Chapter 118-linda's anger

Lucca pov

"I need to communicate with the patient," Dr. Herlov insisted as he stood outside the isolated ward of the research institute, attempting to enter.

However, he was stopped by the security personnel. Awkwardly, his translator followed along, explaining to the guards that it wasn't her idea but the doctor's insistence to see the patient.

"I've never heard of not being allowed to see a patient before surgery!"

Dr. Herlov exclaimed.

The security guard replied in a rehearsed manner, "You've reviewed the medical records, and other doctors have followed up on the case. There's no need for a private meeting."

I approached the glass wall. I could see the situation outside, but those outside couldn't see me.

The one being blocked by security was likely the lead surgeon, rumored to be brought in from Eastern Europe, a world-renowned expert. He was exceptionally tall, with grey-golden curls and the air of a gentle, composed person.

His facial features also matched those typical of Eastern Europeans—profound, three-dimensional, and eyes as blue as the Moscow sky.

I could tell he was very angry.

"What's going on?" I cracked the door open a bit.

The guard blocked the door, telling me, "Nothing."

I opened the door a little more.

The guard quickly intervened, "The lead surgeon wishes to have a private conversation with you, but we need to seek approval from Lord Lycan..."

"I can make the call right now," I said, picking up my phone.

The guard remained steadfast in his refusal.

I reached out and pushed him.

The guard dared not move erratically and could only block the door with his body. Another guard separated the doctor and the translator, calmly telling them that the patient needed rest.

"I don't need rest!" I shouted loudly, reciting my phone number.

"If there's anything, just call me directly."

The guards couldn't prevent this, so they could only watch as the two of us communicated over the phone through the partially opened door.

Anxiously, I asked, "Are you the new doctor? What happened to Dr. Gloria, who was in charge of my case before? Where did she go after handing over the work to you?"

After a pause, the translator replied, "Dr. Gloria took a sick leave. Dr. Herlov is now responsible for your treatment, and he wishes to communicate some information with you."

"Didn't you have a proper handover? You should have at least met her, right? How does she look? Is she in a bad mood? Does she show any signs of suicidal tendencies?"

Dr. Herlov furrowed his brow, indicating to the translator that he was unsure. All the work handovers were on paper.

I finally calmed down.

They began discussing the details of the surgery.

Late into the night, I lay back on my bed, exhausted.

From the new doctor, I learned that there were still risks associated with the surgery, but they were prepared for any contingencies.

They had done all they could, and the rest was in God's hands.

"God..." I sighed softly. I still preferred to believe in myself.

I heard that Dr. Gloria wasn't in great condition, but she was definitely alive. I wondered if she would show up on the day of the surgery.

Linda's POV

The room was brightly lit. A charity gala was underway, and the atmosphere was lively, but I wasn't particularly thrilled—because I wasn't the center of attention. Everyone's focus was on Luna Nataly, who had just returned to the pack.

Luna Nataly was like an upgraded version of me.

She had a unique sense of aesthetics and exceptional artistic talent. In her youth, she practically owned half of the pack's art museum. The principal musicians of the pack's symphony orchestra performed songs at her birthday party every year.

Her several older brothers all held high-ranking military positions and were extremely low-key, never mingling with the decadent circles of the elite.

Many saw Luna Nataly as a breakthrough, and they all wore flattering smiles when around her. But Luna Nataly had seen through these tactics decades ago.

She remained composed and moved gracefully in that world.

I had this strange sense of crisis—despite being family, I felt like my position had been usurped.

"...Of course, Mrs. Vincent! Our gallery is always open for your visit," I heard the address "Mrs. Vincent" and quickly glanced at the person who had spoken. However, they didn't look at me; instead, they were chatting with Luna Nataly.

Damn it, the former Lycan had passed away twenty years ago.

How long did Nataly intend to keep that surname?

"My dear, you don't look too well," Luna Nataly seemed to sense the gaze, and she walked over to me, pulling a silky shawl tighter around my shoulders.

"Do you want to go back and rest? I can take care of the rest of the affairs."

I mustered a smile.

"No need, I'm not tired."

"Poor child," Luna Nataly sympathetically touched my cheek.

"You're so frail, can't even feed yourself properly, and you worry about East African zebras all day long."

"Not zebras, it's pythons," I picked up a nearby pamphlet and waved it lightly.

Luna Nataly had a realization, "Yes, pythons... You have a bag made entirely of python skin; I almost forgot."

My voice had a hint of sharpness, "I apologize, lunar! This isn't the right time to discuss this!"

I nervously glanced at the members of the animal protection organization before pulling Luna Nataly aside, "Why isn't Vincent here tonight? He said he'd be back!"

"Which Vincent are you referring to?"

"Your son, Vincent," I said, trying to contain my anger.

Nataly remained calm, "I think he might have had some unexpected emergency."

I returned to the gala feeling uneasy. I had no idea what was going on with Vincent. It was the first time I couldn't trace his whereabouts.

His security had always been handled by the David family, but since Luna Nataly's return, she had replaced the driver, bodyguards, and everything else.

Her brothers had used their resources to thoroughly sweep the estate and all private vehicles, planes, yachts, and even satellites.

Yes, Vincent had even switched to a new, more secure satellite for his phone calls.

I suspected that something had gone wrong between my father and Vincent, but I couldn't discern any clues. They still had their tea and discussed business as usual.

I asked a few sisters, and they all thought it was my "divorce anxiety" acting up, advising me not to overthink it.

After the charity gala, I couldn't help but arrange to meet Mary.

I've always disliked this promiscuous sister of mine.

But in matters of men and relationships, she did have unique insights.

Perhaps she could help.

Mary quickly replied and arranged to meet at a run-down old motel. When I walked into the room, my skin was practically crawling.

I angrily said, "You'd better have some useful advice, or I won't forgive you for dragging me to this place!"

Mary was smoking by the window, and she gestured for me to close the door as she exhaled smoke rings.

"Advice? My advice is to divorce and find someone else quickly."

I retorted, "Divorce? No way! Haven't you been hoping for me to give up my Luna status for the past twenty years?"

Mary looked at me with pity, "You need to understand that your Luna status is something that slipped through the cracks, something we don't need."

I froze like a statue. I didn't understand what Mary meant.

She took another slow drag of her cigarette, and her lipstick remained perfect.

"If I really wanted to marry into the Vincent family, would I have been caught fooling around with the servants before the wedding?"

I looked at her in disbelief, backing away step by step. "You... you're just saying this because you can't have him!"

Mary casually shrugged, "Believe what you want."

"You... you hypocritical liar!"

Mary shook her head, a mocking smile playing on her lips.

"Do you know I was Vincent's fiancée for a long time? We spent quite some time together before you married him."

Mary walked over from the window, her footsteps cat-like.

"He's a beautiful idol," Mary said coldly. "At first glance, you'll be enchanted by his looks; as you get to know him better, you'll be blinded by wealth and power. Once you accept the engagement ring he gives you, you'll find out that he's still that idol. And as his fiancée, you're just a footnote in his meticulously planned life, with no real involvement."

This revelation sent shivers down my younger self's spine. There were hardly any divorce precedents in the Vincent family, and my father, David, would never consent to a divorce. Once Mary entered the pack, she would have a lifetime of misery.

So Mary had wrestled with her decision for a long time and eventually found a way to break off the engagement.

"Liar! You're a liar!" I cried out in despair.

"If you didn't covet him, why did you come to the pack every year?"

Mary raised an eyebrow without a trace of guilt. "I do have some regrets about not being able to sleep with him. Since he didn't like you, I thought I might have a chance, so..."

I stormed out, slamming the door behind me.