Chapter 888

This wasn’t a difficult question to answer. Either it was true, or it wasn’t. But saying “no” outright would put Nate in an awkward position, especially after he had just admitted that he brought the project to Seavora for her. On the other hand, if she didn’t deny it, the media could twist the story, turning a groundbreaking medical achievement into a narrative about Nate using a life-saving project as a romantic gesture for his supposed girlfriend.

“I’ll answer this,” Lena finally spoke, taking the metaphorical grenade. “Professor Neumann and I were university classmates. He was my senior, and now he is my teacher and colleague. That is the extent of our relationship.”

Her words fell like a gavel, and the journalists’ cameras clicked away more furiously than ever. Sitting beside her, Nate’s gaze dimmed as he looked at her. It was clear now—she would never come back to him. If she had even the slightest inclination, she wouldn’t have denied their connection so thoroughly.

“Professor Neumann, is it as Dr. Lane says? Did you two date in the past?” the journalists pressed on.

Nate felt a chill spreading through his heart, but he knew that following Lena’s lead and sparing her any embarrassment was the best way to show his love for her. He loved her, even if she no longer loved him.

“Dr. Lane and I share a mentor–mentee relationship and a friendship. Today’s surgery wouldn’t have been such a success without her. Thank you all,” Nate said, turning to look at Lena.

Their eyes met—a steady, calm, and warm exchange that spoke volumes without words. The cameras captured this moment, a scene the reporters relished. In the crowd, Aaron watched everything unfold, his expression unreadable.

With the press conference successfully concluded, the director let out a long sigh of relief. “Finally, a load off my mind. Professor Neumann, Dr. Lane, thank you both for your hard work. To celebrate today’s success, let’s have dinner tonight. Everyone must come—no excuses!”

Lena wanted to excuse herself but swallowed her words when she saw how excited everyone else was. Though the surgery hadn’t been particularly long, her exhaustion felt heavier than usual. All she wanted was to go home, sleep deeply, or sit on her carpet with a cold beer in hand.

Keira called Lena after seeing the news and press conference online. She had been following the story closely all day but hadn’t wanted to disturb her during the surgery.

“Congratulations, Dr. Lane,” Keira began, her voice full of genuine happiness for her.

“Thank you,” Lena replied, though her voice was tinged with weariness. Keira could tell she was exhausted. While the public only saw the triumph, those who cared for her knew how much pressure the process had put on her. Keira had sensed it just last night during their phone call.

“Want me to pick you up for some relaxation?” Keira offered.

“No, I can’t. The first three hours post-surgery are critical for the patient. I need to monitor the situation,” she explained. Her dedication to her work was something Keira deeply admired.

Hearing her response made Keira reflect on her own life. Since her breakup with Jace and leaving Riverwave Corporation, she hadn’t truly committed to any work. Even when she worked briefly with Ron, she was inconsistent, and now, with her pregnancy, she had fully embraced a life of idleness. Yes, Keira was wealthy enough to live comfortably without ever working again, but this aimless existence drained her sense of purpose. She felt like she was wasting away, living without direction.

Recently, Keira had been thinking a lot about this and had finally come up with a plan.

“Alright, go be your responsible Dr. Lane. I need to start planning my future,” Keira told her.

“What kind of mischief are you up to now?” Lena asked knowingly.

“I want to start a business,” Keira said, sharing the idea that had been keeping her up at night. “A tea shop that blends Eastern and Western styles…” Keira laid out all her thoughts and ideas, ending with, “What do you think?”

“It’s a good idea. I think it could work. You’ve got the money and time—why not give it a shot?” Lena said, supportive but also a bit skeptical. Her tone carried the unspoken assumption that it was more of a hobby than a serious venture.

Chapter 888

Lena was a surgeon, not a businesswoman. Keira, on the other hand, had a background in marketing. If she thought this could work, then she’d trust her instincts. Her slight doubt didn’t faze Keira; it only strengthened her resolve.