Chapter 304: Elena Ward Rubbed Her Sore Neck

Elena Ward rubbed her sore neck, finally making it to the end of her shift. Outside, the snow had stopped, but the roads remained treacherously icy. The hospital had organized a snow-clearing rotation in response to the government's call, and this afternoon, it was the Traditional Medicine Department's turn.

"What a hassle," she muttered under her breath, swapping her white coat for a thick down jacket. As she slipped her hands into her pockets, she caught sight of two familiar figures in the waiting area—Camille Hale and Victor Hale.

"Persistent as ghosts," Elena thought bitterly, turning sharply toward the cafeteria.

The warm aroma of lamb and radish stew filled the air. She had barely settled with her tray when the two unwelcome guests slid into the seat across from her.

"Dr. Ward, what a coincidence," Camille said with a sweet, practiced smile.

Elena paused, chopsticks hovering over her food. "The hospital cafeteria isn’t exactly spacious. Quite the coincidence," she emphasized the word.

Victor's gaze was uncomfortably intense. "Dr. Ward, you remind me of someone I once knew..."

"Oh?" Elena arched a brow. "Are you here to claim kinship, Mr. Hale?"

"Her name was Julia Hale. Back in Pinehaven Village..." His voice trembled slightly.

Elena's heart lurched. Julia Hale—her birth mother's name.

"Sorry, my parents never mentioned it," she said coolly, setting down her chopsticks. "Their biggest concern before they passed was me."

Victor pressed urgently, "Are you sure there’s no connection?"

"None." Her tone was final. Out of the corner of her eye, she noticed Camille sipping her soup delicately, feigning disinterest.

Just as Elena stood to leave, Dr. Sandra Miller, the hospital director, appeared.

"Victor Hale?" Dr. Miller's eyes widened in surprise. "It really is you!"

Seizing the chance, Elena excused herself, though her mind reeled. If Dr. Miller knew Victor, she likely knew Julia too...

Glancing back before exiting, she saw the two deep in conversation. The fervor in Victor’s expression reminded her of the way Camille had looked at her in her past life—like a predator eyeing prey.

"An old acquaintance?" Elena scoffed under her breath. "More like an enemy."

Her fists clenched, nails digging into her palms. Whether Victor was her biological father or not, this score would be settled.