The Ex-Con Who Conquered the World novel Chapter 53

Nina couldn't possibly be interested in that guy...

The thought made Janet's heart race with anxiety.

Having finished her meal, Nina made some casual conversation before preparing to leave.

Just then, her phone vibrated with a notification.

She glanced at the screen, and her expression shifted instantly—her eyes clouded with visible worry.

Noticing her change, Stefan spoke up, "Nina, if you need to go, we can head out now."

Nina replied almost absently, "Okay. A close friend of mine in River City has taken a sudden turn for the worse.

"She was hospitalized after collapsing unexpectedly a month ago, and no specialist has been able to diagnose her clearly. Now her condition is deteriorating rapidly... I'm really worried."

Then, as if struck by a thought, she turned urgently to Stefan. "Stefan, you have medical training, don't you? Would you come with me to the hospital to see her?"

Stefan had no pressing plans, so, after a moment's consideration, he nodded. "Alright, let's go take a look."

"Thank you so much, Stefan! Let's leave now."

They walked out of the private room together.

Outside, Ethan was waiting respectfully. As Nina appeared, he stepped forward and offered a sleek card. "Ms. Reed, here is the Drizzlewood Retreat's Gold Card."

Nina took it and handed it directly to Stefan. "Please keep this, Stefan. It's a Gold Card for Drizzlewood Retreat—you can use it at any of our locations nationwide. Just present it when you visit."

"I'll accept it gratefully, then."

Stefan smiled warmly and tucked the card into his pocket without further ceremony.

Ethan bowed slightly. "Safe travels, Ms. Reed."

His eyes lingered discreetly on Stefan as they left. Mentally, Ethan noted his significance.

Anyone whom Nina treated with such respect and entrusted with a Gold Card was clearly someone to remember.

His wife, Eleanor Wilson, looked toward Nina, her voice trembling. "Nina, the doctors say she... she may not have much time left."

Nina's heart sank, but she stepped forward reassuringly. "Please, don't lose hope. Rebecca is strong—I believe she can pull through this."

Three other figures were also present in the room.

Among them, Stefan noticed an elderly man—the renowned traditional healer, Valka, whom he had met days earlier during Sara's treatment.

Valka met Stefan's gaze and gave a slight, respectful nod in acknowledgment.

A man in a white coat—around sixty, with an air of authority—spoke next. He was Bruce Jones, the hospital director. "Governor Myers, your daughter's situation is critical. If we are to operate, it must be now. Any delay could risk her chances entirely. Once that happens, even if you are the city governor, there will be nothing you can do."

Stefan instinctively glanced toward the dignified middle-aged man. He hadn't realized this was Nicolas, the governor of River City.

Nicolas frowned, his tone cautious. "Dr. Bruce, we still haven't identified the root cause of her illness. Wouldn't surgery at this stage carry significant risk?"

Bruce gestured confidently toward a middle-aged surgeon beside him. "With Dr. Killian Wayne leading the procedure, I assure you the risks are minimal. Dr. Wayne is one of the top cardiac surgeons in the state—highly respected across Marevia. His presence here today is fortunate timing—he's visiting for an academic exchange."