Chapter 148
Chapter 148:
“Go with her,” Alexander said, reading her expression. “I’ll handle Section B and make sure everything proceeds according to plan.”
Camille hesitated, torn between responsibilities. “Rose and Herod…”
“Will still be waiting when Victoria’s stable,” Alexander finished. “She needs you now. Go.”
The elevator doors closed. Camille turned to the stretcher where Victoria lay. She had never seen her mentor look so small before. Even in sleep, Victoria had always maintained a formidable presence. Now, her skin seemed nearly translucent, the veins at her temples standing out starkly.
One of the medics checked Victoria’s vital signs. “How long has she been ill?” he asked.
“She isn’t ill,” Camille replied automatically. “She’s never sick.”
The medic exchanged a glance with his colleague that sent ice through Camille’s veins.
The hospital waiting room smelled of antiseptic and stale coffee. Camille paced its length for what felt like the hundredth time. Three hours had passed since they’d rushed Victoria through the double doors marked “Authorized Personnel Only.”
Her phone buzzed. Alexander. Section B had gone online without incident, exactly as planned. No sign of interference from Rose or Herod. Camille stared at the message, unable to summon relief or satisfaction.
The door at the far end opened, and a doctor approached with a carefully neutral expression.
“Ms. Kane? I’m Dr. Elizabeth Chen.”
Camille straightened. “How is she?”
“Stable for now,” Dr. Chen replied. “We’ve run a series of tests, including blood work and advanced imaging. Would you like to sit down?”
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Camille recognized the tone. It was the same one Victoria had used when explaining why there was no possibility of reconciliation with her old family. The prelude to an unbearable truth.
“Just tell me,” Camille said softly.
Dr. Chen met her gaze directly. “Ms. Kane has pancreatic cancer. It’s advanced, but we’ve caught it at a stage where treatment options are still available. With the right approach, there’s a realistic chance of remission.”
The words hung in the air, still devastating but carrying a thread of hope that Camille hadn’t dared expect. She gripped a nearby chair to steady herself.
“Treatment options?” she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
“A specialized surgical procedure followed by targeted immunotherapy,” Dr. Chen explained. “There’s a new clinical trial showing promising results with cases similar to Ms. Kane’s. It won’t be easy, but she’s otherwise in excellent health, which significantly improves her prospects.”
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