Her career skyrocketed after ditching her ex, drawing in a swarm of admirers. Her regretful ex tried everything to win her back, only to watch her wedding of the century with another guy as the beloved of a billionaire. ===== "Stop it, Neil. This isn't fair to Katelyn..." Today was her anniversary with Neil Wheeler, and Katelyn Bailey had already planned the celebration. Katelyn excitedly came to the villa to find Neil, unexpectedly met with the w*man's voice coming from the master bedroom. Hearing that was enough to drain all the color from Katelyn's face, and it definitely didn't help when she recognized the voice. It was Lise Cooper. She was Neil's old flame. Katelyn never expected her to return. Yet there they were, in the master bedroom... "Why is it unfair? Our families joined by marriage for mutual benefits. Katelyn is just my wife in name. I don't care for her at all. I've never touched her since we got married." "I pity her! Three years of marriage, and she hasn't won her husband's heart," Lise commented. Katelyn began to tremble. Those words pierced her heart. Her marriage to Neil had always been one of convenience, and not by love. For the past three years, Katelyn had devoted herself entirely to her family. She did the laundry, cooked meals, and tried her best to be a good housewife. Despite her efforts, Neil had never shared a bed with her. Katelyn had believed she wasn't meeting his expectations and had failed to earn his approval. But now, she realized he had never cared for her. The ongoing sounds from the room made Katelyn's heart ache. "Bang!" All of a sudden, the door flew open. When Neil saw Katelyn, he froze for a moment before his expression turned cold. With disdain, he barked, "Get out!" Even though he had been caught, he still carried himself with an air of arrogance. Katelyn felt a sharp pain in her chest. Staring at her husband, who showed no remorse, she asked in disbelief, "Neil Wheeler, why are you doing this to me?" With a soft sigh, Lise said, "Katelyn, you should understand that Neil doesn't love you, I'm the only one he loves, which is why he can only be intimate with me. I'm sure you can understand our situation, right?" Lise smiled. She had deliberately chosen to s*duce Neil on their anniversary, relishing the thought of Katelyn being overwhelmed. Katelyn clenched her fists tightly and glared at Lise with bloodshot eyes. "You're proud of being a home-wrecking woman, aren't you?" Lise's eyes turned red as she replied, "How could you say that? Would I have broken up with Neil if your parents hadn't threatened my family's safety? Katelyn, forcing love only leads to suffering. And remember, in any relationship, the one who isn't loved is the real outsider." Katelyn stared at her in shock. So this was the story Lise had fed Neil. It was now clear to her how Neil couldn't seem to move on from Lise. The truth was that neither Katelyn nor her family had forced Lise and Neil apart. "That's a lie!" Katelyn wanted to defend herself, but before she could speak, Neil cut her off. "Katelyn, if it weren't for you, Lise wouldn't have suffered so much these past few years. How dare you and your parents treat her that way? I will never forgive the Bailey family." Neil had already stood up and dressed, his gaze toward Katelyn as cold as ice. Katelyn's heart continued to ache. In that moment, she abandoned any attempt to explain and smiled bitterly. She realized how blind she had been to love a man who cheated on her and felt no remorse. A flash of satisfaction crossed Lise's eyes. "Neil, don't be so hard on Katelyn. She overheard us at the door earlier. You haven't sl*pt with her in three years, so it's understandable she's feeling unbalanced." Katelyn trembled with rage. She stormed over to the bed and snapped, "You shameless! How dare you spew such nonsense? Didn't anyone in your family teach you any manners? I'll be happy to give you a lesson then." She quickly raised her hand... "Katelyn!" Neil's eyes narrowed. Without a second thought, he rushed to defend Lise. Caught off guard, Katelyn was struck and staggered back. Anger flared in Neil's eyes as he growled, "Who do you think you are? How dare you hit Lise! Marrying you is my biggest mistake in life." He turned abruptly, yanked open the drawer of the nightstand, and pulled out a divorce agreement. He threw it at Katelyn and shouted, "Sign it. I never want to see your face again!" The divorce agreement had already been prepared and signed by Neil. Katelyn fought back a bitter smile. However, she knew it was time to let go of her marriage. He didn't love her and had even betrayed her. There was nothing left for her to hold on to. Without hesitation, Katelyn picked up the agreement, quickly signed it, and threw it at Neil's face. "Neil Wheeler, I'm done. From now on, we have nothing to do with each other." As soon as she spoke, her phone rang. Katelyn froze when she saw the caller ID. Ignoring Neil's reaction, she swiped to answer the call. The voice on the other end sounded urgent. "Iris, when are you coming back to work? The orders at the studio are piling up. Someone has even offered a hundred million dollars for a chance to work with you." Chapter 2 Better Not Play Dirty Tricks "I'm back now. I'll be there in a second." Since Katelyn no longer needed to focus on Neil or play the docile and devoted wife, she was determined to return to her career immediately. She resolved never to fall in love again. Katelyn's expression grew serious. Although her appearance remained unchanged, Neil sensed something different about her. Her gaze and demeanor had shifted. Even the look in her eyes was no longer the same. Neil stared at Katelyn without blinking. For some reason, he felt irritated when she signed the divorce agreement so decisively. From the very beginning, she had loved him with every fiber of her being. He couldn't understand why she signed the divorce agreement so readily. Believing she might be playing games with him, Neil walked closer and sneered, "You'd better not try any dirty tricks, Katelyn." Katelyn ended the call and looked at him directly. "Do you really think you deserve that?" she retorted. Back in the day, she had loved him and cared only about him, which made her willing to endure everything for him. Now that they were done, he meant nothing to her. Without giving the two shameless another glance, Katelyn turned and left the villa. She walked with her head held high, as if nothing in the world could bring her down. Lise noticed Neil's eyes were still on Katelyn and felt a pang of jealousy. Suddenly, her phone buzzed with a message. After reading it, Lise's mood brightened. She exclaimed, "Great news, Neil! Iris has agreed to work with us. Her manager just sent me a message." Neil snapped out of his thoughts and looked at her with surprise. "Are you serious?" Wheeler Group's design department had been facing a major issue with a critical project. Recently, their designer was caught plagiarizing. If they didn't meet the deadline, the company would owe the client several billion dollars in compensation. Only five days remained. The only designer capable of completing such a massive project on such a short notice was Iris, the top designer in the industry. The Wheeler Group had been trying to contact her for weeks but had been repeatedly rejected. Surprisingly, Lise had managed to secure the opportunity. She showed Neil the message and said excitedly, "It's true. You can go to the negotiation tonight. I spent the whole night convincing her manager. My efforts finally paid off." Iris was famous but had a difficult personality. Over the past three years, she hadn't produced any new designs and seemed to have disappeared. For that reason, anyone wanting to work with her had to go through her manager, but her manager was notorious for avoiding people. Neil placed his hand on Lise's and said seriously, "Lise, I've never forgotten how much you've done for me. I will keep my promise to you." She nodded eagerly in response. Suddenly, she frowned and winced in pain. Neil asked with concern, "Is everything alright with you?" Lise forced a smile and replied, "I'm fine." Neil gazed at her intently and stated, "Don't lie." After hesitating for a moment, Lise slowly lifted the hem of her dress to reveal large b*uises on her knees. Neil's expression immediately changed. In that moment, he realized why Iris had agreed to work with them. Lise had to get down on her knees, begging for their cooperation. Feeling deeply moved, Neil looked at her with affection and said, "Thank you for everything you've done for me, Lise." Lise responded shyly, "I'm willing to do anything if it helps you." Meanwhile, Katelyn had just arrived at her design studio. As she looked at the familiar office she had been away from for three years, she felt a pang of regret. She had wasted so much time on a man who wasn't worth it. Aimee Stephens, her manager, spotted her and quickly trotted over. Dressed in a black suit dress, she looked both professional and capable. She gave Katelyn a big hug. "My little Iris! You're finally back! I've missed you so much." A hint of guilt crossed Katelyn's face. "I'm sorry. It was all my fault. Aimee, tell me about this order." Aimee knew the importance of business. She led Katelyn to the sofa, where they both sat down, and said, "The offer was made by Lise Cooper. She did it on behalf of Neil Wheeler. Let me show you the documents." Katelyn was stunned. The next moment, she let out a sudden chuckle. What a small world! He had told her to leave, but now he badly needed her assistance. Chapter 3 Changed Tremendously Aimee looked at Katelyn with surprise and asked, "Isn't Wheeler Group your husband's company? You didn't help him? Why did they reach out to me instead?" Katelyn pressed her lips. She had known about the crisis in the design department and had offered to assist, but Neil had told her to leave and not cause any trouble. With a bitter smile, she responded coldly, "We're divorced, Aimee." Their marriage had lasted only three years, but she had loved him for ten. All that love had been wasted. In the end, she felt she deserved this unfortunate outcome. Aimee's eyes widened as she looked Katelyn up and down. Clicking her tongue, she remarked, "So, the love-struck girl has finally woken up. I warned you not to marry him after finding out he had an ex-girlfriend that he couldn't forget. I tried hard to change your mind, but you were determined. I guess you had to learn it the hard way." Katelyn's expression remained calm, though her once lively eyes seemed dull. Suddenly, she let out a chuckle and said, "You're right. I learnt my lesson the hard way. From now on, Aimee, I'm focusing on my career." "Fantastic! That's what I want to hear. Forget about love! Your career is what matters," Aimee said with enthusiasm. Then, she quickly added, "What's your plan for the collaboration? We can walk away from the 100 million dollars and give those b**tards what they deserve." Katelyn looked at her and asked, "The response you gave them was as vague as always, wasn't it?" Aimee nodded in confirmation. That was how they operated. They would preliminarily accept an offer once everything seemed in order, but the response remained vague. This allowed them time to further investigate the client. If anything suspicious came up, they would end the partnership immediately. Katelyn smiled as she thought it over. She had reviewed the file and knew that if Wheeler Group missed the deadline, they would owe their client several billion dollars. She chuckled and said, "Alright. Let's keep them hanging. Let them know we'll be at Skyline Building tonight." The Skyline Building was a place that catered to solely the upper class. The guests there were not only wealthy but also held significant influence. Lise sat in a private room, with a gentle smile, she said, "Neil, I'm sure you'll close the deal tonight." Neil smiled, "It's all thanks to you, Lise. I'm lucky to have you." Lise blushed, already envisioning her success. If the deal went through, Neil would realize her true worth and see that only she could truly help him. The meeting was scheduled at seven in the evening. The door to their private room was left open, allowing a clear view of the corridor. At the same moment, they both noticed two figures approaching. Lise's smile froze. She stared at one of the figures in shock. She wondered if she was seeing things, but it looked just like Katelyn. Neil also spotted Katelyn, and surprise flickered in his eyes. She wasn't dressed in her usual casual shirt and loose trousers. Instead, she wore a black, form-fitting dress that accentuated her figure. Her long hair was styled in loose curls that cascaded over her shoulders. She looked both alluring and distant. Her neck was graceful, and her waist was slender. To Neil, she