Chapter 13

In Kerdonia, and throughout Thalarea, anyone who knew Elisa had plenty to say about her. Some claimed she was ruthless; others doubted her leadership abilities. But no one could deny one thing: she was fiercely loyal to Elliot.

As the crowd outside Elliot's hospital ward dispersed, Elisa turned to Mike, her most trusted advisor. Her eyes were red-rimmed with worry.

"Mike, we have no choice. We need to call Dr. Archer. We can't wait any longer."

Although Mike wasn't related to the Rivas family by blood, his status within the family was unparalleled, second only to Elisa's. Even the Rivas relatives treated him with the utmost respect.

Seeing the desperation on Elisa's face, Mike exhaled deeply. "The old man's condition has worsened suddenly. You're right; it's time to contact Dr. Archer." He hesitated. "But I think it would be better if you made the call yourself."

Elisa pulled out her phone, her expression torn. It was already the middle of the night, and she hesitated, her fingers hovering over the screen.

"Mike, what if Dr. Archer is resting? I don't want to bother him unnecessarily. My father is still holding on, and there's hope he can make it until morning. But if Dr. Archer gets upset…" Her voice trailed off.

Mike nodded thoughtfully before speaking with conviction. "Dr. Archer won't be angry. He's a man of his word, and he understands how unpredictable a patient's condition can be. Right now, nothing is more important than saving Mr. Rivas. If Dr. Archer is upset, we'll apologize. Whatever it takes to save him, we'll do it."

Elisa nodded, her resolve firming. "If Dr. Archer asks for my life in exchange for my father's, I'll give it without hesitation."

With trembling hands, she dialed the number. The phone rang for only a few seconds before it was answered. Relief and excitement flooded Elisa's face as she spoke briefly and hung up.

"Mike, he's coming! Dr. Archer is coming right away. He didn't hesitate for a second, even when I told him how late it was. He's such a good person," she said, her voice brimming with gratitude.

Mike let out a deep sigh of relief. "Dr. Archer is a man of integrity. When he makes a promise, he keeps it. We need to show our appreciation, no matter the outcome. He deserves our respect."

Elisa nodded firmly. "You're absolutely right. From this moment on, whatever Dr. Archer needs, I'll handle it. If he doesn't mind, I'd even marry him if it meant showing my gratitude."

Less than twenty minutes later, Kyle arrived at the hospital. Once he gave his word, he followed through without fail. Beyond that, he had his own reasons for wanting to meet the Rivas family.

Walking down the chaotic corridor, Kyle spotted Elisa and Mike waiting anxiously. He approached them directly.

"You must be Elisa," he said.

Elisa's head snapped up, her wide eyes brimming with confusion and disbelief.

She had expected someone much older. She could tell Kyle was young from his voice on the phone, but seeing him in person was a shock. He looked like he could be younger than her by several years. Just moments ago, she had vowed to marry him if necessary.

"Are you Dr. Archer?" she asked, still trying to process what she was seeing.

Kyle gave her an easy smile. "You're the one who called me. Where's your father? Let's not waste time."

Elisa quickly composed herself, her demeanor shifting to one of respect. "I'm sorry, Dr. Archer, I didn't expect you to be so young. Please, come this way—my father is inside." Despite her initial doubts, Elisa trusted Kyle. The legendary Rupert had endorsed him, and she knew that was proof enough of his abilities.

Inside the ward, Kyle approached Elliot, lying unconscious on the bed, placing his fingers on his wrist to check his pulse.

Elisa hesitated before stepping closer. Her voice was soft, careful not to disturb him. "Dr. Archer, we've prepared all of my father's medical records. Would you like me to get them for you?"

Kyle shook his head slightly as he finished his assessment. "No need. I already know what's wrong. He worked himself too hard when he was young and tried to compensate as he aged. Now, his body's completely worn out. It's like a car running on fumes." He looked up at Elisa, his tone calm but firm. "I'm sure the other doctors have told you the same."