Michael furrowed his brow slightly, breaking the silence. "Don't freak out just yet. Get in touch with the patient's family, explain what's going on.and set up some more tests."

Wendy nodded and headed towards the patient rooms.

In the evening, post-surgery patients were scattered along the hallway,getting some fresh air.

Oliver was half-leaning against the headboard. As Wendy walked into the ward, she immediately noticed the eager and expectant look in Oliver's eyes,and her heart felt heavy.

It reminded her of when she first got her liver cancer diagnosis.

She knew all too well the feeling of being swallowed by fear.

Before she could speak. Oliver asked anxiously, "Dr. Knight,are the X-ray results in yet?"'

Wendy found it hard to respond.

"Not good news?" Oliver's face grew more tense.

Wendy instinctively nodded.

"Are you sure?" A shadow fell over Oliver's weathered face, making it hard to meet his gaze.

"Don't worry too much yet. We need the pathology results to make a definitive diagnosis," Wendy said, trying to keep her voice steady. "You should come back tomorrow for a tumor marker test."

Without waiting for Oliver's response, she quickly left the room.

Back in her office, she habitually practiced tying surgical knots to relieve her bad mood.

She fixed a piece of string to the metal latch of a drawer, holding both ends in her hands.

Wendy's fingers moved deftly, repeating the same motions over and over.

Her fingers were long and strong, her nails trimmed short and clean. The way she tied the knots was light and skillful, showing the finesse of a seasoned professional.

For years, whenever she was upset, she would tie surgical knots.

It helped clear her mind of chaotic thoughts.

Finally, it was time to leave work. As she walked through the hospital garden, she heard a familiar voice.

Looking towards the sound, she saw Sarah crouched in front of Chris,holding a beautifully wrapped box of pastries.

"Mr. Turner, I made these just for you. Please try them," Sarah said,trying to push the box into Chris' hands, her eyes full of anticipation.

Chris, sitting in his wheelchair, couldn't avoid her actions due to his blindness.

His brow furrowed slightly, maintaining a polite smile, but his tone showed a hint of impatience. "Ms. Collins, there's no need. I don't really like sweets."

Sarah, however,seemed not to hear him and persisted, moving closer. "Mr.

Turner, these aren't just any sweets. I made them myself, and they're delicious. Just try one, you'll love it."

She tried to place the pastryin his hand.

Chris' face showed a flash of annoyance, but his good manners kept him from showing it.

He responded coolly. "Ms. Collins, I have things to do. Pease,excuse yourself."

Sarah, however, was relentless. Her eyes darted around before she started again, "Mr. Turner, I apologize for my behavior last time. If you don't accept these pastries, it means you haven't forgiven me."

Chris was at his wvit's end but didn't want to cause a scene. He didn't signal his bodyguard to remove her.

He tried once more to refuse, "Ms. Colins, I appreciate the gesture, but really,you should focus on your work."

Wendy watched from a distance, feeling both amused by Chris'predicament and a bit sympathetic.

Seeing Sarah's persistence,she felt a surge of irritation.

She cleared her throat and walked over, breaking the awkward tension.

Sarah stiffened at the sound of Wendy's cough.

Turning around, she saw Wendy and her expression changed. a sneer forming on her lips. "Why do I keep running into you?"

Wendy looked at her coolly, her gaze iey. "Yeah, I saw someone causing trouble and thought I'd check it out,"

Her words were blunt, and everyone understood her meaning.

Chris couldn't help but laugh.

Sarah's face flushed with anger. She snapped. "Wendy, who are you accusing of causing trouble?"

Wendy raised an eyebrow. "Isn't it obvious?"

Sarah was left speechless, glaring at Wendy with gritted teeth."You! I can't even be bothered to argue with you."

She turned back to Chris, her expression softening again. "Mr. Turner,please try the pastries. If you like them, I'll make more for you."

Chris couldn't take Sarah's pestering any longer. "Sarah, if you have nothing else, please leave. I need to talk to Wendy."

Sarah wanted to argue, but the bodyguard stepped forward, blocking her path. "Ms. Collins, Mr. Turner asked you to leave."

Sarah shot Wendy a venomous look, stomped her foot, and ran off.

As she disappeared from view, Sarah's face twisted with rage and jealousy.

She threw the pastry box into a nearby trash can, the box breaking apart and the pastries scattering.

She muttered angrily, "Wendy, you always ruin my plans. Just waitand see!"

She cursed Wendy in her mind, thinking Wendy was trying to win over Alexander by cozying up to Chris.

She belleved she was far superior to Wendy in every way.

Her family, the Collins, was well-respected in the city. She was considered a beauty since childhood.

And unlike Wendy, she was still single, not a divorced woman.

She was determined to use her connection with Chris to meet Alexander and make him fall for her, putting Wendy in her place.

Wendy couldn't help but laugh when she saw the look of pure relief on Chris' face, like he had finally shaken off a big problem.

After chatting for a while, Wendy said goodbye and left.

Targeted therapy only required weekly sessions, and today she had an early shift. She wanted to go home and rest.

Wendy grabbed a quick bowl of pasta at a nearby restaurant before catching the bus home.

The winter sun set early, and by the time Wendy got off the bus,it was already dark.'

The Knight Villa area was sparsely populated, with dim streetlights and the occasional dog barking, making it eerily quiet.

Wendy pulled her coat tighter and walked home.

As fear crept up her spine, she recognized a sharp, pungent smell.

As a doctor,she knew exactly what it was.

Ether.

Ether was used as an inhalation anesthetic in clinical settings,and in sufficient doses, it could render a person unconscious almost instantly.