Spoiled by Mr. Russell, Chapter 2080

"B-But—" Michelle wiped away her tears, a sudden memory surfacing. "Didn't you say there might be dangerous viruses around, and we should stay indoors and avoid crowds? Must you go on a long journey now?" Though pleased by her son's newfound sensibility, she couldn't help worrying about his safety.

"I'm going now, Mom. I meant when the crisis is over," Austin chuckled, glancing at his watch. "It's getting late. I should get going."

Michelle's eyes widened. "Dinner will be ready soon. Go after your meal, okay?"

"I have to go," he said, heading for the door. "I'd love to have dinner with you, but there are too many things I need to handle right now."

"What could be so important?" Michelle began to protest, but her husband gently restrained her, whispering, "Just let him go."

"But…"

"It's good that he's become such a responsible person. Don't you think he's more like a good doctor now?" Elijah said happily, watching his son depart.

Michelle's objections ceased. Despite her sadness, she felt her son had truly turned over a new leaf.

Austin drove directly to the hospital. Dominic had informed him a young woman had a suspected infection requiring immediate treatment.

Having contacted the hospital beforehand, a staff member greeted Austin upon arrival, beginning preparations—disinfecting him and offering a hazmat suit. Austin, however, waved them off, proceeding inside wearing only a white coat, mask, and goggles.

"Hey, Dr. Fike!" the staff member called after him. "It might be a contagious disease. It's best if you—"

"What am I here for?" Austin asked, looking over his shoulder with a smile.

After a moment's hesitation, the staff member replied, "You're… here to treat the patient."

Austin chuckled. "There you go!" He strode quickly onward. "We're losing time. If you want the patient to receive treatment as soon as possible, show me the way, okay?" The staff member agreed. He'll know better than me. Besides, who am I to stop him?

The staff member quickly caught up, pointing. "This way, please!"

Austin followed to a door. Peering through the window, he saw a patient in bed, connected to only a few monitoring devices and tubes. The ward, however, was relatively isolated.

"Open the door," Austin instructed.

The staff member promptly opened the door. Austin entered and approached the bed without hesitation. "Don't worry. I'm your new doctor…" "It's you?"