Chapter 31 He Broke His Promise
The next morning.
Sunlight streamed through the massive floor-to-ceiling windows, casting warm light across the soft bedding.
Nicholas opened his eyes.
He sat up, rubbing his temples, his eyes still showing obvious fatigue.
However, when he finished his shower, changed into a perfectly tailored black suit, and descended the spiral staircase to stand in the center of the living room, any lingering sadness had completely vanished.
In its place was his usual commanding presence—sharp gaze, tightened jawline, radiating an aura that warned others to keep their distance.
Confident and powerful, he was once again the controlling CEO of the Harrison Group.
Charlie had been waiting nearby. Seeing him come downstairs, he immediately greeted him respectfully.
"Good morning, Mr. Harrison."
Nicholas nodded slightly in acknowledgment.
He walked directly to the dining table with confident strides.
Casually picking up a glass of milk, he tilted his head back and took two sips.
The cool liquid sliding down his throat seemed to clear his mind considerably.
He set down the glass, his well-defined fingers picking up the spread newspaper, his eyes quickly scanning the front-page financial news in mere seconds.
Then he raised his wrist to check his watch.
It was almost time.
"To the courthouse."
He spoke without warmth, directing the waiting driver.
Charlie stood behind him, and upon hearing this, his Adam's apple bobbed involuntarily.
His lips moved as if he wanted to say something.
But ultimately, he swallowed the words that had reached his lips.
The atmosphere grew tense.
Just then, the sudden vibration of his phone broke the living room's silence.
Nicholas picked up his phone from the dining table, glanced at the caller ID, and answered.
The person on the other end said something.
He only responded briefly, "Understood. I'll be right there."
His voice maintained that same authoritative tone.
He hung up and turned.
His deep gaze fixed on the driver waiting by the door, his voice steady, his command clear and concise.
"To the airport."
Charlie stood in place, his fingers at his sides relaxing slightly.
A sense of inexplicable relief washed over him.
'Thank goodness!'
...
The next day, at nine o'clock sharp, Emma stood at the courthouse steps.
Sunlight filtered through the sparse leaves of the street trees, casting dappled shadows on the ground.
The morning air carried that unique coolness of early summer.
She glanced at the time on her phone screen: 9:05 AM.
Nicholas hadn't arrived yet.
9:30 AM.
Nicholas still hadn't appeared.
Emma pulled out her phone, her fingertip swiping across the screen as she dialed that familiar number.
The phone rang for a long time before being answered. Background noise suggested he was in a car.
"I'm at the courthouse. When are you coming?"
Emma's voice was calm, betraying no emotion.
Silence on the other end for several seconds.
"Something very important came up this morning. Let's reschedule!"
Nicholas's voice came through the receiver, as coldly detached as always.
No explanation, no apology—just a simple notification.
The call ended just like that.
Emma stood there for a moment, then muttered something only she could hear.
"Bastard!"
She turned and walked away quickly, leaving the place that should have witnessed their promise.
Meanwhile, a golden Rolls-Royce was smoothly traveling along the highway toward the international airport.
Nicholas sat in the spacious back seat, his gaze fixed on the city skyline retreating outside the window.
Today, he was going to pick up a guest of extraordinary significance to him—Professor Frank.
His mentor during his medical doctorate studies in Novaria and a titan in the medical field.
More importantly, Nicholas had reason to believe this professor might know the whereabouts of the mysterious Dr. N.
Based on the fragmentary information he currently possessed, Dr. N was very likely someone Professor Frank had personally trained.
If he could secure Dr. N's assistance, the Harrison Group's intelligent medical project would break through existing bottlenecks and enter an entirely new era.
The vehicle arrived at the airport's VIP tarmac.
Nicholas adjusted his suit jacket and stepped out of the car.
Soon after, a private jet slowly touched down.
The cabin door opened, and an elderly man with gray hair but a vigorous spirit and steady gait emerged, supported by family members.
The old man wore well-tailored casual clothing, his face bearing a gentle smile.
He immediately spotted Nicholas waiting there.
"Nicholas."
Professor Frank's voice carried the joy of a long-awaited reunion.
Nicholas stepped forward quickly, embracing the professor in greeting.
"Professor, welcome to Emerald City."
The convoy then drove directly to the Harrison Group headquarters.
The intelligent medical exhibition hall on the top floor was filled with futuristic technology.
Various precision instruments and equipment were quietly displayed, while massive holographic projection screens showed complex human anatomical models.
Nicholas personally guided Professor Frank through the tour.
"Professor, this is the intelligent medical system the Harrison Group has spent three years developing."
He walked to a piece of equipment and demonstrated its operation.
Through high-resolution biological information collection combined with big data analysis models, the system could provide preliminary imaging interpretation and diagnosis for over three hundred common diseases and some rare conditions.
The screen immediately displayed a simulated patient file, alongside a system-generated diagnostic report and treatment recommendations.
"We compared ten thousand cases, and the system's diagnostic results matched the judgments of Associate Professor-level and higher physicians with ninety-three percent accuracy."
Professor Frank leaned closer to the screen, examining it very carefully, nodding occasionally.
"This greatly improves diagnostic efficiency, especially in areas with relatively scarce medical resources, effectively alleviating the pressure of physician shortages."
Nicholas's handsome face lit up with intelligence as he added, "Currently, we're working on miniaturization technology challenges, planning to launch a household micro medical diagnostic system in two months."
"Allowing every family to enjoy convenient, precise health monitoring and preliminary diagnostic services."
Professor Frank turned to look at Nicholas, his eyes full of admiration.
"Nicholas, you've done exceptionally well."
"When you chose to return home for development, I felt regret for you. Now I see your choice was correct."
"This technology is a truly great achievement that can benefit humanity. I'm very proud of you."
Nicholas nodded slightly, accepting Professor Frank's praise.
After the tour, they arrived at the CEO's office with its expansive view.
An assistant brought coffee.
Nicholas picked up his cup, seemingly casually beginning:
"Professor, I've been following some cutting-edge developments in cancer research recently. A single cancer patient can almost destroy an entire family."
"Do you know of a mysterious figure code-named Dr. N? She's achieved tremendous breakthroughs in cancer treatment. Reportedly, her therapy can precisely target cancer, giving patients new hope."
Professor Frank's hand holding his coffee cup paused almost imperceptibly.
He looked up at Nicholas, a flash of complex emotion in his eyes.
"Dr. N?"
Nicholas continued, his tone very sincere:
"If the Harrison Group's intelligent medical system could collaborate deeply with top talent like Dr. N in the cancer field, it would undoubtedly open an entirely new frontier."
"We might even conquer all the world's cancer challenges—the Harrison Group has the financial strength to back such an endeavor."
He carefully observed Professor Frank's changing expression.
Professor Frank set down his coffee cup, his face revealing a meaningful smile.
"Dr. N—I know her!"