resembled a figure from a classic oil painting. He pressed his thin lips together as his eyes traveled over her from head to toe. It had only been a day since they last saw each other, but Katelyn seemed completely transformed. Just yesterday, she was still his dull and mediocre wife. Now, he couldn't help but imagine the attention she would draw from other men when she was in a crowd. It seemed like Katelyn hadn't noticed them, as she walked straight ahead. Then, something unexpected occurred. Chapter 4 You Also Dragged Miss Stephens Into Trouble Katelyn and Aimee were discussing something as they walked. When Katelyn saw the drunk man stumbling toward Aimee, she quickly stepped in front of her to shield her. The drunkard scowled at Katelyn. "Hey, what is the matter with you? How dare you get in my way! Move aside!" In the next moment, he noticed how attractive Katelyn was, and his eyes lit up. "Hey, beautiful, are you alone? How about we hang out together?" He reached out toward her, but before he could touch her, Katelyn shied his hand away. The man's expression darkened. "You should be thankful I'm even interested in you. Don't be stupid!" His loud voice drew the attention of others nearby. Neil's eyes widened in surprise. "Is that Felix Ellis?" Lise was equally shocked. Felix was here? Felix Ellis was a notorious th*g in Chaepstow, known for making his living through loan sharking. He was ruthless and would do anything to get what he wanted. Lise covered her mouth with her hand and exclaimed, "He's dangerous! Katelyn could get hurt. Neil, we should help her." Although Lise pretended to be concerned, there was a gleam of satisfaction in her eyes. She secretly hoped Felix would teach Katelyn a harsh lesson, which would also serve as her revenge. Neil gently patted Lise's hand and replied softly, "Lise, you're too kind-hearted. She brought this on herself. It's not our problem." Despite his words, he couldn't resist glancing toward the door. Katelyn was small and fragile. If Felix were to hit her, she could be seriously injured. With a slight frown, Neil decided to rise from his seat. But before he could act, Felix has been defeated by Katelyn. Neil watched in disbelief. The woman he once knew had transformed. She now radiated confidence and allure. He wondered if Katelyn had been hiding her true self during their marriage. Seething with rage, Felix glared at his henchmen and yelled, "What are you all waiting for? Get her!" The men quickly moved towards Katelyn. In response, Aimee stepped in, "If any of you lay your grubby little hands on my friend, you're all going to regret it. I'll make sure that you'll pay for it with your lives!" Felix's face went pale when he recognized the woman behind Katelyn. It was Aimee! Aimee managed the top designer Iris. Many powerful people avoided crossing her. Felix was suddenly intimidated. He hadn't expected Aimee to support the woman. Immediately, Felix's demeanor changed. He forced a smile and stammered, "Oh, Miss Stephens, is she your friend? I didn't realize. I'm sorry for the trouble." Lise stared at the situation in shock. This was unexpected. Neil also stopped, his brow furrowing in confusion. He never imagined that Katelyn had such a close relationship to Aimee. Only now did Neil realize that he knew absolutely nothing about his ex-wife. Aimee crossed her arms and said impatiently, "Enough! Get out of here! You'll regret it if you try to hurt her again." Felix quickly fell silent and fled the scene. Not long after, the corridor became quiet again. Aimee was about to respond, but Lise rushed over with a concerned expression. "Miss Stephens, are you okay?" Neil followed Lise, he gave Katelyn a cold look before saying hello to Aimee. Aimee ignored them completely. The way Aimee treated Katelyn was markedly different from how she treated them now, making Lise wonder about their connection. After a moment of hesitation, Lise said to Katelyn, "Katelyn, I understand you wanted to protect your friend, but that was too risky. What if you had been hurt? And see? You also dragged Miss Stephens into trouble." Chapter 5 I'm Sorry For Being Late "You've played the role of the delicate and kind-hearted soul for so long that you've started to believe it yourself," Katelyn said, her gaze filled with contempt. She realized Lise had simply been trying to drive a wedge between her and Aimee. Lise's face reddened with anger. Before she could respond, Neil chimed in, "Katelyn, enough!" He had witnessed the entire encounter in the private room. If Aimee hadn't intervened, Felix would have continued his h**assment. Neil was frustrated that Katelyn had shown no appreciation for Lise's concern. Moreover, he was irked that Katelyn had a connection with Aimee that she had kept hidden from him. Neil had been restless and anxious over the past weeks, while Lise had gone to great lengths to please Aimee. Katelyn, on the other hand, had done nothing. Neil's anger flared, and the tension in the air was palpable. Lise subtly tugged at his sleeve. Katelyn was Aimee's friend, and any conflict could negatively affect Aimee's view of them and jeopardize their potential collaboration. With a conciliatory smile, Lise said to Aimee, "Miss Stephens, our private room is just over there. Why don't we sit down and discuss the details of our cooperation?" Aimee glared at them with disdain. "When did I agree to work with you?" Lise and Neil were taken aback by her response. "You're a home-wrecker. Don't kid yourself into thinking Iris will work with someone as morally compromised as you. Stop dreaming!" Aimee growled. Lise stared at her, stunned and unable to hide her shock. She hadn't anticipated Aimee's harsh response. Despite feeling hurt, Lise didn't dare to confront Aimee or retaliate. The atmosphere turned icy in response to Aimee's remarks. Lise felt that Aimee's reluctance to cooperate might be due to Katelyn's influence. She suspected that Katelyn had spoken ill of them to Aimee, causing her to back out of their agreement. Lise suppressed her anger and shouted at Katelyn, "Katelyn, Neil's company is in crisis. Instead of helping, you've only caused more trouble. Stop behaving like a child!" Neil also glared at Katelyn and added, "Katelyn, are you finished causing trouble?" He blamed her for the issues affecting their cooperation, feeling that she had crossed the line. Katelyn's lips curled into a slight smile. Before she could respond, Aimee defended her. "Mr. Wheeler, stop flattering yourself." Neil's face paled slightly. Aimee continued disdainfully, "We've already chosen our partner. It's not you. Unlike you, he's respectable and hasn't been involved in any s**ndals. He adheres strictly to his morals, and he'd never cheat on his wife. Our studio doesn't work with s**mbags like you, Mr. Wheeler." "You! You..." Neil glared with icy anger. Lise quickly intervened, pinching his arm to calm him. Forcing a smile, she said to Aimee, "Miss Stephens, you've misunderstood. Katelyn's portrayal is not accurate. She is..." Clearly irritated, Aimee stated, "Enough of your excuses. I have no interest in your attempts to cover up. If you continue, you'll only diminish my respect for you. Please stop obstructing my path and acting like fools." Neil and Lise were visibly embarrassed and frustrated. Katelyn smiled, appreciating Aimee's sharpness. Just as she was about to speak, she noticed a commotion in the corner. All eyes turned toward them. A line of bodyguards moved with precision. Every single one of them looked intimidating, and they were escorting a noteworthy man. Dressed in a sleek black suit, he exuded an air of sophistication with every step. His face seemed almost divine, with features that looked meticulously crafted by God, himself. His eyes, deep and wintery, could captivate and unsettle anyone who met his gaze. Lise stood in awe, her eyes wide with amazement. She questioned whether she was imagining it when she realized the man was Vincent Adams. He was the president of Adams Group, a colossal business empire. The Adams Group started in real estate and later expanded into industries like medical and IT. Since Vincent took over the company five years ago, it had become one of the fastest growing companies in the world. And now, it was part of the ten biggest companies worldwide. His company played a significant role in the city's economy. Neil's expression tightened, his eyes reflecting his seriousness. Ignoring everyone else, Vincent approached Katelyn. His deep voice was like a cello's melody in the dark. "I'm sorry for being late." Katelyn stared at the man, puzzled about why he was speaking to her. She then glanced at Aimee, worried that her identity had been revealed. After a brief pause, Katelyn replied with a smile, "You're not late at all. Your timing is perfect." Her response seemed to soften Vincent's demeanor. His sternness gave way to a warmer expression. Standing side by side, their attractiveness created a noticeable chemistry. Neil tightened his fists, wondering if Katelyn had moved on with someone new right after their divorce. Filled with envy, Lise begrudgingly observed the situation, resenting that Katelyn had attracted such an influential figure. With a flattering smile, she approached and said, "Nice to see you here, Mr. Adams." Neil masked his feelings and greeted Vincent as well. "Good evening, Mr. Adams. What a surprise to see you here." Vincent acknowledged their greetings with a nod, clearly uninterested in engaging in further conversation. He turned to Katelyn, his eyes softening with warmth as he said, "I apologize for keeping you waiting." Aimee glanced at her watch and smiled, saying, "It's no problem, Mr. Adams. We've just arrived as well. Perfect timing. Shall we head to the room to discuss?" Both Lise's and Neil's expressions changed to shock when they realized that Vincent was the business partner Aimee had mentioned. What left them even more confused was the fact that Katelyn and Aimee walked into a private room together, arm in arm. Given the nature of the meeting, it was unusual for an outsider, even a friend, to be present. Katelyn's presence seemed out of place. Upon seeing Vincent's indifferent nod, Lise's frustration grew. She asked, "Aren't you supposed to be working with Iris? Why is Katelyn joining the negotiation?" Aimee retorted, "Why shouldn't Katelyn be here?" Lise and Vincent exchanged puzzled glances, wondering what she meant. ...... What happens next? Available chapters here are limited, click the button below to install the App and enjoy more exciting chapters (Automatically jump to this novel when you open the app) &12&
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Following the divorce, he discovered with shock that his despised ex-wife was the famed healer who could cure his beloved woman. He groveled for her return, but a business tycoon intervened, offering himself in exchange for her healing his paralyzed legs. ===== "Put your signature on these divorce papers and get out of the Mitchell family's house right now!" Rodger Mitchell shouted, fixing his wife, Emilia Harris, with a cold stare, his eyes sharp enough to cut through her. "I swear I didn't push Violet. Why won't you believe me?" Emilia's voice trembled. Her reddened eyes spilled with unshed tears, while her ch**t ached with unbearable sorrow. "She leapt into the pool on her own--she framed me..." "I've heard enough!" Rodger's patience snapped. His hand shot out, fingers tightening around her neck with cruel force. Panic crashed into her, leaving her gasping for breath. Despite the suffocating pressure, she stared back at him, refusing to look away. One lone tear slid down and landed on his knuckles, burning him enough that he jerked his hand back. G**ping, Emilia tried to breathe, but a different kind of ache gripped her ch**t. Three years she had given him everything--only for it to end like this. Was this what her life had become? She had become nothing more than the b**t of everyone's jokes. To them, she was nothing more than a pitiful f**l to laugh at. "If you sign the papers right now, you'll still walk away with thirty million, the beach house, and a new sports car. Drag this out, and you'll get nothing at all," Rodger threatened with cold indifference. Emilia let out a brittle, sarcastic laugh. "You think that offer is generous?" Fury lit his eyes, and for a moment he looked ready to strangle her again, but the raw despair in her gaze stopped him short. Something twisted deep in his ch**t, though he shoved it down. Maybe it was the sight of Emilia, helpless and broken, that made something inside him hesitate for the first time. "Don't let your greed ruin what little you have left, Emilia. You nearly took Violet's life, and I haven't even started making you pay for that," Rodger said, his tone as cold as a winter storm. "I never touched