**Paths Lead To Purpose — Kevin Masters**
**Chapter 3: Assistance**
Connor had always possessed an intimate understanding of Ophelia, perhaps more than anyone else in Dunhollow. As he stood in the VIP ward, a shadow of concern crossed his face, and his voice rose with a sharp edge that cut through the tension in the air. “I dare anyone to try and throw Ophelia out. Zachary is my comrade-in-arms. Don’t I have the right to request a doctor I trust to treat him?”
The atmosphere in the VIP ward shifted abruptly; it felt as though time had stopped. This was a sanctuary reserved for the most powerful and influential individuals in Dunhollow, and Connor was not just any patient—he had been a resident here for nearly a year, a decorated general with a wall full of accolades.
Everyone in the room was well aware of his reputation, and nobody dared to dismiss him lightly.
However, Aaron, a newcomer to the hospital, stood oblivious to the gravity of the situation. He frowned, irritation flickering across his features as he retorted, “And who exactly are you? You’re just a patient here, not a doctor. Stop meddling in our work. If something goes wrong, will you take responsibility for it?”
The nearby medical staff paled visibly, their eyes widening in shock. One nurse, her voice barely above a whisper, tugged at Aaron’s sleeve with urgency. “Dr. Vossen,” she breathed anxiously, “that’s Connor, the former head of the Blackwell family. He’s one of our top VIPs.”
In Dunhollow, the name Blackwell was synonymous with power, a lineage celebrated for its war heroes and influential politicians.
Even someone as arrogant as Aaron felt a knot form in his throat.
‘Wait, this old guy is actually Mr. Blackwell?’ Aaron thought, his mind racing. ‘And he trusts Ophelia? How is that even possible?’
A bitter thought crossed his mind. She hasn’t even graduated from college. How could she possibly possess the skills to save anyone’s life?
With a forced laugh that dripped with disbelief, he scoffed, “That’s absurd. No matter who he is, you can’t let some college student treat Ma. Caldwell.”
Connor’s expression darkened, his voice steady and firm. “When I was on the brink of death, not a single doctor in this hospital would dare touch me. Ophelia performed a ten-hour surgery all by herself—and she saved my life. You, fresh out of your PhD program, think you can question her abilities?”
“Come on, that’s impossible. I was the one who apprenticed under Professor Langston,” Aaron shot back defensively.
“Since then, you’ve hardly kept up with medicine, so how could you possibly have operated on Mr. Blackwell? That’s just ludicrous.” The disbelief in his voice was palpable; he was convinced they were mistaken.
Ophelia couldn’t help but let out a soft, mocking laugh, the sound cutting through the tension like a knife. “Dr. Vossen, do you know why Professor Langston chose you back then? It was because I turned him down and recommended you instead.”
She paused, allowing her words to sink in. “I stopped studying under others simply because I had no need to. There are hardly any qualified individuals left, whether here or abroad, who could teach me anything new.”
Ophelia had never spoken with such boldness before, but she understood her family’s nature all too well. If the Vossen family ever discovered her true capabilities, they would exploit her without a second thought.
Now that she had broken free from their grasp, she felt liberated to reveal her true self.
Aaron’s face flushed with indignation, as if he had been struck by a bolt of lightning. “Don’t spout nonsense. Professor Langston is the leading specialist in cardiovascular and neuro medicine. You think he would have wanted you as a student? Please.”
Ophelia raised an eyebrow, a smirk playing at the corners of her lips. “If you knew I was the one who declined, just think about how humiliating that would be for you. But it’s the truth. You’re welcome to call Professor Langston right now if you doubt me.”
With a decisive step, she moved past him toward Zachary’s bedside, her focus unwavering. “But today, you’ll witness my work firsthand. Maybe afterward, you’ll consider studying under me. After all, Professor Langston has already taught you everything he could.”


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