free at the moment, Rylie dismissed Rory, entered the vehicle on the opposite side, and settled comfortably inside. “Let’s go. I’ll join you.” Inside the luxurious car, Brad’s heavy medicinal scent lingered initially, replaced by Rylie’s subtle fragrance of lilies that gently eased his usual tension. The car exited campus smoothly, passing a visibly distressed Vivian rushing along.
Stacey sat fuming in a campus café, with Leland attempting to comfort her by her side.
Updates loaded at gαlησνe𝓁s․com
Her fragile composure shattered abruptly when her phone rang.
Vivian urgently questioned her absence. “Why aren’t you at the lab? Grab the Nexo-7 immediately — we need to get to VitaLink Hospital, now p>
Stacey’s pulse quickened, her voice trembling as she responded, “Dr. Estrada, we’ve just completed the Nexo-7. I’d prefer to monitor its results a bit more. What’s the urgency p>
Vivian’s brow knitted together in frustration. “You sent me a photo two days ago confirming the Nexo-7 was ready. I verified it personally — it matches your former colleague’s formulation perfectly. Stop worrying about its potency. Just get it to VitaLink Hospital immediately p>
Vivian said sternly, “Protect that vial of Nexo-7 carefully — it’s very valuable and crucial to your future! Your entire career hangs on this p>
After she ended the call, Stacey’s complexion was drained of color. Noticing her panic, Leland questioned softly, “What’s got you so anxious? Vivian wants the Nexo-7; just bring it to her. Relax p>
With shaky fingers, Stacey nervously replied, “Leland, is the solution truly so valuable? I had no idea it was so valuable p>