Chapter 323
The trial for Clifford concluded swiftly, wrapping up the same day it began. He felt like he could finally breathe properly when the final verdict was delivered. Just as Alexander had promised, Clifford avoided prison. Instead, he was ordered to pay a hefty fine, which Alexander’s company, through Eric, had quietly settled on his behalf.
As soon as the proceedings ended, Clifford made his way straight to the hospital. The moment he entered Alexander’s private suite, Rain greeted him with a warm hug.
“I’m so glad you’re finally free!” she exclaimed, her voice filled with relief.
“Well, I hope I didn’t make Xander’s company go broke,” Clifford quipped, though he couldn’t hide the guilt he felt over the staggering sum Cosmos Electronics had demanded.
Rain grinned. “Ah, that’s nothing to him, so don’t worry. And even if he did go broke, I’m here. I’ll make sure he lives like a king,” she said with unwavering confidence.
Clifford chuckled as the two of them sat by Alexander’s side. His gaze lingered on his unconscious friend. “You think he’d get annoyed with us chatting like this? I’ve heard that people in comas can sometimes hear what’s going on around them p>
“Well, let him hear,” Rain replied, her tone tender as she looked at Alexander. “Let him know you didn’t end up in prison. Remind him you’re heading back to Elysium Biotech Institute to keep monitoring Kelly’s condition and Ivan’s research… it’s showing so much promise p>
Clifford nodded earnestly. “I’m hopeful about Ivan’s work. And I’ll make sure to do everything in my power to push it forward. I’ll also start looking into Alexander’s condition. We’ll figure this out p>
He leaned closer to Alexander. “Enigma… I never thought I’d call you by your code name, but here we are. I hope we can talk face-to-face someday. Maybe even hang out like brothers… after all, we were practically allies in the Black Market.” He smirked faintly, the memory bittersweet.
Clifford didn’t stay long, knowing he had a flight to catch. After bidding Rain farewell, he turned to Alexander. “I’ll see you soon, Xander,” he said, his voice carrying both resolve and hope.
Leaving Rain and Alexander behind wasn’t easy. Seeing Rain’s unwavering devotion and her quiet strength only deepened Clifford’s resolve to help however he could. He promised himself he’d do whatever it took to support them.
After hours of travel by plane, Clifford finally returned to Palan Island. It felt strange… before, he’d always preferred staying in the capital city, monitoring the institute remotely through calls and online updates. But now, everything had changed. With Kelly still undergoing treatment at Elysium Biotech, Palan Island had become more than just a workplace; it had become home.
On the way back to the institute, Clifford spotted a stall selling fresh fruits and asked his pick-up driver to pull over. Kelly loved fresh fruits… she would turn them into juices or shakes whenever she could.
“Pomelos,” he murmured, recalling how she’d once craved them but couldn’t find any at the market. He bought a few, along with mangoes, watermelons, and a variety of other fruits.
It took him another thirty minutes to reach the institute from the airport.
As soon as he arrived, he went straight to Kelly’s quarters and rang her doorbell.
“Clifford!” Kelly’s face lit up with delight the moment she saw him. Without hesitation, she pulled him inside, her eyes widening as she noticed the paper bags he carried.
“I left without saying goodbye, so consider this my way of apologizing,” he said as he started unpacking the fruits. He washed them in the sink, arranging some neatly on her pantry table while storing others in the fridge.
“It’s okay. Dr. Ivan told me there was an emergency,” Kelly replied, watching him as he moved about.
“How have you been while I was gone?” he asked, beginning to peel a pomelo for her.
Kelly leaned forward, resting her elbows on the table and cupping her face with her hands as she stared at him. “I’m feeling much better. Dr. Ivan says the medicine seems to be working; it’s slowly killing the cancer cells. But She paused, her voice softening. “I feel sick sometimes. Always nauseous, though I never actually vomit p>
“That’s a good sign. Ivan’s on the verge of something great, I’m sure of it,” Clifford said, his tone firm yet gentle. “Just make sure to listen to him and follow his instructions carefully p>
“Understood! Besides, you’re here to nag me and take care of me,” she teased, her gaze fixed intently on him.
Clifford’s heartbeat quickened under her stare, and he felt a sudden warmth creeping up his face.
“You’re blushing,” Kelly pointed out with a playful smile.
“Stop that,” Clifford muttered, trying to scold her, though his reddened cheeks betrayed him. “You’re so cute when you blush,” she teased again, her smile impossibly sweet.
Clifford couldn’t help but think that if Kelly ever made her public debut, she would instantly rise to fame. Her charm, coupled with her innocent beauty, would undoubtedly win her countless admirers… especially among men.
“What are you thinking about, Cliff?” Kelly asked curiously, tilting her head.
“Nothing,” he replied quickly, though his gaze softened. “I was just thinking how you’d probably have a lot of admirers once you’re out of this facility p>
Kelly blushed faintly, her fingers lightly tracing the edge of the flower vase on the table. “Actually She hesitated, glancing at the fresh blooms as if gathering courage.
Clifford’s eyes narrowed slightly. He usually brought flowers to brighten her room, but these weren’t his. “What?” he asked, his voice cautious.
“I think I already have some admirers here,” Kelly admitted, her cheeks tinged pink.
Instantly, Clifford’s expression darkened, his brows knitting together. “Who?” he asked sharply, his protective instincts kicking in.
“One nurse that sometimes attends to me, and the other is an employee here. I’ve also been getting some anonymous letters lately,” Kelly said, her voice tinged with bashfulness.
Clifford felt a sharp surge of jealousy at her words. The idea of anyone, whether a nurse, employee, or anonymous person, showing interest in Kelly stirred something protective and possessive inside him. His thoughts began to race as the weight of her words settled in.