Chapter 35
“Which formula do you want to release first?” Samuel stepped closer, closing the distance between them.
That familiar and crisp cedar–scented cologne he always wore drifted faintly in the air between them.
“The one targeting lung cancer,” Nadia replied calmly. “I also plan to open the collaboration to any medical institution that meets the criteria.”
Samuel’s brows drew into a deep furrow.
“That’ll spark a flood of people fighting for access. Nadia, this is your life’s work
it’s also Bluebird Technologies‘ core tech. That’s not part of the original plan.”
“Releasing the formula is just the first step. It’s also the bait, and I’m trying to hook the biggest fish,” she said, her tone steady.
“You’re using yourself as bait?” Samuel’s voice dropped, laced with concern and quiet disapproval.
“When I first began developing this formula, it was only to save one person.” Nadia’s eyes softened. “Now, I want it to save many. That’s what being a doctor
means.”
Yes, the person she had originally wanted to save was Callum’s grandfather, Barclay..
It was a year before she married Callum, back when Lola was still alive.
Lola had told her the truth that Barclay had late–stage lung cancer and, at best, a year left to live.
When Callum was just ten, he’d survived a devastating car accident. His father died on the spot, shielding him.
From that point on, his mother’s personality had changed completely. She came to believe he was a curse, and never looked at him the same way again.
At the slightest provocation, she would hit or scold him, and their relationship grew increasingly strained.
Thankfully, Barclay stepped in, shielding him as he grew up. He became Callum’s anchor.
When Callum learned about Barclay’s cancer, he took a leave from school and disappeared for a month.
When he returned to Falveria, he forced himself through three years of coursework in one, earning dual degrees in the process.
Nadia’s very first formula had been designed to treat lung cancer.
When Barclay was near death, Lola went to visit him. The two of them–childhood sweethearts torn apart by family pressure–held each other and wept like
children.
They had loved one another their entire lives, but were never allowed to be together.
In the end, they arranged Nadia and Callum’s engagement, passing their unfinished story to the next generation.
Callum agreed to the marriage, mostly to fulfill Barclay’s final wish.
Then, a year after the wedding, Barclay began to recover.
His lungs healed miraculously. No one, not even Callum, could explain how.
He was so shaken by the miracle that he doubled down on his research into intelligent medicine.
Actually, Nadia had always been secretly treating Barclay. The entire garden behind his house was filled with Lobelia Chinensis, meticulously planted by her hands.
Unfortunately, Lola never lived to witness such a beautiful scene.
The thought of her brought a sudden sting to Nadia’s eyes.
She drew in a deep breath, forcing her emotions back under control.
“If I keep the formula to myself, or use it just for profit, then how am I any different from the Chrisen family?”
Her words struck Samuel like a sledgehammer to the chest.
He stared at her, seeing once again that radiant strength she carried–brilliant, selfless, and unwavering.
“Alright. We’ll do it your way, but the third–phase core data stays restricted to approved collaborators only.”
His voice was soft but full of quiet, protective affection.
“Deal.” Nadia’s lips curved into a faint smile.
“And focus on preparing your keynote for the summit,” he added, his tone laced with warmth.
“Don’t worry. I won’t let you down,” she replied calmly.
Samuel’s gaze lingered–steady, warm, and unwavering. In his heart, she could never let anyone down.
She was nothing less than divine to him.
“Will the Chrisen family be sending anyone to the summit?” Nadia asked.
“Yeah. Their representative is Troy Chrisen,” Samuel said, handing her a document. “He’s a real plece of work and extremely difficult to deal with.”
Nadia took the file, her eyes narrowing slightly as a sharp gleam flickered through them.
“Well, that just makes things more interesting,” she said with a quiet laugh, lips curving into a confident smirk
“Come on, Samuel. Take me to see the lab.”
“Of course.”