her! Whatever happened by that pool isn't on me!" yelled Emilia, frustration boiling over in her voice. She could have shouted the truth until her lungs gave out, but not a soul here was willing to listen. Nobody in the Mitchell family gave her the benefit of the doubt. "You're pushing me to my limits! If you hadn't been so heartless, she wouldn't have had an attack so suddenly! You knew exactly how little time she had left, and you still treated her like that!" Rodger's glare burned with accusation. "You really want to talk about heartlessness?" Emilia shot back, her tone sharp as ice. "When you had the car accident and became a vegetable, she, then still your girlfriend, abandoned you and went abroad. If her time is running out now, maybe that's just fate giving her what she deserves." "Don't you dare speak ill of her!" Rodger barked, his hand shooting up, ready to strike. Emilia moved faster this time, grabbing his wrist before he could touch her. Her gaze met his, eyes fierce and blazing with resolve. Rodger had never seen this side of her before, and the sight stopped him cold. She had always seemed weak and forgettable. When did she sharpen into someone who could stand like this? "You! Who gave you the nerve--" Before Rodger could finish his sentence, her palm cr**ked across his face with stunning force, painting his cheek with a bright red mark. The s**p rang out, echoing in the room. "I've had enough! From this moment on, I owe the Mitchell family nothing," Emilia said, tearing her hand from his grasp. Just then, his phone buzzed loudly. He answered, the scowl on his face deepening as he listened. "What do you mean Violet's condition has worsened? Still nothing from Asclepius? Pay whatever it takes--get him here! We're running out of time for Violet!" Asclepius--a guy who was rumored to have miraculous medical skills and had thus earned the title--was the only one who could cure Violet's illness. Rodger ended the call, turning on Emilia with a glare that could have cut glass. "If anything happens to Violet, I'll make sure you spend the rest of your life paying for it!" With a sneer, he tossed out his threat and stormed off down the hallway. Tears shimmered in Emilia's eyes, turning them a deep red. As she watched his retreating back, a hollow laugh slipped from her lips. If not for everything she'd done, Rodger would still be trapped in a hospital bed, lost in a world of darkness. All she ever gave was loyalty. Still, her dedication meant nothing next to the admiration he reserved for another woman--Violet Morgan. A memory flickered through Emilia's mind--Violet's voice still echoed, moments before she plunged into the water. "You might have taken him from me, but getting him back would take nothing but a whisper." Emilia could never forget that look of victory in Violet's eyes or the sly smile that curled on her lips. A harsh, bitter laugh escaped as tears slipped down Emilia's cheeks. Under her breath, she muttered, "Violet, you may have won this time. But your fate is in my hands." The truth was, the real power had always rested with her. Behind the name everyone whispered in desperation--Asclepius--stood Emilia herself, the one healer who could work miracles. A steely resolve flashed in her eyes. Picking up the pen, she scrawled her signature across the divorce papers, not pausing for a second. It was all over. Everything was over. The marriage that had consumed three years of her life had ended in ruin. Her gaze shifted to the portrait of Arthur Mitchell, Rodger's late grandfather. "Arthur," she murmured, "you gave me another chance at life. Today, that debt is settled. I walk away owing nothing to your family." She gathered her things without fuss. Head held high, Emilia stepped out of the Mitchell home, never glancing back. Chapter 2 Resurface Inside the hospital's bustling entrance, Emilia strode through with her suitcase in hand. Once she'd left the Mitchell estate, Emilia made straight for the hospital the moment she learned her bestie, Sloane Stewart, had been admitted. She barely reached the hallway when Rodger's little brother, Sebastian Mitchell, blocked her path. Sebastian had always gone out of his way to sneer at her, finding every opportunity to take jabs. "You've got some nerve showing your face around here!" Sebastian snapped, his glare brimming with anger. "Violet nearly died because of you!" Emilia's expression didn't waver. "What happens to Violet is none of my concern," she said, her voice colder than steel. "Now step aside." "Why would I? You came here to cause more trouble, didn't you?" Sebastian shot back, annoyance twisting his features. "I'm giving you one last chance. Move out of my way," said Emilia, her gaze hardening with a dangerous edge. Sebastian squared his shoulders, refusing to give an inch. "I'm not budging!" Without another word, Emilia seized his arm and flipped him flat onto the floor, moving with unexpected force. A heavy thud filled the hallway, followed by Sebastian's gr**n of pain. He hardly had a chance to process what happened. Without looking back, Emilia stepped right over Sebastian, ignoring him as he writhed on the floor. From behind, Sebastian's voice, twisted with rage, rang out. "Emilia! You'll regret this!" Elsewhere in the corridor. "Well, would you look at that!" Wilbur Collins let out a whistle, his eyes wide with surprise. "When did Mrs. Mitchell become such a force to be reckoned with? I always thought she was sweet and quiet. Guess she fooled all of us." Elias Dixon's gaze stayed fixed on Emilia, his expression unreadable. His cool stare tracked her every move. There was something about her boldness and swiftness that had caught his eye. "You're still staring, Elias? Don't tell me you've got an interest in her," Wilbur teased with a sly grin. Seated in his wheelchair, Elias kept his gaze cool. His slender fingers tapped a steady rhythm against his thigh. Several years ago, an orchestrated ambush had nearly stole his life, leaving him broken after the crash. Although the accident hadn't ki**ed him, Elias would never walk again. Without a miracle from Asclepius, he faced a lifetime tied to this wheelchair. Every time he recalled how his search had led straight to Inferno--the infamous assassin syndicate--a cold, ruthless spark ignited behind his narrowed gaze. There was no doubt in his mind. Lord Inferno--the leader of this organization--had a hand in this mess. "Any updates on Asclepius?" asked Elias. Wilbur's usual smirk faded as soon as the words left Elias's lips, his expression turning grave. "Tracking down Asclepius is like chasing a shadow. He vanished completely four years ago. No trace, no leads. If you ask me, finding him now is almost impossible..." Wilbur let his eyes drift down to Elias's motionless legs, concern creasing his brow. The only person capable of curing Elias was that arrogant physician, the one who dared call himself Asclepius. A shadow passed over Elias's features, his voice barely above a whisper. "Let's go." All hope had been drained from him, replaced by reluctant acceptance. Life in a wheelchair would be his new reality. Wilbur's hand was just reaching for the wheelchair's grip when his phone went off. "Yeah, what is it?" He answered, trying to sound casual. As the words came through the line, his expression transformed--shock, then disbelief, then something close to excitement. Once he ended the call, Wilbur turned to Elias, a playful spark in his eyes. "So, I've got two pieces of news. You want the good one or the bad one first?" Elias stared straight ahead, lips set in a hard line. He looked completely uninterested. Wilbur gr**ned, throwing him a look of mock defeat. "You could at least pretend to care." "I don't care about either," Elias replied, voice flat and cold. "Are you sure?" Wilbur's grin widened, a spark of mischief in his eyes. Lowering his voice, he leaned and whispered, "Asclepius just resurfaced." For a split second, time stood still. A jolt of disbelief hit Elias. His hands balled into fists, tension written all over him. He had already accepted that hope was gone, and no one could have foreseen a twist like this. Chapter 3 The Chance "Are you kidding me? How are you not reacting to that?" Wilbur said, eyeing Elias, who looked completely unbothered. After all, Asclepius was the only doctor with a real chance of healing Elias's legs. The truth was, Elias only looked composed on the outside. Inside, he was anything but calm. Beneath the surface, his thoughts churned. Wilbur shrugged. "You're no fun at all." He didn't bother dragging it out any longer. "Here's the story: Asclepius has finally resurfaced. The catch is, he's going to choose a random patient with a complicated case from the biggest racetrack in Oticester. Only one person will get treatment. Just imagine how many desperate people will show up. The odds of you being picked are slim at best…" Wilbur cast a sideways look at Elias and let out a long sigh. With chances that low, it was hard to stay optimistic--bad news indeed. "Better to have a slim chance than none at all," Elias replied, his voice cold and even. Wilbur nodded, trying to sound upbeat. "You're right. We'll just have to hope for the best when the day comes. Maybe you'll get lucky." He started pushing the wheelchair down the hall. "He's got a nerve, naming himself Asclepius…" A distant look settled on Elias's face. "Do you think he's earned that title?" "If anyone has, it's him. The man's skills are the stuff of legend, especially with tough cases." Wilbur's voice picked up energy, eyes shining with admiration. "I mean it, he's in a league of his own." A slight crease appeared between Elias's brows, almost unnoticeable, as Emilia's determined, frosty face flashed through his mind. Whatever else Wilbur said faded into the background. ... Meanwhile, in a private hospital suite, Rodger stood at Violet's bedside, worry clouding his expression as he took in her pale features. Suddenly, Sebastian burst through the door, frustration etched on his face. "Rodger! Emilia has gone too far this time! Where is she? Hasn't she already started making trouble?" Rodger shot him a sharp glare, silencing him in an instant. "Enough, Sebastian." Sebastian recoiled, but couldn't help muttering, "She's the reason Violet's like this, and you're still defending her? "I'm not defending her. I just want you to keep quiet so Violet can rest!" Rodger's patience wore thin, veins pulsing at his temples. Realization hit Sebastian, and his tone softened. "Oh, sorry, Rodger. I got the wrong idea." Right then, Violet's eyelashes fluttered and her eyes opened slowly. The first thing she did was clutch Rodger's arm, panic in her voice. "Rodger, where's Emilia? I slipped and ended up in the pool, and she had nothing to do with it..." Lowering her gaze, Violet chewed her lip, painting a picture of innocence and hurt. Sebastian's frustration exploded. "Violet! I saw her push you! You almost died because of her. Why are you still making excuses for Emilia?" Words caught in her throat, Violet looked like she wanted to defend Emilia, but all she did was bite her lip and pretend to look heartbreakingly fragile. Rodger's expression softened. He pulled her close, wrapping her in a comforting embrace. "As long as I'm around, nothing bad will happen to you. I'll track down the miracle doctor and get you cured. I promise." A tearful smile trembled on Violet's lips. "You've always been so good to me, Rodger. I never wanted to leave you, I just…" Her voice faltered as if her emotion overwhelmed her, the memories almost too much to bear. Back then, Rodger might have been a vegetable for life, so she had abandoned him and gone abroad. Her time overseas started out carefree, but a year ago, her life turned upside down. A rare illness plagued her, leaving her in agony every time it flared. Doctor after doctor failed her, until she heard whispers that Asclepius was the only one who could help. Hoping for a cure, Violet came home, the last rumors of the miracle doctor placed him in this city. Along the way, she decided she could also win back the now-recovered Rodger and use him to find Asclepius. "You don't have to explain. I never held any of that against you." Rodger brushed away her tears. Suddenly, his phone vibrated. Irritated, Rodger answered, but as he listened, his frustration vanished, replaced by a burst of hope. Sebastian leaned in, eager. "What is it, Rodger? Did something happen?" Grinning, Rodger held Violet's hand. "Asclepius resurfaces! Violet, we finally have a real chance. I won't let you suffer anymore. I'll do whatever it takes to save you." Chapter 4 The Miracle Doctor Meanwhile, inside another private hospital suite. "Why didn't you bother telling me you were admitted?" Emilia gave Sloane a sharp look. "I didn't think it was serious enough to trouble you, my precious