Chapter 291

Chapter 291

Seeing her agree, Parker immediately cheered, made a victory gesture, and bounced out of the lab.

Elaine watched his excited figure and shook her head helplessly.

The entire morning, Elaine was absorbed in her experiments.

It wasn't until the lunch break bell rang that she snapped out of her focused work state.

Just as she changed into casual clothes, her phone vibrated.

The name on the screen made her heart skip a beat—Bradley.

She walked to the balcony outside the break room, answered the call, her voice carrying a hint of anticipation she herself hadn't noticed: "Hello?"

Bradley's voice came through the receiver, "Are you working? Am I interrupting?"

"No, just on lunch break."

She leaned against the railing, looking at the pedestrians coming and going below, "What's up?"

"After this period of investigation, all the core members of that organization have been taken into custody."

"That fast?"

Elaine's voice was full of shock.

She knew Bradley had been secretly investigating that organization, and she had provided quite a few clues left by Kathy, but she didn't expect progress to be this quick.

"Yes."

Bradley confirmed, "The human trafficking this organization was involved in had already caught the attention of various countries. The evidence we provided was the last straw that broke them."

Elaine took a deep breath, trying to digest this sudden good news.

"Then..."

Her voice trembled slightly, "In that organization's files, was there anything about my mother..."

She didn't finish her sentence, but Bradley understood what she wanted to ask.

There was silence on the other end for a few seconds.

After a long while, Bradley's voice came again: "I'm sorry, Elaine. We tried, but we still didn't find any records about Dr. Harris's whereabouts."

Elaine's heart sank.

No direct news, but no bad news either.

Kathy might have escaped, might still be alive...

"Elaine, are you still listening?"

Bradley's voice carried concern.

"Although we haven't found Dr. Harris's specific whereabouts yet, at least we can be sure that organization can never hurt you or Dr. Harris again."

Bradley said gently.

Elaine nodded, then hung up the phone and stood on the balcony for a long time without moving.

The news of the organization's downfall made her feel both relieved and disappointed.

But deep in her heart, one belief grew stronger—

Kathy must still be alive.

Night fell.

Elaine sat in Parker's car, watching the rapidly retreating street scenes outside the window, feeling both anticipation and some nervousness.

The car finally stopped by a coastline.

Elaine got out, and the sea breeze immediately hit her face, carrying a salty scent.

The coastline under the night sky, reflected by the distant city lights, appeared peaceful and beautiful.

"This way, this way!"

Parker excitedly pulled her sleeve, walking along the wooden boardwalk toward the beach.

Elaine noticed that this boardwalk, which should normally have quite a few people strolling, was unusually quiet tonight, with only the distant sound of waves gently lapping against the shore.

Reaching the end of the boardwalk, Parker suddenly stopped, turned to face Elaine, and showed a bright smile.

"Okay, this is it! Just keep walking forward!"

Elaine nodded and walked forward as instructed.

Turning past a sand dune, the view suddenly opened up.

On the beach, warm yellow string lights formed a winding path that extended all the way to the seaside.

At the end of the path was an arch decorated with fresh flowers.

And standing under the arch waiting was Bradley.

He wore a simple white shirt, looking tall and gentle in the sea breeze.

Seeing Elaine appear, a warm smile spread across his face.

Elaine stood still, forgetting to breathe for a moment.

The sea breeze blew her hair, and in the swaying light and shadow, the entire scene was beautiful like a dream.

"Elaine."

Bradley softly called her name, extending his hand to her, "Come here, will you?"

Elaine took a deep breath and walked toward him step by step along that path of lights.

With each step, her heartbeat quickened.

Finally, she stopped in front of Bradley and looked up at him.

"Elaine."

Bradley began, his voice particularly clear in the sea breeze, "I know that during this time, I've caused you a lot of trouble. I also know you've rejected me many times."

He paused, his gaze sincere: "But tonight, I still need to say these words. This might be my last time formally expressing my feelings to you."

Elaine quietly looked at him, waiting for him to continue.

"From the first time I saw you, at that conference, the way you focused on explaining vaccine principles was deeply imprinted in my mind."

"Later, learning about your experiences, watching you stand up from difficulties time and again, I became more and more certain—"

"Elaine, I love you."

The sea breeze seemed to become gentler at this moment.

"It's not an impulse, it's a decision to want to spend the rest of my life with you after seriously considering all practical factors."

He took a small step forward, getting closer to her.

"Elaine, give me a chance to stand by your side openly and honestly."

Bradley's voice trembled slightly, this was the first time he had shown his feelings so unreservedly.

"If... if you still think it won't work, I respect your choice. From now on, I'll step back to being a friend, only silently protecting you from the shadows. I won't put any pressure on you."

His gaze was so sincere, so intense, as if it could melt her completely.

Those emotions frozen because of Arthur had somehow quietly melted in Bradley's gentle gaze.

She knew her own heart.

This time, she didn't want to run away or refuse anymore.

Elaine took a deep breath, her eyes slightly moist.

She gently nodded, her voice small but incredibly firm: "Okay."

One word, simple, yet heavy as a thousand pounds.

A genuine smile bloomed on her face, "I'm willing to be with you."

As soon as she finished speaking, cheers suddenly erupted nearby!

"Great! Finally!"

Parker jumped out from behind some decorations, his face flushed with excitement.

And beside him, surprisingly, stood Vera.

"Mommy!"

Vera ran over and hugged Elaine's leg, lifting her little face with eyes curved like crescents, "Bradley prepared for so long! He asked me if he could be with Mommy, and I said yes!"

Elaine looked at her daughter in surprise, then at Bradley.

Bradley explained somewhat embarrassedly: "I felt that getting the child's consent was important. So... I asked for Vera's opinion beforehand."

Elaine's eyes completely moistened.

She hadn't expected Bradley to be this thoughtful...

Bradley's eyes sharpened, and he quickly pulled her into his embrace.

This hug was restrained yet warm, full of cherishing.

Parker pulled out his phone excitedly: "This is a historic moment! Must record it!"

Vera also happily clapped her hands: "Mommy and Bradley are together!"

That evening, Bradley posted a photo on his personal social media.

Under the lights by the sea, he and Elaine stood side by side, both wearing relaxed and happy smiles.

As soon as the news came out, it immediately caused a sensation.

Hazel almost instantly commented: [Oh my god! Finally! Elaine, you must be happy!]

Frank also sent his blessing: [Congratulations. Bradley is someone worth trusting.]

Colleagues from the research institute liked and commented one after another, sending their blessings.

Elaine's phone kept vibrating, with blessings pouring in continuously.

She leaned on Bradley's shoulder, looking at the peaceful sea outside the window, feeling a satisfaction she had never experienced before.

Bradley gently held her hand, fingers intertwined: "Nervous? About suddenly going public."

Elaine shook her head, the corners of her mouth turning up: "Not nervous. Actually feel... very relaxed."

Yes, relaxed.

No need to hide anymore, no need to worry, able to be openly with the person she liked, accepting everyone's blessings.

The sea breeze gently blew past, carrying the scent of blessings.

From now on, they could finally walk hand in hand, welcoming every sunrise and sunset, facing all the challenges and beauty in life.

And this time, Elaine knew she was no longer alone.