Chapter 378
Before she could finish her sentence, the final data set appeared on the screen. She and Cliff leaned in, and when they looked at each other again, their eyes shone with the same mix of relief and exhilaration.
The drug’s launch was a sure thing.
Cliff let out a hearty laugh. “Once this hits the market, your net worth is going to rival Mr. Murphy’s p>
Elissa just smiled. “I doubt that.” Rowan’s fortune was on another level entirely. But achieving her dream was more than enough for her.
Before they could say more, Cliff’s phone rang. He stepped over to the window to take the call. A moment later, he returned, looking slightly sheepish. “I have a bit of an issue at home. I was hoping you could do me a favor p>
“What is it?” Elissa asked without hesitation. “You’ve helped me more times than I can count. Of course I’ll help if I can. You don’t have to be shy about it.” Years ago, it was Cliff who had taken a risk by hiring her, despite the potential backlash from the Murphy family.
“My dad just called,” Cliff explained. “An old friend of his just returned to the country and is quite ill. He was hoping you might be able to take a look at him p>
Elissa’s interest was piqued. “What’s the illness p>
“Early-stage lung cancer.” Seeing the flicker of professional curiosity in her eyes, Cliff added, “He’s a bit old-fashioned and refuses to have surgery. He came back hoping to find a doctor who could offer a more conservative treatment p>
Elissa had encountered many patients with similar views. It was a gamble with a skilled doctor, non-invasive treatments could work wonders. With the wrong one, it was just a waste of precious time. She understood the mindset. Twisting the cap on her water bottle, she took a sip. “When does he want me to see him p>
“Would you be able to go now?” Cliff asked apologetically. “My father’s friend is at my house as we speak. If you’re willing, it would be best to see him as soon as possible.” With this kind of illness, time was of the essence.
Elissa decisively took off her lab coat and grabbed her bag. “The data’s in. I’m free p>
Since she planned to head straight home after the consultation, they took her car, leaving Cliff’s at the Murphy Group’s headquarters.
When they arrived at the Riley residence, Cliff’s mother was already waiting at the door.
“There you are, dear,” she said with a warm smile as Elissa got out of the car. “It’s been too long. Your name came up just yesterday when Mr. Riley and I were talking p>
“Mrs. Riley,” Elissa greeted her with a polite smile. “I’m so sorry for coming in such a rush. I didn’t have time to bring anything for you and Mr. Riley p>
Mrs. Riley waved a dismissive hand. “Nonsense. You coming here is the biggest favor you could do for us. If Cliff let you bring a gift on top o pof that, his father would have his hide.
“Alright, let’s go inside,” Cliff said, ushering Elissa in.
The first thing Elissa saw was the patient Cliff had described. He was an elderly gentleman, likely in his seventies, dressed in a striking black silk tunic. A cane rested against his chair, suggesting he ha trouble walking. For a fleeting moment,
Elissa had the distinct impression that there was an unnerving depth to him, a sense that he was completely unreadable.
Before she could dwell on it, Cliff’s father and the old man noticed their arrival and looked over.
Cliff’s father stood up first and made
the introduction. “Cross, this is the
Dr. Drummond I was telling you
about. She may be young, but her medical skills are profound Even the Wilkinson family has her on call
He then turned to Elissa. “Elissa, this is my old friend, Mr. Cross. We hadn’t seen each other since he moved abroad more than twenty years ago.” His voice was tinged with nostalgia.
Mr. Cross stroked his beard, his eyes scrutinizing Elissa. “Dr. Drummond,” he
said, his voice raspy. “I’ve returned to this country in search of a cure. I’ll be in your hands p>