Chapter 133

The applause came from the hospital director, Dean Marc Rowe, a leading figure in international medicine and, more secretly, the owner of a Holy Purity Hero Badge. His commendation, followed by that of the entire corridor staff, was a testament to Emma's exceptional skill and the impact of her heartfelt words. Being a doctor, they all knew, demanded both intellect and compassion; years of dedication and unwavering commitment. Someone like Mona, lacking empathy, was clearly unfit for such a demanding profession.

At Icovine Estate, news of Emma saving Harry reached Liam. He was already astonished by her possession of the Holy Orchid Hero Emblem, but her surgical prowess, beyond the physical therapy he'd witnessed, ignited a new level of suspicion. A strong feeling told him that the elusive Doctor Grail, their long-sought colleague, was right beside him. Liam recalled her confident assurance, "Mr. Hall, don't worry. I will definitely cure your legs." He mused, 'Could she be Grail?'

After careful consideration, Liam accessed a rarely used black market account, found Grail's private channel, and sent a message.

Meanwhile, Emma exited the operating theater, instructing Lane on Harry's care, when her phone vibrated. Josiah’s urgent call brought unsettling news: a mysterious user, Tobby, had discovered Grail's account and was tracing her location, already pinpointing Troln City. "Damn it," Emma muttered, wondering who could possibly outmaneuver even Josiah. She excused herself from Lane, promising to check in later, and sought a secluded space to work. Without her laptop, her phone sufficed. She blocked her GPS signal, activated remote camera access software, and prepared to identify Tobby. Simultaneously, however, she received a notification – Tobby was also attempting to hack her camera. Emma quickly shut down all access, her counter-hack unsuccessful. Simultaneous notifications, flashing green exclamation marks, appeared on both Liam’s and Emma’s phones. 'Damn it,' Emma thought, 'Even as Stox, I can't beat this Tobby? Who are they?' A check of hacker rankings revealed Tobby's absence, yet their skills were undeniably on par with her own. This low-profile yet formidable opponent sparked both vigilance and an inexplicable sense of familiarity.

At Icovine Estate, Liam saw the warning on his screen. A smile played on his lips. 'Sure enough, it's her!' he thought. He immediately called Emma. "Are you at the hospital?"

Emma, exhausted from surgery and her hacking battle, replied, "Yes, I was just saving my classmate's grandfather. I'm so tired…"

A commotion erupted in the hospital corridor. Liam, hearing this over the phone, asked with concern, "What's that sound?"

"It seems the news of saving Harry has spread," Emma responded. "Wait for me. I'll slip out." Escaping the crowd posed no challenge for Emma.

Liam offered, "I'll pick you up."

At the hospital entrance, Emma leaped into Liam's Rolls-Royce just as her pursuers arrived. The car sped away. Looking back, Emma sighed, "It's not that I don't want to help, but I'm too busy." She wasn't a full-time doctor and could only delegate cases to colleagues. Her anxiety was evident.

Liam's heart ached at her burdened expression. He produced a pink card. "I'll take you somewhere." His elegant hands held the gilded, ornate card, written in Nuverlish. Emma read aloud, "TASTY & SWEETIE?" "Delicious, adorable person?" she murmured, "Is this a bakery? The name is so cute."

Liam smiled at her delight. "Do you like it?"

Emma held the card. "It looks good."

"It's my gift," Liam said.

"You... you're giving this to me?" Emma's eyes widened. "Do you own this shop?"

"Yeah," he replied, omitting his inspiration: her comment, "I don't really like it. I just think that since this is our first date, we should eat something sweet." He'd created an exclusive dessert shop – a testament to their first date's sweetness, a daily reminder of their passionate love. The shop's initials, T&S, mirrored their black market identities: Tobby and Stox.

Half an hour later, they arrived at a bustling commercial street. The shop was grand, luxurious, artistic, even the plates being crystal. Champagne-colored roses filled the space, overlooking the city's most vibrant street. Emma was captivated.

She threw herself into Liam’s arms, whispering, "Hubby, you dote on me so much!"

Liam hugged her tightly, tapping her nose. "Silly girl." He'd designed this sanctuary for her, a respite from the demands of summer camp, Yolanda, and a recent surgery. It was a romantic refuge, a place of comfort and peace.