Asclepius," Sloane explained, clutching her arm with a pout. Emilia could only shake her head, letting out a resigned sigh. "Trouble just follows you around, doesn't it?" "Forget about my problems. Is it really true--you actually signed the divorce papers?" Sloane asked, the question slipping out with a heavy sigh. For a moment, it seemed incredible that Lord Inferno, the leader of a notorious assassin organization, could be tangled up in a toxic relationship. Emilia said with a quiet smile, "Yeah. It's true." Sloane retorted, "Arthur's the only decent person in that whole Mitchell family. The rest of them are just fools!" "That's enough," said Emilia, voice calm and even, signaling she was finished talking about the Mitchells. "But why did you suddenly announce you'd pick some random patient?" Sloane's tone turned curious. When Emilia kept quiet, Sloane clutched her hand in alarm. "Don't tell me you still care about him. Is this some trick to win him back? Please tell me you've got over him!" Emilia let out a soft laugh. "Rest assured. Three years of being a fool was plenty for me. Ever since I walked out on the Mitchell family, I haven't once thought of returning." Relief washed over Sloane, and her shoulders relaxed as though a weight had lifted. "So what's really going on, then?" she asked, eyes bright with curiosity. Lowering her voice, Emilia leaned in and explained, "I've managed to pick up a lead--whatever I'm searching for might be with the Dixon family. I need a disguise to get close." Sloane's mouth fell open. "Wait, you're saying the other piece of--" She stopped herself mid-blurt, quickly whipping out her phone to type instead. "Are you saying the other half of the treasure map is in the hands of the Dixon family?" Emilia gave a slow nod. "That's the hunch, but I can't say for certain yet." "As long as this isn't about crawling back to that ba**ard, I'll let it go. But if you even waver, I swear I'll cut you off!" Sloane warned, her voice firm. A genuine laugh left Emilia. "I won't make the same mistake twice." "Good. That's the Emilia I like to see." Sloane's lips stretched into a smile as admiration glowed in her eyes. "You shine brighter when you're working toward something real. Oh, and-- are you going to tell your family what happened with the divorce?" Emilia shook her head, answering softly, "No, let's keep it between us for now. I'd rather spare them the worry." "Maybe that's for the best," Sloane remarked, a sly grin flickering as thoughts of the Mitchell family's fo**ishness crept in. "You know, if Rodger ever got a glimpse of your true identity, he'd be groveling in seconds." With a cold edge, Emilia replied, "Then he'll be waiting at the end of the line, since there are numerous people doing so." That got Sloane laughing hard. "That's exactly the Emilia I remember--fearless and confident! I wish I could see their jaws drop the day they discover who you really are. That's going to be a show." Sloane kept talking animatedly, while Emilia listened with quiet focus, adding a word here and there. ... A week drifted by. The racetrack brimmed with people, but today, the crowd was thick with patients facing their final battles. It wasn't an exaggeration to say the place looked more like a ward than a track. Each case brought its own grim weight. "Have you ever seen anything like this? It's as if every critical patient in the country showed up today!" "Even patients in comas were hauled in with entire medical teams. You can tell they belong to some wealthy family." "Tsk! Asclepius really is influential." "Yes! No one can deny his skill. He tackles the worst cases and somehow makes them walk out whole." "With a name like Asclepius, you'd expect nothing less. People around here also call him a miracle worker, and they mean it." People were discussing the various patients and the miracle doctor, Asclepius. Sebastian whispered, "Rodger, is he really as extraordinary as everyone claims? Or is this reputation nothing but a lie?" Rodger's eyes hardened, and he replied, "Stop doubting. If he weren't the real thing, the President might have..." The unfinished sentence told Sebastian enough. He murmured, "So the rumors about him curing the President are true?" Rodger's reply came flat and cold. "They're true." Out of the corner of his eye, Rodger spotted a familiar silhouette--Emilia. That woman again. She just couldn't leave him alone, even following him into a place like this. Annoyed, Rodger surged forward and caught her by the wrist. "Why are you here, Emilia? What scheme are you trying to pull this time?" ...... What happens next? Available chapters here are limited, click the button below to install the App and enjoy more exciting chapters (Automatically jump to this novel when you open the app) &4&
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Following the divorce, he discovered with shock that his despised ex-wife was the famed healer who could cure his beloved woman. He groveled for her return, but a business tycoon intervened, offering himself in exchange for her healing his paralyzed legs. ===== "Put your signature on these divorce papers and get out of the Mitchell family's house right now!" Rodger Mitchell shouted, fixing his wife, Emilia Harris, with a cold stare, his eyes sharp enough to cut through her. "I swear I didn't push Violet. Why won't you believe me?" Emilia's voice trembled. Her reddened eyes spilled with unshed tears, while her ch**t ached with unbearable sorrow. "She leapt into the pool on her own--she framed me..." "I've heard enough!" Rodger's patience snapped. His hand shot out, fingers tightening around her neck with cruel force. Panic crashed into her, leaving her gasping for breath. Despite the suffocating pressure, she stared back at him, refusing to look away. One lone tear slid down and landed on his knuckles, burning him enough that he jerked his hand back. G**ping, Emilia tried to breathe, but a different kind of ache gripped her ch**t. Three years she had given him everything--only for it to end like this. Was this what her life had become? She had become nothing more than the b**t of everyone's jokes. To them, she was nothing more than a pitiful f**l to laugh at. "If you sign the papers right now, you'll still walk away with thirty million, the beach house, and a new sports car. Drag this out, and you'll get nothing at all," Rodger threatened with cold indifference. Emilia let out a brittle, sarcastic laugh. "You think that offer is generous?" Fury lit his eyes, and for a moment he looked ready to strangle her again, but the raw despair in her gaze stopped him short. Something twisted deep in his ch**t, though he shoved it down. Maybe it was the sight of Emilia, helpless and broken, that made something inside him hesitate for the first time. "Don't let your greed ruin what little you have left, Emilia. You nearly took Violet's life, and I haven't even started making you pay for that," Rodger said, his tone as cold as a winter storm. "I never touched her! Whatever happened by that pool isn't on me!" yelled Emilia, frustration boiling over in her voice. She could have shouted the truth until her lungs gave out, but not a soul here was willing to listen. Nobody in the Mitchell family gave her the benefit of the doubt. "You're pushing me to my limits! If you hadn't been so heartless, she wouldn't have had an attack so suddenly! You knew exactly how little time she had left, and you still treated her like that!" Rodger's glare burned with accusation. "You really want to talk about heartlessness?" Emilia shot back, her tone sharp as ice. "When you had the car accident and became a vegetable, she, then still your girlfriend, abandoned you and went abroad. If her time is running out now, maybe that's just fate giving her what she deserves." "Don't you dare speak ill of her!" Rodger barked, his hand shooting up, ready to strike. Emilia moved faster this time, grabbing his wrist before he could touch her. Her gaze met his, eyes fierce and blazing with resolve. Rodger had never seen this side of her before, and the sight stopped him cold. She had always seemed weak and forgettable. When did she sharpen into someone who could stand like this? "You! Who gave you the nerve--" Before Rodger could finish his sentence, her palm cr**ked across his face with stunning force, painting his cheek with a bright red mark. The s**p rang out, echoing in the room. "I've had enough! From this moment on, I owe the Mitchell family nothing," Emilia said, tearing her hand from his grasp. Just then, his phone buzzed loudly. He answered, the scowl on his face deepening as he listened. "What do you mean Violet's condition has worsened? Still nothing from Asclepius? Pay whatever it takes--get him here! We're running out of time for Violet!" Asclepius--a guy who was rumored to have miraculous medical skills and had thus earned the title--was the only one who could cure Violet's illness. Rodger ended the call, turning on Emilia with a glare that could have cut glass. "If anything happens to Violet, I'll make sure you spend the rest of your life paying for it!" With a sneer, he tossed out his threat and stormed off down the hallway. Tears shimmered in Emilia's eyes, turning them a deep red. As she watched his retreating back, a hollow laugh slipped from her lips. If not for everything she'd done, Rodger would still be trapped in a hospital bed, lost in a world of darkness. All she ever gave was loyalty. Still, her dedication meant nothing next to the admiration he reserved for another woman--Violet Morgan. A memory flickered through Emilia's mind--Violet's voice still echoed, moments before she plunged into the water. "You might have taken him from me, but getting him back would take nothing but a whisper." Emilia could never forget that look of victory in Violet's eyes or the sly smile that curled on her lips. A harsh, bitter laugh escaped as tears slipped down Emilia's cheeks. Under her breath, she muttered, "Violet, you may have won this time. But your fate is in my hands." The truth was, the real power had always rested with her. Behind the name everyone whispered in desperation--Asclepius--stood Emilia herself, the one healer who could work miracles. A steely resolve flashed in her eyes. Picking up the pen, she scrawled her signature across the divorce papers, not pausing for a second. It was all over. Everything was over. The marriage that had consumed three years of her life had ended in ruin. Her gaze shifted to the portrait of Arthur Mitchell, Rodger's late grandfather. "Arthur," she murmured, "you gave me another chance at life. Today, that debt is settled. I walk away owing nothing to your family." She gathered her things without fuss. Head held high, Emilia stepped out of the Mitchell home, never glancing back. Chapter 2 Resurface Inside the hospital's bustling entrance, Emilia strode through with her suitcase in hand. Once she'd left the Mitchell estate, Emilia made straight for the hospital the moment she learned her bestie, Sloane Stewart, had been admitted. She barely reached the hallway when Rodger's little brother, Sebastian Mitchell, blocked her path. Sebastian had always gone out of his way to sneer at her, finding every opportunity to take jabs. "You've got some nerve showing your face around here!" Sebastian snapped, his glare brimming with anger. "Violet nearly died because of you!" Emilia's expression didn't waver. "What happens to Violet is none of my concern," she said, her voice colder than steel. "Now step aside." "Why would I? You came here to cause more trouble, didn't you?" Sebastian shot back, annoyance twisting his features. "I'm giving you one last chance. Move out of my way," said Emilia, her gaze hardening with a dangerous edge. Sebastian squared his shoulders, refusing to give an inch. "I'm not budging!" Without another word, Emilia seized his arm and flipped him flat onto the floor, moving with unexpected force. A heavy thud filled the hallway, followed by Sebastian's gr**n of pain. He hardly had a chance to process what happened. Without looking back, Emilia stepped right over Sebastian, ignoring him as he writhed on the floor. From behind, Sebastian's voice, twisted with rage, rang out. "Emilia! You'll regret this!" Elsewhere in the corridor. "Well, would you look at that!" Wilbur Collins let out a whistle, his eyes wide with surprise. "When did Mrs. Mitchell become such a force to be reckoned with? I always thought she was sweet and quiet. Guess she fooled all of us." Elias Dixon's gaze stayed fixed on Emilia, his expression unreadable. His cool stare tracked her every move. There was something about her boldness and swiftness that had caught his eye. "You're still staring, Elias? Don't tell me you've got an interest in her," Wilbur teased with a sly grin. Seated in his wheelchair, Elias kept his gaze cool. His slender fingers