Unfortunately, during that last house call, she had nearly been discovered. Forced to flee, Riley had only managed to suppress the virus temporarily. She never found a complete cure for the K3 virus.
It was the one regret she had carried for years.
Riley pulled herself out of her thoughts and contacted the forum administrator, setting a time to meet.
The medical forum had been established for sixty-one years. It was an authority in the field, gathering renowned researchers from around the world. Doctors and scholars exchanged ideas there, learning and debating within the same space. Anyone in the medical field could register, and accounts were ranked across twelve levels—the higher the level, the greater one's standing.
Lowering her gaze, Riley skimmed through the latest research posts. Finding nothing she needed, she closed the page and slipped out of the wardrobe.
Meanwhile, at Sterling Corp—
In the office, Adrian sat across from a young man of similar age. The man had tousled gray hair and a striking, mischievous face, a bold grin playing on his lips.
"Bro, how's your new wife?" Zachary Gale leaned forward, eyes gleaming. "Have you two… you know… ahem?"
Adrian glanced at him coolly, clearly not interested.
"If you're that eager, you can ask your father to arrange someone for you."
"No, no, I'm not in a hurry." Zachary waved his hands quickly, grinning.
What a joke. He had sworn to be the most eligible bachelor in the capital. There was no way he'd throw that away and get married so young.
He was just about to continue digging for gossip when a knock interrupted him.
Derek stepped in. "Sir, the doctor who accepted the case on the medical forum has set a time. The day after tomorrow at eleven a.m. The location is Imperial Bar in Infinity Plaza."
Zachary blinked. "Why would someone treat a patient in a bar? That's… weird. Can we see their account?"
Derek shook his head. "Their profile is hidden. There's nothing to see."
Zachary frowned. "So… are we going?"
"We're going," Adrian said without hesitation.
"But even if we go, there's no guarantee this is the person who saved you three years ago," Zachary said, his tone turning serious. "And even if it is, there's no guarantee she can cure the virus in you…"
He paused, then added, "I heard Lucas is returning to the country. Why not let him take over? At least he's more reliable than some random person online."
Lucas Chase came from a prestigious medical family. He had studied abroad for years and held a strong reputation on the medical forum. In Lumut, he was considered a rare medical prodigy.
Zachary believed his chances were far better.
Adrian fell silent for a few seconds. Something flickered in his deep, unreadable eyes.
"There's no time."
His voice was calm, but firm.
"I don't know when the next flare-up will happen. Whether it's her or not, I have to try. Lucas doesn't know my condition. Starting from scratch would take longer."
Three years ago, Adrian had been set up and forced into a car accident. He survived—but during surgery, someone had tampered with his treatment.
That was when he was infected with the K3 virus.
For years, the doctors treating him had been helpless against it. They had even warned him—
If it flared up again, there was no guarantee he would wake up.
And the predicted cycle…
There was only one month left.
Adrian's gaze darkened.
I still had too many things left undone.
My parents' deaths had not been avenged.
The people responsible had not been punished. I refused to die like this.
So no matter what.
I had to find that woman from three years ago.