?Chapter 1257:


    Even as she exined it, Tina found herself puzzled. What could possibly drive someone like Hurst—so clearly motivated by self-interest—to put in this much effort just to get a single answer? The logic simply escaped her.


    Sadie’s breathing momentarily halted. She was startled by what she heard on the phone. The NE Research Institute—the words echoed sharply in her mind. She distinctly remembered Hurst’s odd, almost guarded reaction when she’d casually mentioned the institute during theirst conversation. Now, he himself had reopened the subject. Perhaps he genuinely knew more than he’d previously let on.


    “Alright, keep watch over Hurst. I’ll be at the hospital shortly.”


    Tina replied promptly, “Got it, Sadie.”


    Ending the call, she cast an uncertain nce at the firmly closed ICU doors behind her. If Hurst genuinely had the skill to awaken Jack, could he also help ine? He had been unconscious for far too long, too. Initially, the doctor brushed it off as a mild allergy, yet dayster, here he remained—something clearly wasn’t right.


    After nearly an hour, the ICU doors finally swung open, and Hurst stepped out quietly. He removed his mask, casually rubbing his hands together, his face void of any revealing emotion.


    Tina approached hurriedly, her voice anxious but hopeful, asking, “Dr. Lawson, is there any improvement?”


    Hurst cast her a nd nce, betraying nothing. “Keep your expectations realistic. I don’t know either. I’ve done everything I could. The rest is up to fate.” He spoke lightly, as if he’d merely checked off an everyday task.


    Still, Tina felt a tiny glimmer of relief bloom within her. As long as Hurst was trying, it meant Jack had a fighting chance.


    “That’s reassuring,” she said with a sigh, releasing some of her pent-up tension. Suddenly, embarrassment crept onto her face as another thought crossed her mind. She hesitated briefly, ncing nervously at Hurst. “Actually, Dr. Lawson…”


    Could I trouble you for one more thing? There’s someone else I’d appreciate you taking a quick look at.”


    A flicker of weary irritation passed briefly across Hurst’s face. What was going on with people around Sadietely? So many of them seemed injured or unconscious. At this rate, he might as well join her staff permanently as the resident medic. Hurst felt a bit like he’d unwillingly be the go-to healer for their personal battalion.


    Yet, when he caught sight of Tina’s hopeful, pleading expression, his irritation dissolved quietly into reluctant sympathy. Well, why not? He wasn’t in the worst mood today. One extra patient wouldn’t break his back.


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    “Fine. Get moving. Show me where that patient is.” A flick of his hand told Tina he wanted no dys.


    At that, Tina’s whole face brightened, her eyes sparkling with excitement. “You’re the best, Dr. Lawson! Thank you. He’s right next door—really close by.” Determined not to give Hurst any reason to reconsider, Tina hurriedly guided him along.


    Just as they arrived at the neighboring room, something stopped them abruptly. At the far end of the corridor, Sadie’s familiar silhouette approached, her bearing as collected and poised as ever. She moved swiftly toward them, her eyes pausing briefly on Hurst, a subtle glint of suspicion shing beneath her cool demeanor. Of course, Sadie’s probing gaze didn’t escape Hurst’s notice.


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