tapped a steady rhythm against his thigh. Several years ago, an orchestrated ambush had nearly stole his life, leaving him broken after the crash. Although the accident hadn't ki**ed him, Elias would never walk again. Without a miracle from Asclepius, he faced a lifetime tied to this wheelchair. Every time he recalled how his search had led straight to Inferno--the infamous assassin syndicate--a cold, ruthless spark ignited behind his narrowed gaze. There was no doubt in his mind. Lord Inferno--the leader of this organization--had a hand in this mess. "Any updates on Asclepius?" asked Elias. Wilbur's usual smirk faded as soon as the words left Elias's lips, his expression turning grave. "Tracking down Asclepius is like chasing a shadow. He vanished completely four years ago. No trace, no leads. If you ask me, finding him now is almost impossible..." Wilbur let his eyes drift down to Elias's motionless legs, concern creasing his brow. The only person capable of curing Elias was that arrogant physician, the one who dared call himself Asclepius. A shadow passed over Elias's features, his voice barely above a whisper. "Let's go." All hope had been drained from him, replaced by reluctant acceptance. Life in a wheelchair would be his new reality. Wilbur's hand was just reaching for the wheelchair's grip when his phone went off. "Yeah, what is it?" He answered, trying to sound casual. As the words came through the line, his expression transformed--shock, then disbelief, then something close to excitement. Once he ended the call, Wilbur turned to Elias, a playful spark in his eyes. "So, I've got two pieces of news. You want the good one or the bad one first?" Elias stared straight ahead, lips set in a hard line. He looked completely uninterested. Wilbur gr**ned, throwing him a look of mock defeat. "You could at least pretend to care." "I don't care about either," Elias replied, voice flat and cold. "Are you sure?" Wilbur's grin widened, a spark of mischief in his eyes. Lowering his voice, he leaned and whispered, "Asclepius just resurfaced." For a split second, time stood still. A jolt of disbelief hit Elias. His hands balled into fists, tension written all over him. He had already accepted that hope was gone, and no one could have foreseen a twist like this. Chapter 3 The Chance "Are you kidding me? How are you not reacting to that?" Wilbur said, eyeing Elias, who looked completely unbothered. After all, Asclepius was the only doctor with a real chance of healing Elias's legs. The truth was, Elias only looked composed on the outside. Inside, he was anything but calm. Beneath the surface, his thoughts churned. Wilbur shrugged. "You're no fun at all." He didn't bother dragging it out any longer. "Here's the story: Asclepius has finally resurfaced. The catch is, he's going to choose a random patient with a complicated case from the biggest racetrack in Oticester. Only one person will get treatment. Just imagine how many desperate people will show up. The odds of you being picked are slim at best…" Wilbur cast a sideways look at Elias and let out a long sigh. With chances that low, it was hard to stay optimistic--bad news indeed. "Better to have a slim chance than none at all," Elias replied, his voice cold and even. Wilbur nodded, trying to sound upbeat. "You're right. We'll just have to hope for the best when the day comes. Maybe you'll get lucky." He started pushing the wheelchair down the hall. "He's got a nerve, naming himself Asclepius…" A distant look settled on Elias's face. "Do you think he's earned that title?" "If anyone has, it's him. The man's skills are the stuff of legend, especially with tough cases." Wilbur's voice picked up energy, eyes shining with admiration. "I mean it, he's in a league of his own." A slight crease appeared between Elias's brows, almost unnoticeable, as Emilia's determined, frosty face flashed through his mind. Whatever else Wilbur said faded into the background. ... Meanwhile, in a private hospital suite, Rodger stood at Violet's bedside, worry clouding his expression as he took in her pale features. Suddenly, Sebastian burst through the door, frustration etched on his face. "Rodger! Emilia has gone too far this time! Where is she? Hasn't she already started making trouble?" Rodger shot him a sharp glare, silencing him in an instant. "Enough, Sebastian." Sebastian recoiled, but couldn't help muttering, "She's the reason Violet's like this, and you're still defending her? "I'm not defending her. I just want you to keep quiet so Violet can rest!" Rodger's patience wore thin, veins pulsing at his temples. Realization hit Sebastian, and his tone softened. "Oh, sorry, Rodger. I got the wrong idea." Right then, Violet's eyelashes fluttered and her eyes opened slowly. The first thing she did was clutch Rodger's arm, panic in her voice. "Rodger, where's Emilia? I slipped and ended up in the pool, and she had nothing to do with it..." Lowering her gaze, Violet chewed her lip, painting a picture of innocence and hurt. Sebastian's frustration exploded. "Violet! I saw her push you! You almost died because of her. Why are you still making excuses for Emilia?" Words caught in her throat, Violet looked like she wanted to defend Emilia, but all she did was bite her lip and pretend to look heartbreakingly fragile. Rodger's expression softened. He pulled her close, wrapping her in a comforting embrace. "As long as I'm around, nothing bad will happen to you. I'll track down the miracle doctor and get you cured. I promise." A tearful smile trembled on Violet's lips. "You've always been so good to me, Rodger. I never wanted to leave you, I just…" Her voice faltered as if her emotion overwhelmed her, the memories almost too much to bear. Back then, Rodger might have been a vegetable for life, so she had abandoned him and gone abroad. Her time overseas started out carefree, but a year ago, her life turned upside down. A rare illness plagued her, leaving her in agony every time it flared. Doctor after doctor failed her, until she heard whispers that Asclepius was the only one who could help. Hoping for a cure, Violet came home, the last rumors of the miracle doctor placed him in this city. Along the way, she decided she could also win back the now-recovered Rodger and use him to find Asclepius. "You don't have to explain. I never held any of that against you." Rodger brushed away her tears. Suddenly, his phone vibrated. Irritated, Rodger answered, but as he listened, his frustration vanished, replaced by a burst of hope. Sebastian leaned in, eager. "What is it, Rodger? Did something happen?" Grinning, Rodger held Violet's hand. "Asclepius resurfaces! Violet, we finally have a real chance. I won't let you suffer anymore. I'll do whatever it takes to save you." Chapter 4 The Miracle Doctor Meanwhile, inside another private hospital suite. "Why didn't you bother telling me you were admitted?" Emilia gave Sloane a sharp look. "I didn't think it was serious enough to trouble you, my precious Asclepius," Sloane explained, clutching her arm with a pout. Emilia could only shake her head, letting out a resigned sigh. "Trouble just follows you around, doesn't it?" "Forget about my problems. Is it really true--you actually signed the divorce papers?" Sloane asked, the question slipping out with a heavy sigh. For a moment, it seemed incredible that Lord Inferno, the leader of a notorious assassin organization, could be tangled up in a toxic relationship. Emilia said with a quiet smile, "Yeah. It's true." Sloane retorted, "Arthur's the only decent person in that whole Mitchell family. The rest of them are just fools!" "That's enough," said Emilia, voice calm and even, signaling she was finished talking about the Mitchells. "But why did you suddenly announce you'd pick some random patient?" Sloane's tone turned curious. When Emilia kept quiet, Sloane clutched her hand in alarm. "Don't tell me you still care about him. Is this some trick to win him back? Please tell me you've got over him!" Emilia let out a soft laugh. "Rest assured. Three years of being a fool was plenty for me. Ever since I walked out on the Mitchell family, I haven't once thought of returning." Relief washed over Sloane, and her shoulders relaxed as though a weight had lifted. "So what's really going on, then?" she asked, eyes bright with curiosity. Lowering her voice, Emilia leaned in and explained, "I've managed to pick up a lead--whatever I'm searching for might be with the Dixon family. I need a disguise to get close." Sloane's mouth fell open. "Wait, you're saying the other piece of--" She stopped herself mid-blurt, quickly whipping out her phone to type instead. "Are you saying the other half of the treasure map is in the hands of the Dixon family?" Emilia gave a slow nod. "That's the hunch, but I can't say for certain yet." "As long as this isn't about crawling back to that ba**ard, I'll let it go. But if you even waver, I swear I'll cut you off!" Sloane warned, her voice firm. A genuine laugh left Emilia. "I won't make the same mistake twice." "Good. That's the Emilia I like to see." Sloane's lips stretched into a smile as admiration glowed in her eyes. "You shine brighter when you're working toward something real. Oh, and-- are you going to tell your family what happened with the divorce?" Emilia shook her head, answering softly, "No, let's keep it between us for now. I'd rather spare them the worry." "Maybe that's for the best," Sloane remarked, a sly grin flickering as thoughts of the Mitchell family's fo**ishness crept in. "You know, if Rodger ever got a glimpse of your true identity, he'd be groveling in seconds." With a cold edge, Emilia replied, "Then he'll be waiting at the end of the line, since there are numerous people doing so." That got Sloane laughing hard. "That's exactly the Emilia I remember--fearless and confident! I wish I could see their jaws drop the day they discover who you really are. That's going to be a show." Sloane kept talking animatedly, while Emilia listened with quiet focus, adding a word here and there. ... A week drifted by. The racetrack brimmed with people, but today, the crowd was thick with patients facing their final battles. It wasn't an exaggeration to say the place looked more like a ward than a track. Each case brought its own grim weight. "Have you ever seen anything like this? It's as if every critical patient in the country showed up today!" "Even patients in comas were hauled in with entire medical teams. You can tell they belong to some wealthy family." "Tsk! Asclepius really is influential." "Yes! No one can deny his skill. He tackles the worst cases and somehow makes them walk out whole." "With a name like Asclepius, you'd expect nothing less. People around here also call him a miracle worker, and they mean it." People were discussing the various patients and the miracle doctor, Asclepius. Sebastian whispered, "Rodger, is he really as extraordinary as everyone claims? Or is this reputation nothing but a lie?" Rodger's eyes hardened, and he replied, "Stop doubting. If he weren't the real thing, the President might have..." The unfinished sentence told Sebastian enough. He murmured, "So the rumors about him curing the President are true?" Rodger's reply came flat and cold. "They're true." Out of the corner of his eye, Rodger spotted a familiar silhouette--Emilia. That woman again. She just couldn't leave him alone, even following him into a place like this. Annoyed, Rodger surged forward and caught her by the wrist. "Why are you here, Emilia? What scheme are you trying to pull this time?" ...... What happens next? Available chapters here are limited, click the button below to install the App and enjoy more exciting chapters (Automatically jump to this novel when you open the app) &4&
