She Was the Treasure All Along novel Chapter 213

He led her to a deserted corner, his voice low and furious. “A week before you arrived, they were here to upgrade that very system. The military paid them a hundred million for it. And before that, this machine has been ‘maintained and upgraded’ seventeen times.”

From another perspective, Gavin was openly fleecing the nation’s taxpayers.

“Still, Gavin’s family is undeniably skilled with this kind of technology,” Loyce noted. “Integrating so many complex medical functions into one all-purpose machine is impressive. It’s no surprise they’re a bit arrogant with an exclusive patent.”

Seeing her calm and collected demeanor, Lucian suddenly asked, “Could you build one?”

Loyce paused, then looked at him with a slight smile. “If you can get me one to take apart.”

The matter was too significant for even Lucian to promise lightly. He was momentarily speechless.

“Then just consider it a joke,” Loyce said lightly.

Lucian led her into his office and took a hospital accreditation certificate from a drawer, placing it in front of her. “It’s done.”

“That was fast,” Loyce said, an eyebrow raised as she looked at him. “I take back what I just said.”

Lucian leaned back in his chair. “Which part?”

“I wasn’t joking,” Loyce stated. “If I can take it apart, I can find a solution.”

A slow smile spread across Lucian’s lips. “I know.”

That evening, the naval unit threw a barbecue party on the open ground outside the mess hall. Only a handful of people in the navy knew of Lucian’s return, and his appearance at the drill had been a massive morale boost for the troops. Everyone was eager to see him.

When Lucian and Loyce walked onto the grounds together, the noisy crowd fell silent for a beat before erupting into thunderous cheers.

“Admiral!”

The soldiers dropped their skewers and beers, snapping to attention and saluting in unison. A few of the younger sailors even had tears welling up in their eyes.

Lucian returned a crisp salute, his eyes sweeping over each familiar face. “At ease. Tonight, there are no ranks, only comrades.”

His words immediately ignited the atmosphere. A burly Marine laughed and rushed forward to give Lucian a bear hug but stopped short when he saw Loyce, scratching his head with a sheepish grin.

Lucian smiled faintly. “Don’t stand on ceremony. Tonight, anyone who burns the barbecue gets extra drills.”

Caden tried to wheedle more information out of Loyce, but got nothing. As he turned to leave, the smile on his face instantly vanished, replaced by a grim expression.

His subordinate sidled up to him. “How did it go?”

“That girl isn’t his girlfriend,” Caden said coldly. “She’s probably just someone Lucian brought along to show everyone he’s fully recovered, a way to protect his rank and authority.”

The subordinate’s eyes darted around. “So the Commander-in-Chief must believe him. The command for the oil field conflict probably won’t be transferred easily, unless we can get more solid evidence.”

While feigning a smile and chatting with his men, Caden kept an eye on Lucian and quickly noticed something was off.

Throughout the barbecue, Lucian hadn't touched a drop of alcohol and was carefully controlling what he ate. Though he handled himself with ease, he was deliberately avoiding things that might be harmful to his health.

“We need more definitive proof,” Caden muttered.

His loyal subordinate leaned in. “Recently, Lucian’s men have been secretly investigating Gavin. Also, the vice mayor of Metropia hasn’t been seen in public for a while. The military received a protection request from him, but the reason is unknown. Do you think there’s a connection? Could we use this?”

Caden thought for a moment, then a smile spread across his lips. He clapped his subordinate on the shoulder appreciatively. “If I can secure that command, your promotion won’t be far behind.”