Chapter 230 Life’s Regret and Unexpected Pursuits
“Alright,” Damien gently reached out and tousled her hair, his affectionate smile warming the moment. “Let’s have a meal first, and then we’ll head over to the research institute. Does that sound good to you?”
“Yes!” Cherise nodded in enthusiastic agreement. With fan’s potential quest to regain his position and claim the prize money, the afternoon when the netizens gathered was an optimal window of opportunity. They would be there, ready and waiting for him at the research institute.
Following a delightful lunch, Damien personally chauffeured Cherise to the research institute. A few dedicated netizens had already gathered outside, their presence a testament to the brewing digital storm.
Cherise and Damien, keen to avoid the commotion, discreetly entered through the institute’s
back door.
Welcome, Mr. and Mrs. Lenoir!” Upon their arrival through the back entrance, a chorus of warm greetings resonated through the research institute. All the researchers had lined up, applauding and cheering enthusiastically to welcome them.
A headache began to creep in. The reception felt all too reminiscent of the grand event Bernard had orchestrated during Cherise’s visit to the Shaw Group for an inspection.
As an unsettling feeling gnawed at her, she heard a familiar voice, “Ms. Shaw! Surprise!
Bernard’s large face appeared at the end of the line. “Why are you here?” Cherise asked, taken aback by his sudden appearance.
“Because our group sponsors this medical research institute!” Bernard’s innocent blink and wide eyes radiated his pride. “The director called me a while ago and said you were coming for an inspection. Since they didn’t know what kind of welcome ceremony you’d like, I came to give them some guidance.”
Bernard was clearly basking in his achievement. “Aren’t you surprised? You didn’t expect to see me here, did you?”
Cherise stumbled over her words, “Yes, I’m genuinely surprised.”
Soon enough, Cherise learned that the entire medical research institute indeed fell under the sponsorship of the Shaw Group. It suddenly made sense why Damien treated this place like his backyard.
Nevertheless, a question lingered: Why did Damien sponsor a medical research institute years ago?
“Because of my sister,” Damien shared, his arm still affectionately wrapped around Cherise’s waist as they made their way to the director’s office. “When I was thirteen, our family villa caught fire.”
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“In an attempt to save me, my sister sustained severe burns, disfiguring herself and causing extensive internal organ damage.”
Damien let out a soft sigh. “During that time, medical science simply couldn’t save her, so my grandfather arranged for a team of burn specialists from abroad to urgently transfer her to at different medical facility.”
“She pa*sed away on the plane before reaching the destination.”
As Damien recounted this painful chapter of his life, his eyes reflected a deep sorrow. “So, when Lennon mentioned that a doctor he knew was planning to establish a medical research institute dedicated to rare diseases, I didn’t hesitate to provide my sponsorship.”
He sighed again, leaving the topic there.
Cherise pursed her l*ps and held his hand with a firm grip. “I can understand how that feels.”
Having witnessed her grandmother’s struggles with heart disease, she had been motivated to become a skilled cardiovascular surgeon. Often, life’s regrets drive people toward unexpected. pursuits.
With that, they finally arrived at the director’s office. Acknowledging Cherise’s recent miscarriage. and her less-than-optimal condition, the director had thoughtfully arranged the most. comfortable hospital bed for her to rest on within the office.
“Thank you, Director,” Cherise expressed, feeling somewhat self-conscious yet genuinely appreciative.
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