Following the divorce, he discovered with shock that his despised ex-wife was the famed healer who could cure his beloved woman. He groveled for her return, but a business tycoon intervened, offering himself in exchange for her healing his paralyzed legs. ===== "Put your signature on these divorce papers and get out of the Mitchell family's house right now!" Rodger Mitchell shouted, fixing his wife, Emilia Harris, with a cold stare, his eyes sharp enough to cut through her. "I swear I didn't push Violet. Why won't you believe me?" Emilia's voice trembled. Her reddened eyes spilled with unshed tears, while her ch**t ached with unbearable sorrow. "She leapt into the pool on her own--she framed me..." "I've heard enough!" Rodger's patience snapped. His hand shot out, fingers tightening around her neck with cruel force. Panic crashed into her, leaving her gasping for breath. Despite the suffocating pressure, she stared back at him, refusing to look away. One lone tear slid down and landed on his knuckles, burning him enough that he jerked his hand back. G**ping, Emilia tried to breathe, but a different kind of ache gripped her ch**t. Three years she had given him everything--only for it to end like this. Was this what her life had become? She had become nothing more than the b**t of everyone's jokes. To them, she was nothing more than a pitiful f**l to laugh at. "If you sign the papers right now, you'll still walk away with thirty million, the beach house, and a new sports car. Drag this out, and you'll get nothing at all," Rodger threatened with cold indifference. Emilia let out a brittle, sarcastic laugh. "You think that offer is generous?" Fury lit his eyes, and for a moment he looked ready to strangle her again, but the raw despair in her gaze stopped him short. Something twisted deep in his ch**t, though he shoved it down. Maybe it was the sight of Emilia, helpless and broken, that made something inside him hesitate for the first time. "Don't let your greed ruin what little you have left, Emilia. You nearly took Violet's life, and I haven't even started making you pay for that," Rodger said, his tone as cold as a winter storm. "I never touched her! Whatever happened by that pool isn't on me!" yelled Emilia, frustration boiling over in her voice. She could have shouted the truth until her lungs gave out, but not a soul here was willing to listen. Nobody in the Mitchell family gave her the benefit of the doubt. "You're pushing me to my limits! If you hadn't been so heartless, she wouldn't have had an attack so suddenly! You knew exactly how little time she had left, and you still treated her like that!" Rodger's glare burned with accusation. "You really want to talk about heartlessness?" Emilia shot back, her tone sharp as ice. "When you had the car accident and became a vegetable, she, then still your girlfriend, abandoned you and went abroad. If her time is running out now, maybe that's just fate giving her what she deserves." "Don't you dare speak ill of her!" Rodger barked, his hand shooting up, ready to strike. Emilia moved faster this time, grabbing his wrist before he could touch her. Her gaze met his, eyes fierce and blazing with resolve. Rodger had never seen this side of her before, and the sight stopped him cold. She had always seemed weak and forgettable. When did she sharpen into someone who could stand like this? "You! Who gave you the nerve--" Before Rodger could finish his sentence, her palm cr**ked across his face with stunning force, painting his cheek with a bright red mark. The s**p rang out, echoing in the room. "I've had enough! From this moment on, I owe the Mitchell family nothing," Emilia said, tearing her hand from his grasp. Just then, his phone buzzed loudly. He answered, the scowl on his face deepening as he listened. "What do you mean Violet's condition has worsened? Still nothing from Asclepius? Pay whatever it takes--get him here! We're running out of time for Violet!" Asclepius--a guy who was rumored to have miraculous medical skills and had thus earned the title--was the only one who could cure Violet's illness. Rodger ended the call, turning on Emilia with a glare that could have cut glass. "If anything happens to Violet, I'll make sure you spend the rest of your life paying for it!" With a sneer, he tossed out his threat and stormed off down the hallway. Tears shimmered in Emilia's eyes, turning them a deep red. As she watched his retreating back, a hollow laugh slipped from her lips. If not for everything she'd done, Rodger would still be trapped in a hospital bed, lost in a world of darkness. All she ever gave was loyalty. Still, her dedication meant nothing next to the admiration he reserved for another woman--Violet Morgan. A memory flickered through Emilia's mind--Violet's voice still echoed, moments before she plunged into the water. "You might have taken him from me, but getting him back would take nothing but a whisper." Emilia could never forget that look of victory in Violet's eyes or the sly smile that curled on her lips. A harsh, bitter laugh escaped as tears slipped down Emilia's cheeks. Under her breath, she muttered, "Violet, you may have won this time. But your fate is in my hands." The truth was, the real power had always rested with her. Behind the name everyone whispered in desperation--Asclepius--stood Emilia herself, the one healer who could work miracles. A steely resolve flashed in her eyes. Picking up the pen, she scrawled her signature across the divorce papers, not pausing for a second. It was all over. Everything was over. The marriage that had consumed three years of her life had ended in ruin. Her gaze shifted to the portrait of Arthur Mitchell, Rodger's late grandfather. "Arthur," she murmured, "you gave me another chance at life. Today, that debt is settled. I walk away owing nothing to your family." She gathered her things without fuss. Head held high, Emilia stepped out of the Mitchell home, never glancing back. Chapter 2 Resurface Inside the hospital's bustling entrance, Emilia strode through with her suitcase in hand. Once she'd left the Mitchell estate, Emilia made straight for the hospital the moment she learned her bestie, Sloane Stewart, had been admitted. She barely reached the hallway when Rodger's little brother, Sebastian Mitchell, blocked her path. Sebastian had always gone out of his way to sneer at her, finding every opportunity to take jabs. "You've got some nerve showing your face around here!" Sebastian snapped, his glare brimming with anger. "Violet nearly died because of you!" Emilia's expression didn't waver. "What happens to Violet is none of my concern," she said, her voice colder than steel. "Now step aside." "Why would I? You came here to cause more trouble, didn't you?" Sebastian shot back, annoyance twisting his features. "I'm giving you one last chance. Move out of my way," said Emilia, her gaze hardening with a dangerous edge. Sebastian squared his shoulders, refusing to give an inch. "I'm not budging!" Without another word, Emilia seized his arm and flipped him flat onto the floor, moving with unexpected force. A heavy thud filled the hallway, followed by Sebastian's gr**n of pain. He hardly had a chance to process what happened. Without looking back, Emilia stepped right over Sebastian, ignoring him as he writhed on the floor. From behind, Sebastian's voice, twisted with rage, rang out. "Emilia! You'll regret this!" Elsewhere in the corridor. "Well, would you look at that!" Wilbur Collins let out a whistle, his eyes wide with surprise. "When did Mrs. Mitchell become such a force to be reckoned with? I always thought she was sweet and quiet. Guess she fooled all of us." Elias Dixon's gaze stayed fixed on Emilia, his expression unreadable. His cool stare tracked her every move. There was something about her boldness and swiftness that had caught his eye. "You're still staring, Elias? Don't tell me you've got an interest in her," Wilbur teased with a sly grin. Seated in his wheelchair, Elias kept his gaze cool. His slender fingers tapped a steady rhythm against his thigh. Several years ago, an orchestrated ambush had nearly stole his life, leaving him broken after the crash. Although the accident hadn't ki**ed him, Elias would never walk again. Without a miracle from Asclepius, he faced a lifetime tied to this wheelchair. Every time he recalled how his search had led straight to Inferno--the infamous assassin syndicate--a cold, ruthless spark ignited behind his narrowed gaze. There was no doubt in his mind. Lord Inferno--the leader of this organization--had a hand in this mess. "Any updates on Asclepius?" asked Elias. Wilbur's usual smirk faded as soon as the words left Elias's lips, his expression turning grave. "Tracking down Asclepius is like chasing a shadow. He vanished completely four years ago. No trace, no leads. If you ask me, finding him now is almost impossible..." Wilbur let his eyes drift down to Elias's motionless legs, concern creasing his brow. The only person capable of curing Elias was that arrogant physician, the one who dared call himself Asclepius. A shadow passed over Elias's features, his voice barely above a whisper. "Let's go." All hope had been drained from him, replaced by reluctant acceptance. Life in a wheelchair would be his new reality. Wilbur's hand was just reaching for the wheelchair's grip when his phone went off. "Yeah, what is it?" He answered, trying to sound casual. As the words came through the line, his expression transformed--shock, then disbelief, then something close to excitement. Once he ended the call, Wilbur turned to Elias, a playful spark in his eyes. "So, I've got two pieces of news. You want the good one or the bad one first?" Elias stared straight ahead, lips set in a hard line. He looked completely uninterested. Wilbur gr**ned, throwing him a look of mock defeat. "You could at least pretend to care." "I don't care about either," Elias replied, voice flat and cold. "Are you sure?" Wilbur's grin widened, a spark of mischief in his eyes. Lowering his voice, he leaned and whispered, "Asclepius just resurfaced." For a split second, time stood still. A jolt of disbelief hit Elias. His hands balled into fists, tension written all over him. He had already accepted that hope was gone, and no one could have foreseen a twist like this. Chapter 3 The Chance "Are you kidding me? How are you not reacting to that?" Wilbur said, eyeing Elias, who looked completely unbothered. After all, Asclepius was the only doctor with a real chance of healing Elias's legs. The truth was, Elias only looked composed on the outside. Inside, he was anything but calm. Beneath the surface, his thoughts churned. Wilbur shrugged. "You're no fun at all." He didn't bother dragging it out any longer. "Here's the story: Asclepius has finally resurfaced. The catch is, he's going to choose a random patient with a complicated case from the biggest racetrack in Oticester. Only one person will get treatment. Just imagine how many desperate people will show up. The odds of you being picked are slim at best…" Wilbur cast a sideways look at Elias and let out a long sigh. With chances that low, it was hard to stay optimistic--bad news indeed. "Better to have a slim chance than none at all," Elias replied, his voice cold and even. Wilbur nodded, trying to sound upbeat. "You're right. We'll just have to hope for the best when the day comes. Maybe you'll get lucky." He started pushing the wheelchair down the hall. "He's got a nerve, naming himself Asclepius…" A distant look settled on Elias's face. "Do you think he's earned that title?" "If anyone has, it's him. The man's skills are the stuff of legend, especially with tough cases." Wilbur's voice picked up energy, eyes shining with admiration. "I mean it, he's in a league of his own." A slight crease appeared between Elias's brows, almost unnoticeable, as Emilia's determined, frosty face flashed through his mind. Whatever else Wilbur said faded into the background. ... Meanwhile, in a private hospital suite, Rodger stood at Violet's bedside, worry clouding his expression as he took in her pale features. Suddenly, Sebastian burst through the door, frustration etched on his face. "Rodger! Emilia has gone too far this time! Where is she? Hasn't she already started making trouble?" Rodger shot him a sharp glare, silencing him in an instant. "Enough, Sebastian." Sebastian recoiled, but couldn't help muttering, "She's the reason Violet's like this, and you're still defending her? "I'm not defending her. I just want you to keep quiet so Violet can rest!" Rodger's patience wore thin, veins pulsing at his temples. Realization hit Sebastian, and his tone softened. "Oh, sorry, Rodger. I got the wrong idea." Right then, Violet's eyelashes fluttered and her eyes opened slowly. The first thing she did was clutch Rodger's arm, panic in her voice. "Rodger, where's Emilia? I slipped and ended up in the pool, and she had nothing to do with it..." Lowering her gaze, Violet chewed her lip, painting a picture of innocence and hurt. Sebastian's frustration exploded. "Violet! I saw her push you! You almost died because of her. Why are you still making excuses for Emilia?" Words caught in her throat, Violet looked like she wanted to defend Emilia, but all she did was bite her lip and pretend to look heartbreakingly fragile. Rodger's expression softened. He pulled her close, wrapping her in a comforting embrace. "As long as I'm around, nothing bad will happen to you. I'll track down the miracle doctor and get you cured. I promise." A tearful smile trembled on Violet's lips. "You've always been so good to me, Rodger. I never wanted to leave you, I just…" Her voice faltered as if her emotion overwhelmed her, the memories almost too much to bear. Back then, Rodger might have been a vegetable for life, so she had abandoned him and gone abroad. Her time overseas started out carefree, but a year ago, her life turned upside down. A