Chapter 236
Rain had never truly appreciated the significance of her birthday until she turned twenty-four today, surrounded by her newfound family. This year was different because she was greeted warmly during breakfast and received many gifts for the first time.
Her friends also called to wish her well. “You should take the day off!” William protested as she and Alexander prepared to leave for work.
“Hmm, maybe next year, but not this time,” she replied with a grin. Rain had grown accustomed to spending her birthdays working and then enjoying a simple dinner or late-night celebration with her closest friends.
“Let’s go,” Alexander murmured, taking her hand as they walked out of the mansion together.
“Those two are so perfect for each other! Both total workaholics!” William’s teasing voice followed them down the steps.
“That’s better than being a lazy bum like you!” her father-in-law retorted, making Rain chuckle as they headed to the car.
Once inside, Alexander pulled her close as always, wrapping his arm around her. They couldn’t help but steal little kisses during the ride, practically glued to each other. Rain laughed to herself, grateful she wasn’t wearing lipstick, or it would have been smudged beyond saving!
“I’ll pick you up early,” Alexander murmured against her lips, giving her one last peck as soon as the car stopped to drop her off.
“Alright,” Rain replied, quickly slipping out of the car.
He waited until he saw her safely inside the elevator before opening the partition to speak with his driver. “Let’s go p>
“Boss, we’ve got bad news from the facility in Azu,” Tyron reported, his tone serious.
“What do you mean? I thought everything was progressing well with the test patient?” Alexander’s heart sank, nerves setting in at the mention of his father’s potential cure.
“Yes, but just this morning, the patient experienced a severe adverse reaction and slipped into a coma,” Tyron explained with a sigh.
Alexander’s face went pale. This setback meant they were essentially back to square one. “What about the facility in Lamey? Isn’t that supposed to be the top facility p>
“Still no development, Boss,” Tyron sighed.
“Go straight to Meta Doctors Hospital,” Alexander instructed. He needed to speak with Dr. Lambert directly about his father’s condition.
When he arrived, he headed straight to Dr. Lambert’s office.
“Your father is responding well to the chemotherapy sessions,” Dr. Lambert began. “There are some minor side effects, but that’s to be expected. I’m monitoring him closely, and he’s one of those rare cases where we’re seeing a strong response. I believe he may have more time than expected p>
But Alexander wasn’t reassured. “I need him to stay with us for more years… I need him to be cured,” he replied, his voice rough with emotion.
Dr. Lambert’s expression softened. “Your father is like a brother to me, Xander, and I’m just as committed to finding him the best care. I’ve reached out to several top facilities, including one on Palan Island that’s conducting a unique study on this cancer type. I’ll keep you informed as soon as I have more information; their research is promising, but they’re quite private about their protocols p>
Alexander nodded, a faint glimmer of hope stirring within him. “Please, keep me updated on anything you find. I’m willing to support whatever resources are needed p>
Dr. Lambert placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder. “I’ll let you know the moment I hear anything definitive. Your father’s strength and resilience are incredible. I’ll keep fighting for him, and I know you will too p>
Alexander took a deep breath, attempting to steady himself. “Thank you. I appreciate everything you’re doing for him… for us p>
Alexander left the office, his mind racing. This facility on Palan Island sounded like one of their best shots. As he stepped back into the car, Tyron glanced over with a questioning look. “Everything alright, Boss p>
“Set up a meeting with the heads of the Palan Island research team. I need to understand exactly what they’re working on and how we can help them accelerate their progress,” Alexander replied, his tone determined.
“Right away,” Tyron confirmed, nodding.
Alexander stared out the window, his mind heavy with thoughts. Without Rain by his side through all this, he might have felt entirely adrift. She was his anchor now, grounding him even as the situation with his father grew more difficult.
As they pulled up to the office, Tyron broke the silence. “Boss, are you sure you don’t want to tell William? And what about Butler Ben? I think it’s best you let him know that you knew already, especially for coordinating things about the Chairman p>
Alexander paused, considering. “I’ll speak to Uncle Ben soon… But as for William, I can’t bring him into this… not yet p>
“Honestly, Boss Tyron began carefully, “I think the Chairman wants to tell you and William. But, like you, he’s probably struggling to find the right moment. Look at how you’re both holding back… neither of you can bear to let the other know you’re already aware. And I understand that you and Mrs. Lancaster want to respect his wishes, but… maybe this isn’t the kind of matter that should stay hidden within the family. You should all face it together, openly, without this back-and-forth of secrecy p>
Alexander paused, taking in Tyron’s words. “You make a good point,” he admitted with a thoughtful smile. “You’re right… keeping secrets doesn’t make it easier on anyone. We’re all caught up in trying to shield each other, but maybe that’s only adding to the weight p>
Tyron nodded and added, “I’ve always believed that honesty strengthens family, Boss. And when it comes to something as serious as this… no one should have to face it alone p>
Alexander chuckled softly, appreciating Tyron’s directness. “You know, I’ve come to rely on your honest advice more than you probably realize. I’ll discuss this with Rain. Thank you, Tyron,” Alexander said with a smile.
But his smile turned awkward when he noticed Tyron’s jaw drop, his expression quickly shifting to something comically surprised. “Boss, look at you!” Tyron exclaimed. “You’re doing so well! You actually chuckled and smiled at me, and you thought of Mrs. Lancaster first before making decisions. This is the first time you didn’t decide everything on your own p>