Chapter 5 Looking For His Savior

In academic circles, it was common knowledge that Hugh, the esteemed president of Kheley University, now wielded significant influence within the Ministry of Education. As the university's founder, he remained closely tied to its operations, despite his heavy national responsibilities.

Access to him was notoriously difficult-his time was coveted, his decisions respected, and his standards uncompromising.

And yet, here sat Yelena, calmly claiming not just familiarity with such a man, but asserting that he had personally reached out to her.

The assertion defied belief.

Bella's composed mask cracked slightly as her frown deepened, skepticism darkening her expression.

She couldn't fathom how Yelena, of all people, could have caught the attention of someone as influential as Hugh. The very idea was simply laughable. Yelena? Corresponding with someone of his stature? Being invited to Kheley University directly?

The thought was utterly preposterous.

This girl was clearly delusional.

Bella was convinced that Yelena's story was nothing more than an elaborate fabrication-still, Bella chose not to confront Yelena outright. Instead, she decided to bide her time.

If Yelena's claims were false-and Bella was certain they were-the truth would reveal itself soon enough.

After dinner, Callum reached into his jacket and produced a gleaming black credit card-a symbol of boundless wealth and privilege. Without a second thought, he extended it toward Yelena. "Yelena, this card has no spending limit. Use it for anything you need or desire."

Donna's face lit up with a warm, encouraging smile. "Yes, Yelena, go ahead and spoil yourself. Don't hesitate to get whatever catches your eye." She paused briefly, her tone taking on an air of anticipation. "Also, we'll be hosting a formal, grand banquet for you soon. It's time to properly introduce you to our circle."

Bella froze, her eyes widening as the words sank in. A black credit card with no limit?

He had never so much as mentioned it to her before and now, without a moment's hesitation, he had handed one to Yelena.

And a grand banquet to introduce Yelena to the world? The meaning was unmistakable. The event would cement Yelena's status as the Harris family's biological daughter, their true heiress. Bella, on the other hand, would be exposed for what she was-an adopted outsider, a placeholder.

Her nails dug into her palms as she bit down on her lip to maintain composure, the sharp sting grounding her simmering rage.

It was clear to Bella that she had to find a way to drive Yelena out. Otherwise, there soon would be no place for her in the Harris family.

......

Meanwhile, in a private hospital in Eighfast.

Austin lay motionless against the stark white sheets of the hospital bed, his angular features etched with quiet intensity. Sunlight streamed through the window, casting fractured golden patterns across his face, softening the steel-like resolve in his expression.

Even in repose, there was an undeniable authority about him-an unyielding tension in his jaw and the unspoken command reflected in his gaze.

"Sir, our team has conducted extensive searches in the surrounding areas," Domenic Murphy, Austin's ever-loyal assistant, reported. "But so far, we've been unable to locate the young woman you described."

"I see. Continue the search." Austin's eyes remained fixed on the view outside, his voice steady and resolute.

The woman had saved his life, pulling him back from the brink of death. But gratitude alone wasn't driving him. There were unanswered questions-puzzling and urgent-that demanded resolution.

"Understood, sir! I've also deployed a team to investigate the men in black. Early findings suggest that your activities here in Eighfast were compromised. This led directly to the ambush. There is a possibility that your uncle..." Domenic stopped abruptly as Austin raised a hand, cutting him off with an imperious gesture.

"I'm already aware," Austin said curtly, his tone leaving no room for argument. "For now, prioritize locating Yancy. Time is of the essence."

"Yes, sir. I will see to it that it gets done soon," Domenic replied, bowing slightly before exiting the room with silent efficiency.

Austin's gaze remained on the horizon, his mind racing. As a son of the powerful Barton family in Kheley, he had ventured to Eighfast with a singular purpose: to find the mysterious doctor Yancy, the person central to his mission.

Two years earlier, Austin had been stricken with a lethal poison, one so rare that even the most renowned medical experts were left confounded.

Conventional treatments had failed him, and Austin had been left with a grim prognosis-his time was running out. Rumors swirled of an mysterious doctor named Yancy, reputed to hold the knowledge needed to counteract such toxins. With hope as his only guide, Austin had journeyed to Eighfast in pursuit of this elusive savior, but fate had intervened in a way he hadn't foreseen.

An ambush nearly claimed his life, and his mission might have ended there had it not been for a young woman who appeared seemingly out of nowhere.

Now, as the days slipped away, Austin's resolve hardened. The toxin lay dormant for now, but its threat loomed.

At that moment, the door to his hospital room swung open, and Jarrod Robinson, Austin's attending physician, strode in.

A set of medical reports rested in his hands, and a flicker of restrained excitement lit his face.

"Mr. Barton, I have good news! The toxin levels in your system have markedly decreased since our last evaluation."

Jarrod had been Austin's private physician since the onset of his illness, a prodigy in the medical field renowned for solving complex cases.

Yet, even he had been powerless against the mystery of Austin's poisoning.

Austin's eyes narrowed in disbelief as he sat up abruptly. "Are you certain?"

"Absolutely!" Jarrod handed him the latest report, his tone barely containing his curiosity. "This is remarkable progress. Where were you treated? Could you share that information with me?"

The sudden improvement in his condition was both baffling and thrilling.

"I received no formal treatment," Austin said, his voice steady but charged with an undercurrent of urgency. "During the ambush, a young woman saved me. She then handed me a pill and claimed it would be of help."

The memory was etched deeply in his mind.

From the moment he had taken the pill, a remarkable warmth had spread through his body, reigniting his vitality in a way that defied explanation. He had no doubt-the pill had been the turning point in his survival, and the woman who provided it was the key.

Thus it was imperative to find her.

"Whoever she is, her knowledge goes beyond anything I've encountered-it could revolutionize treatment for cases like yours." Jarrod's eyes gleamed with curiosity.

.....

Meanwhile, Yelena sneezed involuntarily, a strange sense of unease settling over her.

She had already made the call to Hugh, confirming her decision to enroll at Kheley University.

Hugh had been persistent in his efforts to recruit her, citing an ongoing research project he believed would benefit from her unique talents.

Yelena, fiercely independent by nature, had hesitated initially.

But her parents' enthusiasm for the idea of her going back to school had swayed her. Complying with their wishes felt like a small price to pay for their happiness.

With her decision made, she decided to visit the mall.

Though her parents had gifted her an impressive collection of designer clothing, most of the pieces were far too extravagant for her everyday needs as a student. She wanted something simpler, more practical, yet elegant enough to suit her style.

Taking advantage of the family's current busyness, Yelena set off alone, heading to the Supreme Plaza, Eighfast's premier shopping destination.

Located in the bustling heart of downtown, the Supreme Plaza was a hive of activity, alive with the hum of conversation and the occasional laughter of enthusiastic shoppers.

Its fifth floor, dedicated to high-end fashion, boasted boutiques carrying the most coveted international brands.

Yelena stepped off the elevator and made her way to Moda Style, one of the most talked-about boutiques on the floor.

Moda Style, though a relatively new name in the fashion world, had already made waves globally.

Its innovative designs had earned it a reputation as a trendsetter, catering to the elite-socialites, celebrities, and rich kids alike.

Owning a Moda Style creation was more than a fashion statement; it was a symbol of exclusivity and status.

Yelena entered the boutique and gravitated toward the new arrivals section.

As she thumbed through the garments, two familiar figures stepped into the boutique.