rare illness plagued her, leaving her in agony every time it flared. Doctor after doctor failed her, until she heard whispers that Asclepius was the only one who could help. Hoping for a cure, Violet came home, the last rumors of the miracle doctor placed him in this city. Along the way, she decided she could also win back the now-recovered Rodger and use him to find Asclepius. "You don't have to explain. I never held any of that against you." Rodger brushed away her tears. Suddenly, his phone vibrated. Irritated, Rodger answered, but as he listened, his frustration vanished, replaced by a burst of hope. Sebastian leaned in, eager. "What is it, Rodger? Did something happen?" Grinning, Rodger held Violet's hand. "Asclepius resurfaces! Violet, we finally have a real chance. I won't let you suffer anymore. I'll do whatever it takes to save you." Chapter 4 The Miracle Doctor Meanwhile, inside another private hospital suite. "Why didn't you bother telling me you were admitted?" Emilia gave Sloane a sharp look. "I didn't think it was serious enough to trouble you, my precious Asclepius," Sloane explained, clutching her arm with a pout. Emilia could only shake her head, letting out a resigned sigh. "Trouble just follows you around, doesn't it?" "Forget about my problems. Is it really true--you actually signed the divorce papers?" Sloane asked, the question slipping out with a heavy sigh. For a moment, it seemed incredible that Lord Inferno, the leader of a notorious assassin organization, could be tangled up in a toxic relationship. Emilia said with a quiet smile, "Yeah. It's true." Sloane retorted, "Arthur's the only decent person in that whole Mitchell family. The rest of them are just fools!" "That's enough," said Emilia, voice calm and even, signaling she was finished talking about the Mitchells. "But why did you suddenly announce you'd pick some random patient?" Sloane's tone turned curious. When Emilia kept quiet, Sloane clutched her hand in alarm. "Don't tell me you still care about him. Is this some trick to win him back? Please tell me you've got over him!" Emilia let out a soft laugh. "Rest assured. Three years of being a fool was plenty for me. Ever since I walked out on the Mitchell family, I haven't once thought of returning." Relief washed over Sloane, and her shoulders relaxed as though a weight had lifted. "So what's really going on, then?" she asked, eyes bright with curiosity. Lowering her voice, Emilia leaned in and explained, "I've managed to pick up a lead--whatever I'm searching for might be with the Dixon family. I need a disguise to get close." Sloane's mouth fell open. "Wait, you're saying the other piece of--" She stopped herself mid-blurt, quickly whipping out her phone to type instead. "Are you saying the other half of the treasure map is in the hands of the Dixon family?" Emilia gave a slow nod. "That's the hunch, but I can't say for certain yet." "As long as this isn't about crawling back to that ba**ard, I'll let it go. But if you even waver, I swear I'll cut you off!" Sloane warned, her voice firm. A genuine laugh left Emilia. "I won't make the same mistake twice." "Good. That's the Emilia I like to see." Sloane's lips stretched into a smile as admiration glowed in her eyes. "You shine brighter when you're working toward something real. Oh, and-- are you going to tell your family what happened with the divorce?" Emilia shook her head, answering softly, "No, let's keep it between us for now. I'd rather spare them the worry." "Maybe that's for the best," Sloane remarked, a sly grin flickering as thoughts of the Mitchell family's fo**ishness crept in. "You know, if Rodger ever got a glimpse of your true identity, he'd be groveling in seconds." With a cold edge, Emilia replied, "Then he'll be waiting at the end of the line, since there are numerous people doing so." That got Sloane laughing hard. "That's exactly the Emilia I remember--fearless and confident! I wish I could see their jaws drop the day they discover who you really are. That's going to be a show." Sloane kept talking animatedly, while Emilia listened with quiet focus, adding a word here and there. ... A week drifted by. The racetrack brimmed with people, but today, the crowd was thick with patients facing their final battles. It wasn't an exaggeration to say the place looked more like a ward than a track. Each case brought its own grim weight. "Have you ever seen anything like this? It's as if every critical patient in the country showed up today!" "Even patients in comas were hauled in with entire medical teams. You can tell they belong to some wealthy family." "Tsk! Asclepius really is influential." "Yes! No one can deny his skill. He tackles the worst cases and somehow makes them walk out whole." "With a name like Asclepius, you'd expect nothing less. People around here also call him a miracle worker, and they mean it." People were discussing the various patients and the miracle doctor, Asclepius. Sebastian whispered, "Rodger, is he really as extraordinary as everyone claims? Or is this reputation nothing but a lie?" Rodger's eyes hardened, and he replied, "Stop doubting. If he weren't the real thing, the President might have..." The unfinished sentence told Sebastian enough. He murmured, "So the rumors about him curing the President are true?" Rodger's reply came flat and cold. "They're true." Out of the corner of his eye, Rodger spotted a familiar silhouette--Emilia. That woman again. She just couldn't leave him alone, even following him into a place like this. Annoyed, Rodger surged forward and caught her by the wrist. "Why are you here, Emilia? What scheme are you trying to pull this time?" ...... What happens next? Available chapters here are limited, click the button below to install the App and enjoy more exciting chapters (Automatically jump to this novel when you open the app) &4&
Following the divorce, he discovered with shock that his despised ex-wife was the famed healer who could cure his beloved woman. He groveled for her return, but a business tycoon intervened, offering himself in exchange for her healing his paralyzed legs. ===== "Put your signature on these divorce papers and get out of the Mitchell family's house right now!" Rodger Mitchell shouted, fixing his wife, Emilia Harris, with a cold stare, his eyes sharp enough to cut through her. "I swear I didn't push Violet. Why won't you believe me?" Emilia's voice trembled. Her reddened eyes spilled with unshed tears, while her ch**t ached with unbearable sorrow. "She leapt into the pool on her own--she framed me..." "I've heard enough!" Rodger's patience snapped. His hand shot out, fingers tightening around her neck with cruel force. Panic crashed into her, leaving her gasping for breath. Despite the suffocating pressure, she stared back at him, refusing to look away. One lone tear slid down and landed on his knuckles, burning him enough that he jerked his hand back. G**ping, Emilia tried to breathe, but a different kind of ache gripped her ch**t. Three years she had given him everything--only for it to end like this. Was this what her life had become? She had become nothing more than the b**t of everyone's jokes. To them, she was nothing more than a pitiful f**l to laugh at. "If you sign the papers right now, you'll still walk away with thirty million, the beach house, and a new sports car. Drag this out, and you'll get nothing at all," Rodger threatened with cold indifference. Emilia let out a brittle, sarcastic laugh. "You think that offer is generous?" Fury lit his eyes, and for a moment he looked ready to strangle her again, but the raw despair in her gaze stopped him short. Something twisted deep in his ch**t, though he shoved it down. Maybe it was the sight of Emilia, helpless and broken, that made something inside him hesitate for the first time. "Don't let your greed ruin what little you have left, Emilia. You nearly took Violet's life, and I haven't even started making you pay for that," Rodger said, his tone as cold as a winter storm. "I never touched her! Whatever happened by that pool isn't on me!" yelled Emilia, frustration boiling over in her voice. She could have shouted the truth until her lungs gave out, but not a soul here was willing to listen. Nobody in the Mitchell family gave her the benefit of the doubt. "You're pushing me to my limits! If you hadn't been so heartless, she wouldn't have had an attack so suddenly! You knew exactly how little time she had left, and you still treated her like that!" Rodger's glare burned with accusation. "You really want to talk about heartlessness?" Emilia shot back, her tone sharp as ice. "When you had the car accident and became a vegetable, she, then still your girlfriend, abandoned you and went abroad. If her time is running out now, maybe that's just fate giving her what she deserves." "Don't you dare speak ill of her!" Rodger barked, his hand shooting up, ready to strike. Emilia moved faster this time, grabbing his wrist before he could touch her. Her gaze met his, eyes fierce and blazing with resolve. Rodger had never seen this side of her before, and the sight stopped him cold. She had always seemed weak and forgettable. When did she sharpen into someone who could stand like this? "You! Who gave you the nerve--" Before Rodger could finish his sentence, her palm cr**ked across his face with stunning force, painting his cheek with a bright red mark. The s**p rang out, echoing in the room. "I've had enough! From this moment on, I owe the Mitchell family nothing," Emilia said, tearing her hand from his grasp. Just then, his phone buzzed loudly. He answered, the scowl on his face deepening as he listened. "What do you mean Violet's condition has worsened? Still nothing from Asclepius? Pay whatever it takes--get him here! We're running out of time for Violet!" Asclepius--a guy who was rumored to have miraculous medical skills and had thus earned the title--was the only one who could cure Violet's illness. Rodger ended the call, turning on Emilia with a glare that could have cut glass. "If anything happens to Violet, I'll make sure you spend the rest of your life paying for it!" With a sneer, he tossed out his threat and stormed off down the hallway. Tears shimmered in Emilia's eyes, turning them a deep red. As she watched his retreating back, a hollow laugh slipped from her lips. If not for everything she'd done, Rodger would still be trapped in a hospital bed, lost in a world of darkness. All she ever gave was loyalty. Still, her dedication meant nothing next to the admiration he reserved for another woman--Violet Morgan. A memory flickered through Emilia's mind--Violet's voice still echoed, moments before she plunged into the water. "You might have taken him from me, but getting him back would take nothing but a whisper." Emilia could never forget that look of victory in Violet's eyes or the sly smile that curled on her lips. A harsh, bitter laugh escaped as tears slipped down Emilia's cheeks. Under her breath, she muttered, "Violet, you may have won this time. But your fate is in my hands." The truth was, the real power had always rested with her. Behind the name everyone whispered in desperation--Asclepius--stood Emilia herself, the one healer who could work miracles. A steely resolve flashed in her eyes. Picking up the pen, she scrawled her signature across the divorce papers, not pausing for a second. It was all over. Everything was over. The marriage that had consumed three years of her life had ended in ruin. Her gaze shifted to the portrait of Arthur Mitchell, Rodger's late grandfather. "Arthur," she murmured, "you gave me another chance at life. Today, that debt is settled. I walk away owing nothing to your family." She gathered her things without fuss. Head held high, Emilia stepped out of the Mitchell home, never glancing back. Chapter 2 Resurface Inside the hospital's bustling entrance, Emilia strode through with her suitcase in hand. Once she'd left the Mitchell estate, Emilia made straight for the hospital the moment she learned her bestie, Sloane Stewart, had been admitted. She barely reached the hallway when Rodger's little brother, Sebastian Mitchell, blocked her path. Sebastian had always gone out of his way to sneer at her, finding every opportunity to take jabs. "You've got some nerve showing your face around here!" Sebastian snapped, his glare brimming with anger. "Violet nearly died because of you!" Emilia's expression didn't waver. "What happens to Violet is none of my concern," she said, her voice colder than steel. "Now step aside." "Why would I? You came here to cause more trouble, didn't you?" Sebastian shot back, annoyance twisting his features. "I'm giving you one last chance. Move out of my way," said Emilia, her gaze hardening with a dangerous edge. Sebastian squared his shoulders, refusing to give an inch. "I'm not budging!" Without