Chapter 213: Return to the Original Owner
I tucked the blanket over Lucas's legs.
Lucas's body stiffened for a moment, and his breathing even paused for a beat.
I looked at him with confusion, and he patted my hand, his calm voice carrying warmth, "Go ahead."
So I didn't think much of it and walked onto the stage.
Gale's composed and upright figure emerged from the other side. He wore a crisp dark suit with the family crest pinned to his left chest, his face stern, his bearing dignified yet gentle.
"Thank you all for coming tonight. Today is a special day."
Gale gave a brief opening statement, then raised an elegant box he was holding.
Everyone's attention was drawn to it. He opened the box to reveal a pair of gloves inside.
Among the guests present, those who knew the story turned their heads toward an elegant lady with gray hair.
"These two pairs of gloves were specially crafted sixteen years ago by the famous artisan Heather for Doyle and his most beloved student, the Miracle Surgeon, to thank Doyle for saving her son."
Heather covered her mouth with her hand, tears welling in her eyes, and slowly walked forward as people instinctively made way for her.
Gale signaled James to control the camera, projecting the items in the wooden box onto the large screen so people could see the details clearly.
"These two pairs of white gloves symbolize saving lives, with lifelike patterns of lilies, swords, and branches of the tree of life," Gale explained.
"These gloves aren't just beautiful—their material is both strong and flexible, protecting the wearer while adapting to the shape of their hands. Heather put tremendous thought into this so that Bella who was still a child back then, could still wear these gloves when she grew up."
As Gale finished speaking, Heather nodded emphatically, looking at me with fond and nostalgic eyes.
I gave her an affectionate smile.
Gale changed plans on the spot, inviting Heather onto the stage to put my pair of gloves on me herself.
Heather touched the protruding bone on my left wrist, her eyes sparkling with amusement, "I've always remembered—you have a little mole right here. Bella, you've grown up."
I couldn't help but feel my nose tingle. When Heather raised her hand, I lowered my head, letting her gently stroke the top of my head.
"'Miracle Surgeon' wasn't actually a nickname I gave myself. It was a little joke made by members of the Sorelli family who let me practice on them, teasing me. But the title spread and gradually became my calling card. For a while, I worried I couldn't live up to it because I'm human, not a god." I stood in the center of the stage, looking at everyone as I spoke slowly.
"But Mr. Cunningham told me it wasn't a bad thing." I lifted the other pair of gloves from the box, gloves stained with blood that wouldn't wash out. I smoothed the tiny wrinkles on them, then solemnly returned them to the box and closed the lid.
"Mr. Cunningham said that everyone has different limits and abilities, so the weight our hands can bear is different. Neither good nor bad reputations should affect meonly my abilities can determine how far I can go in the future."
Among today's guests were quite a few of Doyle's friends. Some of their shoulders trembled slightly, others lowered their heads, quietly wiping tears from the corners of their eyes.
"Though Mr. Cunningham has left us, he lives on forever in my memory. I will remember what he said and continue the knowledge he taught me."
Gale stood to the side, his tone gentle yet weighty, "From today on, his will continues through you."
My tone was calm. Under the quiet gaze of everyone present, I brought out several more of Doyle's belongings and displayed them on one side of the stage. Some people spontaneously removed their hats in respect.
"Mr. Cunningham never liked overly emotional scenes. Following his wishes, I didn't hold a public funeral for him. Death isn't the endhe has just embarked on a new journey." I cleared my throat. "So those of you who want to remember him, please don't make the atmosphere too heavy, okay?"
A few good-natured chuckles came from below, and the atmosphere gradually eased.
I paused, then continued, "Mr. Cunningham saved many people throughout his lifesome in high positions, others poor and alone. But he never judged people by their status. In his eyes, there were only good people and bad people, sick people and healthy people."
These few sentences simply conveyed what was most admirable about Doyle.
I looked at the audience below, my expression calm and resolute. "Mr. Cunningham never married or had children. Though I'm not his only student, I'm the only one who inherited all his knowledge and skills. Here, I announce a decision."
"I will establish a medical school in Mr. Cunningham's name, teaching what he passed on to me to more people!"
The banquet hall began to stir with excitement.
Everyone present was no fool and they all understood what it meant for me to open a school carrying Doyle's legacy.
Many eyes already showed obvious longing and determination.
When Gale first proposed holding a homecoming banquet, I had carefully considered how to prove my identity.
But even with solid evidence, people who don't want to believe will always find countless reasons to object. So I figured that proving my identity was just a necessary step, not the ultimate goal.
What Gale needed was to use this identity to create a protective shell for both the family and me.
Ever since learning the true reason for the family's downfall, I often wondered—if the family hadn't had that book, if I hadn't studied medicine, could we have avoided that disaster?
But the root of that catastrophe was Michelle. She had deep entanglements with Nicole, and if she wanted to hurt us, she would use any means necessary.
For the past five years, I didn't want my brothers and me to become vassals of some family, and I still don't want us to be controlled by others in the future.
So opening a school was a good solution. As long as I still have value, they won't kill me.
And whether my right hand is disabled would no longer be their only focus.
Plus, opening a school would benefit the Platinum Haven Hotel, my pharmaceutical company, and factory—it was a win-win situation.
Seeing everyone below getting excited, I knew I'd made the right move.
Gale and Brian exchanged glances with me, gratified smiles flashing in their eyes.
"Are you planning to recruit students publicly? What are the requirements?"
"What kind of students do you want? My son is eight years old—can he study with you?"
"How big will the school be? How many student spots are there?"
People couldn't help but ask.
"The admission requirements are no gender restrictions, children aged eight to twelve, with some flexibility for exceptionally talented ones." I surveyed the room, saying calmly, "I'll hold selection exams, and the specific rules will be officially announced in three days."
Despite what I said, some people still asked persistently.
Then Lucas spoke up loudly, "I'll invest ten million dollars in your school to help you build the academy."
Once he spoke, others snapped out of it and competed to become shareholders in my academy.
Their enthusiasm gave me a headache. Lucas suddenly stood up, placing the blanket on his wheelchair, now holding an elegant velvet gift box.
Then he strode onto the stage, his face still showing a hint of pallor, but his eyes focused and bright.
Ignoring everyone else's gazes, he walked straight up to me, his voice low and pleasant, "Congratulations on your return. This necklace should be returned to its rightful owner."
He opened the box, revealing a dazzling sapphire necklace inside.
It was the very one that had been taken by Amelia.