Chapter 319: Elena Ward Had Just Pushed Open the Hospital Doors

Elena Ward had just pushed open the hospital doors when the nurse at the station called out to her.

"Dr. Ward, someone's been waiting in your office all afternoon."

Puzzled, she headed toward the examination room. The moment she opened the door, a familiar figure rushed toward her.

"Elena!"

Emily Reed, cheerful as a songbird, threw her arms around Elena's. Elena's eyes widened—what was this girl doing here?

"You ran away?" Elena's voice rose sharply.

Emily stuck out her tongue, swinging Elena's arm playfully. "I missed you, that's all!"

Elena rolled her eyes in exasperation. Mayor Martin and Helen Reed doted on their daughter like she was their most precious treasure—there was no way they'd let her travel this far alone.

"Hungry?" Elena sighed in resignation.

Emily immediately clutched her stomach dramatically. "Starving! I almost got kidnapped by traffickers on the way—scared me so much I didn't dare stop to eat."

Jack poked his head in. "Dr. Ward, should we keep the afternoon appointments?"

Elena waved a hand. "Cancel them for me."

David Moore readily approved a week's leave. The Traditional Medicine Department wasn't short-staffed, and while Elena's acupuncture was well-regarded, her absence wouldn't disrupt operations.

On the way back to the dormitory, Emily gaped at everything like she'd stepped into a wonderland.

The moment they entered, she froze in place.

A 32-inch color TV, a double-door refrigerator, a leather sofa... These were appliances she couldn't even dream of back in the village, yet Elena had them all.

Suddenly self-conscious, she twisted the hem of her shirt. "Elena, I... I should go find a job that provides room and board."

Elena, busy in the kitchen, flicked her forehead. "Nonsense!"

A steaming bowl of noodles with a golden fried egg on top brought sudden tears to Emily's eyes.

"I'm calling your parents," Elena picked up the receiver.

Emily jumped in panic. "Don't!"

"You want them to worry sick?" Elena glared. "Last time you disappeared, your mother cried herself half-blind."

Defeated, Emily quietly recited her home number.

As the call connected, Elena noticed something she'd never seen before—this fearless girl's fingers were trembling.