Chapter 474
Three empty beer bottles lay toppled on the coffee table. Richard Linton clutched a half-empty bottle, his knuckles white.
"I'm a pathetic father." His voice cracked as he pounded his chest.
Margaret Linton silently pried the bottle from his grip, her fingers trembling.
The clock struck ten. A sudden chime shattered the silence.
"Ding—"
Margaret fumbled for her phone with shaking hands. The next moment, she clung to her husband, laughter mingling with tears.
"What's going on?" Richard slurred, bleary-eyed from both alcohol and her frantic shaking.
"The Starlight Initiative! It's a response from the Starlight Initiative!" She wiped her glasses repeatedly, afraid her eyes deceived her.
The signature at the end of the message pierced their hearts like a blade.
"Melanie can be saved..."
Years of suppressed sobs erupted in the dead of night. In her bedroom, Melanie Linton stared blankly at the ceiling, listening to her parents' weeping. A numb smile tugged at her lips.
Two days later.
The high-speed train raced north. The Lintons clasped hands, hope radiating from their faces.
"How much longer?" Margaret asked for the tenth time.
"Soon." Richard patted her hand reassuringly.
At A City Medical Center, Evelyn Roland's lab coat was immaculate. Sebastian Valdemar stood beside her, his presence commanding. The Linton family huddled on their chairs like misplaced ducklings among swans.
After brief pleasantries, Evelyn flipped open the medical file. "We'll need more detailed treatment records."
Margaret's teacup trembled, sending ripples across the surface.
"No need for hesitation." Evelyn tapped the desk lightly. "Doctor-patient confidentiality is fundamental."
"It's not that..." Richard wiped sweat from his brow.
"Have some tea first." Evelyn slid a strawberry cake toward Melanie, her gaze briefly skimming the girl's pallid face.