Chapter 114

Camille followed the doctor down the sterile corridor, each step echoing against the polished floor. Alexander walked beside her, his presence steadying as the world seemed to tilt beneath her feet. The hospital’s antiseptic smell burned her nostrils, mingling with the lingering scent of coffee on her breath.

“Is she...” Camille couldn’t finish the question, fear clogging her throat.

The doctor glanced back, his face unreadable beneath his surgical mask. “The chief surgeon will explain everything.”

They turned a corner into a small consultation room where Dr. Lin, Victoria’s lead surgeon, stood washing her hands. She turned as they entered, pulling down her mask. Exhaustion lined her face, but her eyes held a clarity that made Camille’s heart leap.

“The surgery was successful,” Dr. Lin said without preamble.

The words hit Camille like a physical force. She reached for the wall to steady herself, her knees suddenly weak. Alexander’s arm came around her w