another word, Emilia seized his arm and flipped him flat onto the floor, moving with unexpected force. A heavy thud filled the hallway, followed by Sebastian's gr**n of pain. He hardly had a chance to process what happened. Without looking back, Emilia stepped right over Sebastian, ignoring him as he writhed on the floor. From behind, Sebastian's voice, twisted with rage, rang out. "Emilia! You'll regret this!" Elsewhere in the corridor. "Well, would you look at that!" Wilbur Collins let out a whistle, his eyes wide with surprise. "When did Mrs. Mitchell become such a force to be reckoned with? I always thought she was sweet and quiet. Guess she fooled all of us." Elias Dixon's gaze stayed fixed on Emilia, his expression unreadable. His cool stare tracked her every move. There was something about her boldness and swiftness that had caught his eye. "You're still staring, Elias? Don't tell me you've got an interest in her," Wilbur teased with a sly grin. Seated in his wheelchair, Elias kept his gaze cool. His slender fingers tapped a steady rhythm against his thigh. Several years ago, an orchestrated ambush had nearly stole his life, leaving him broken after the crash. Although the accident hadn't ki**ed him, Elias would never walk again. Without a miracle from Asclepius, he faced a lifetime tied to this wheelchair. Every time he recalled how his search had led straight to Inferno--the infamous assassin syndicate--a cold, ruthless spark ignited behind his narrowed gaze. There was no doubt in his mind. Lord Inferno--the leader of this organization--had a hand in this mess. "Any updates on Asclepius?" asked Elias. Wilbur's usual smirk faded as soon as the words left Elias's lips, his expression turning grave. "Tracking down Asclepius is like chasing a shadow. He vanished completely four years ago. No trace, no leads. If you ask me, finding him now is almost impossible..." Wilbur let his eyes drift down to Elias's motionless legs, concern creasing his brow. The only person capable of curing Elias was that arrogant physician, the one who dared call himself Asclepius. A shadow passed over Elias's features, his voice barely above a whisper. "Let's go." All hope had been drained from him, replaced by reluctant acceptance. Life in a wheelchair would be his new reality. Wilbur's hand was just reaching for the wheelchair's grip when his phone went off. "Yeah, what is it?" He answered, trying to sound casual. As the words came through the line, his expression transformed--shock, then disbelief, then something close to excitement. Once he ended the call, Wilbur turned to Elias, a playful spark in his eyes. "So, I've got two pieces of news. You want the good one or the bad one first?" Elias stared straight ahead, lips set in a hard line. He looked completely uninterested. Wilbur gr**ned, throwing him a look of mock defeat. "You could at least pretend to care." "I don't care about either," Elias replied, voice flat and cold. "Are you sure?" Wilbur's grin widened, a spark of mischief in his eyes. Lowering his voice, he leaned and whispered, "Asclepius just resurfaced." For a split second, time stood still. A jolt of disbelief hit Elias. His hands balled into fists, tension written all over him. He had already accepted that hope was gone, and no one could have foreseen a twist like this. Chapter 3 The Chance "Are you kidding me? How are you not reacting to that?" Wilbur said, eyeing Elias, who looked completely unbothered. After all, Asclepius was the only doctor with a real chance of healing Elias's legs. The truth was, Elias only looked composed on the outside. Inside, he was anything but calm. Beneath the surface, his thoughts churned. Wilbur shrugged. "You're no fun at all." He didn't bother dragging it out any longer. "Here's the story: Asclepius has finally resurfaced. The catch is, he's going to choose a random patient with a complicated case from the biggest racetrack in Oticester. Only one person will get treatment. Just imagine how many desperate people will show up. The odds of you being picked are slim at best…" Wilbur cast a sideways look at Elias and let out a long sigh. With chances that low, it was hard to stay optimistic--bad news indeed. "Better to have a slim chance than none at all," Elias replied, his voice cold and even. Wilbur nodded, trying to sound upbeat. "You're right. We'll just have to hope for the best when the day comes. Maybe you'll get lucky." He started pushing the wheelchair down the hall. "He's got a nerve, naming himself Asclepius…" A distant look settled on Elias's face. "Do you think he's earned that title?" "If anyone has, it's him. The man's skills are the stuff of legend, especially with tough cases." Wilbur's voice picked up energy, eyes shining with admiration. "I mean it, he's in a league of his own." A slight crease appeared between Elias's brows, almost unnoticeable, as Emilia's determined, frosty face flashed through his mind. Whatever else Wilbur said faded into the background. ... Meanwhile, in a private hospital suite, Rodger stood at Violet's bedside, worry clouding his expression as he took in her pale features. Suddenly, Sebastian burst through the door, frustration etched on his face. "Rodger! Emilia has gone too far this time! Where is she? Hasn't she already started making trouble?" Rodger shot him a sharp glare, silencing him in an instant. "Enough, Sebastian." Sebastian recoiled, but couldn't help muttering, "She's the reason Violet's like this, and you're still defending her? "I'm not defending her. I just want you to keep quiet so Violet can rest!" Rodger's patience wore thin, veins pulsing at his temples. Realization hit Sebastian, and his tone softened. "Oh, sorry, Rodger. I got the wrong idea." Right then, Violet's eyelashes fluttered and her eyes opened slowly. The first thing she did was clutch Rodger's arm, panic in her voice. "Rodger, where's Emilia? I slipped and ended up in the pool, and she had nothing to do with it..." Lowering her gaze, Violet chewed her lip, painting a picture of innocence and hurt. Sebastian's frustration exploded. "Violet! I saw her push you! You almost died because of her. Why are you still making excuses for Emilia?" Words caught in her throat, Violet looked like she wanted to defend Emilia, but all she did was bite her lip and pretend to look heartbreakingly fragile. Rodger's expression softened. He pulled her close, wrapping her in a comforting embrace. "As long as I'm around, nothing bad will happen to you. I'll track down the miracle doctor and get you cured. I promise." A tearful smile trembled on Violet's lips. "You've always been so good to me, Rodger. I never wanted to leave you, I just…" Her voice faltered as if her emotion overwhelmed her, the memories almost too much to bear. Back then, Rodger might have been a vegetable for life, so she had abandoned him and gone abroad. Her time overseas started out carefree, but a year ago, her life turned upside down. A rare illness plagued her, leaving her in agony every time it flared. Doctor after doctor failed her, until she heard whispers that Asclepius was the only one who could help. Hoping for a cure, Violet came home, the last rumors of the miracle doctor placed him in this city. Along the way, she decided she could also win back the now-recovered Rodger and use him to find Asclepius. "You don't have to explain. I never held any of that against you." Rodger brushed away her tears. Suddenly, his phone vibrated. Irritated, Rodger answered, but as he listened, his frustration vanished, replaced by a burst of hope. Sebastian leaned in, eager. "What is it, Rodger? Did something happen?" Grinning, Rodger held Violet's hand. "Asclepius resurfaces! Violet, we finally have a real chance. I won't let you suffer anymore. I'll do whatever it takes to save you." Chapter 4 The Miracle Doctor Meanwhile, inside another private hospital suite. "Why didn't you bother telling me you were admitted?" Emilia gave Sloane a sharp look. "I didn't think it was serious enough to trouble you, my precious Asclepius," Sloane explained, clutching her arm with a pout. Emilia could only shake her head, letting out a resigned sigh. "Trouble just follows you around, doesn't it?" "Forget about my problems. Is it really true--you actually signed the divorce papers?" Sloane asked, the question slipping out with a heavy sigh. For a moment, it seemed incredible that Lord Inferno, the leader of a notorious assassin organization, could be tangled up in a toxic relationship. Emilia said with a quiet smile, "Yeah. It's true." Sloane retorted, "Arthur's the only decent person in that whole Mitchell family. The rest of them are just fools!" "That's enough," said Emilia, voice calm and even, signaling she was finished talking about the Mitchells. "But why did you suddenly announce you'd pick some random patient?" Sloane's tone turned curious. When Emilia kept quiet, Sloane clutched her hand in alarm. "Don't tell me you still care about him. Is this some trick to win him back? Please tell me you've got over him!" Emilia let out a soft laugh. "Rest assured. Three years of being a fool was plenty for me. Ever since I walked out on the Mitchell family, I haven't once thought of returning." Relief washed over Sloane, and her shoulders relaxed as though a weight had lifted. "So what's really going on, then?" she asked, eyes bright with curiosity. Lowering her voice, Emilia leaned in and explained, "I've managed to pick up a lead--whatever I'm searching for might be with the Dixon family. I need a disguise to get close." Sloane's mouth fell open. "Wait, you're saying the other piece of--" She stopped herself mid-blurt, quickly whipping out her phone to type instead. "Are you saying the other half of the treasure map is in the hands of the Dixon family?" Emilia gave a slow nod. "That's the hunch, but I can't say for certain yet." "As long as this isn't about crawling back to that ba**ard, I'll let it go. But if you even waver, I swear I'll cut you off!" Sloane warned, her voice firm. A genuine laugh left Emilia. "I won't make the same mistake twice." "Good. That's the Emilia I like to see." Sloane's lips stretched into a smile as admiration glowed in her eyes. "You shine brighter when you're working toward something real. Oh, and-- are you going to tell your family what happened with the divorce?" Emilia shook her head, answering softly, "No, let's keep it between us for now. I'd rather spare them the worry." "Maybe that's for the best," Sloane remarked, a sly grin flickering as thoughts of the Mitchell family's fo**ishness crept in. "You know, if Rodger ever got a glimpse of your true identity, he'd be groveling in seconds." With a cold edge, Emilia replied, "Then he'll be waiting at the end of the line, since there are numerous people doing so." That got Sloane laughing hard. "That's exactly the Emilia I remember--fearless and confident! I wish I could see their jaws drop the day they discover who you really are. That's going to be a show." Sloane kept talking animatedly, while Emilia listened with quiet focus, adding a word here and there. ... A week drifted by. The racetrack brimmed with people, but today, the crowd was thick with patients facing their final battles. It wasn't an exaggeration to say the place looked more like a ward than a track. Each case brought its own grim weight. "Have you ever seen anything like this? It's as if every critical patient in the country showed up today!" "Even patients in comas were hauled in with entire medical teams. You can tell they belong to some wealthy family." "Tsk! Asclepius really is influential." "Yes! No one can deny his skill. He tackles the worst cases and somehow makes them walk out whole." "With a name like Asclepius, you'd expect nothing less. People around here also call him a miracle worker, and they mean it." People were discussing the various patients and the miracle doctor, Asclepius. Sebastian whispered, "Rodger, is he really as extraordinary as everyone claims? Or is this reputation nothing but a lie?" Rodger's eyes hardened, and he replied, "Stop doubting. If he weren't the real thing, the President might have..." The unfinished sentence told Sebastian enough. He murmured, "So the rumors about him curing the President are true?" Rodger's reply came flat and cold. "They're true." Out of the corner of his eye, Rodger spotted a familiar silhouette--Emilia. That woman again. She just couldn't leave him alone, even following him into a place like this. Annoyed, Rodger surged forward and caught her by the wrist. "Why are you here, Emilia? What scheme are you trying to pull this time?" ...... What happens next? Available chapters here are limited, click the button below to install the App and enjoy more exciting chapters (Automatically jump to this novel when you open the app) &4&
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