Chapter 3

Alexandra pushed open the door and walked into the hospital room. Oliver lay on the bed, his face gaunt and lifeless, showing no signs of vitality.

She pulled up a chair and sat down beside him, her eyes filled with a mix of sadness and determination.

Around her neck hung a sapphire pendant, a small square box. She opened it to reveal two pills inside.

Taking one out, Alexandra held it in her hand for a long moment. Finally, she stood up, gently lifted the unconscious Oliver, and placed the pill in his mouth, giving him some water to help him swallow it.

"Alexandra, what are you doing?"

A sharp voice cut through the air as the head nurse, Elodie Brown, rushed in, her white uniform fluttering.

"You actually gave it to him?"

Elodie looked at Alexandra in disbelief. "Do you think it's worth it?"

"He was good to me. Of course, it's worth it." Alexandra watched as color returned to Oliver's cheeks and his breathing became more regular. Though he remained unconscious, the heart monitor showed he was no longer in immediate danger.

"Those two pills took you years to make, with materials worth millions. And you used one on someone who means nothing to you?"

Elodie shook her head. "Since he got sick, his condition has only worsened. You've saved him multiple times, but who knows the sacrifices you've made?"

About three years ago, Alexandra was just a middle school student. She had fallen ill and was hospitalized, where she met Elodie, who had just been promoted to head nurse.

Alexandra's illness was mysterious, baffling all the doctors. Yet, she could describe her symptoms and even guide the pharmacy on what medications to prepare.

The hospital, unsure of what to do, consulted an expert, who confirmed Alexandra's instructions were correct. Impressed, the expert, Declan Brown, took her on as a student. Declan, coincidentally, was Elodie's father, which brought the two girls closer.

Elodie had watched Alexandra grow, and through her hard work, Alexandra had managed to create two life-saving pills. Declan had said the pills required rare and expensive materials, immense time, and effort to make. Some ingredients were now impossible to find.

"Once, I wanted fruit from a tree. He climbed up and picked it for me, washed it, and gave it to me."

Alexandra smiled at the memory.

"All this for some wild fruit? You've wasted two years of your life for that?"

Elodie still couldn't understand. "He was kind to you, but the Smith Family treated you horribly. Have you forgotten?"

"And your mother—no, she's not your mother anymore. She was always abusive, and when she found out you weren't her biological child, it got worse. Your father never intervened. That family was awful."

Alexandra stood up. "I know you're angry for me, but this has nothing to do with Grandpa."

Elodie sighed. "At least with this pill, Oliver can get through this crisis."

"Yeah, now it's up to you. I'm outta here." Alexandra turned to leave, but Elodie grabbed her arm. "You're not gonna wait for him to wake up?"

"No."

Seeing him would only make it harder to leave. Better to go now.

Elodie let go, and Alexandra walked out of the room, only to collide with a doctor rushing down the hall. They both fell hard, the doctor landing on the floor and Alexandra hitting the wall.

Wincing in pain, Alexandra tried to help the doctor up, but he scrambled to his feet, muttering something about Harris Johnson.

As the doctor ran off, Elodie emerged from the room. "That's the head of nephrology. He's been struggling with Mr. Johnson's illness. If Mr. Johnson dies, the Johnson Family won't forgive him. His career would be over."

"Why? If he can't be cured, it's fate. Why blame the doctor?"

Alexandra frowned. "Who are the Johnsons to wield such power?"

"You don't know the Johnson Family? They're the top financial power in Redfield City, incredibly wealthy and influential."

As they spoke, the head of nephrology and several other doctors hurriedly wheeled Harris out. He was covered with a white sheet, only his pale face visible.

"Why are they moving him?" Elodie asked, concerned.

The head of nephrology, sweating and trembling, replied, "The Johnson Family hasn't arrived to sign the consent forms. We can't operate without their permission."

"What? He won't last another half hour! This is the critical moment. If we wait, it'll be too late!"

Alexandra was baffled. "Why wait for a signature when his life is at stake?"

"If Mr. Johnson dies on the operating table, we'll be held responsible!"

The head of nephrology shouted, "We have to wait for the Johnson Family to sign!"

"You're the head of the department. You know he'll die if we wait!"

Alexandra stepped forward, her voice firm. She could see the symptoms clearly. The head of nephrology knew too, but he was afraid of the consequences.

If Harris died from kidney failure in half an hour, the Johnson Family would still blame them. But the responsibility would fall on the hospital, not the individuals.

"We have to wait!" The head of nephrology's eyes were bloodshot, but he was resolute.

Looking at Harris, Alexandra was reminded of Oliver. Both were young, both abandoned by their families, both in dire straits.

Determined, Alexandra took the last pill from her pendant and, without hesitation, placed it in Harris's mouth.

Everyone was stunned as she helped him swallow it.

The head of nephrology yelled, "What did you give him?"

"Something to save his life."

"A young girl like you? What could you possibly have? Do you know who Mr. Johnson is? If he dies, can you take responsibility?"

The head of nephrology sneered, his eyes filled with malice. "You dared to give him something without permission. If he dies, you'll pay with your life!"

"I'll take responsibility."