?Chapter 543:


    Lance wasn’t convinced for a second. He gave a lowugh. “Did you spot a w?”


    Elliana’s lips curled into a sly grin. “That old man’s beard is nothing but glue and string.”


    Startled, both Lance and Jeff spun toward “Milena.” Despite their scrutiny, the beard seemed wless from where they stood.


    “How could you tell? What gave it away?” Jeff asked.


    A sharp re was Elliana’s answer. “I paid attention. You might try it sometime.”


    The jabnded hard. Jeff’s face tightened, his annoyance clear. Lance kept his mouth shut rather than risk bing Elliana’s next target.


    Meanwhile, “Milena” was escorted to the seat of honor, soaking up the attention that filled the banquet hall.


    At Murray’s introduction, the president of Ublento Medical University quickly struck up a conversation with “Milena.”


    With Trinity standing beside “Milena” and beaming with pride, she easily became the center of the evening’s celebration.


    “Milena” didn’t hold back. “From the very beginning, I could tell Trinity was extraordinary. I’m proud to ept her as my protégé, and I intend to involve her in my research. She’s got the makings of a star in medicine—her potential is truly boundless.”


    Envy rippled through the crowd, all eyes drawn to Trinity.


    The university president chimed in with enthusiasm, “Your choice says everything about her abilities. She stands as a shining example for us all and brings honor to our university and the medical field alike!” Joy was written all over Norwood and Joslyn, their grins impossibly wide. Bonnie, not to be outdone, shed a sweet and almostical smile.


    Once the initial round of pleasantries was over, attention shifted to the ceremony marking Trinity’s apprenticeship.


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    A hush fell over the room as guests instinctively parted, creating space in the heart of the hall.


    Trinity walked forward, her expressionposed and serious. She bowed before “Milena” in solemn deference, eyes unwavering. Then, she lit up with genuine excitement. “Bing your protégé is an incredible privilege. I hope you’ll teach me everything you know.”


    Just as “Milena” prepared to offer a few courteous words, a piercing cry tore through the hall. “Dr. Atkinson, you have to help my son!”


    Startled, every head in the hall swiveled toward the source of the sound. A man stormed inside, panic evident in every gesture. He dropped to his knees before “Milena,” desperate. “Please, Dr. Atkinson, my boy needs you—save him!”


    Foley Fairclough was his name. Hardly had he spoken when a team of medics rushed in, pushing a hospital bed through the crowd. There, on the stretcher, Jarvis Fairclough, Foley’s son,y motionless, eyes closed, barely clinging to life.


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