A Caged Songbird's Escape: Into the Arms of a Predator novel Chapter 379

Before she could finish her sentence, the final data set appeared on the screen. She and Cliff leaned in, and when they looked at each other again, their eyes shone with the same mix of relief and exhilaration.

The drug's launch was a sure thing.

Cliff let out a hearty laugh. "Once this hits the market, your net worth is going to rival Mr. Murphy's."

Elissa just smiled. "I doubt that." Rowan's fortune was on another level entirely. But achieving her dream was more than enough for her.

Before they could say more, Cliff's phone rang. He stepped over to the window to take the call. A moment later, he returned, looking slightly sheepish. "I have a bit of an issue at home. I was hoping you could do me a favor."

"What is it?" Elissa asked without hesitation. "You've helped me more times than I can count. Of course I'll help if I can. You don't have to be shy about it." Years ago, it was Cliff who had taken a risk by hiring her, despite the potential backlash from the Murphy family.

"My dad just called," Cliff explained. "An old friend of his just returned to the country and is quite ill. He was hoping you might be able to take a look at him."

Elissa's interest was piqued. "What's the illness?"

"Early-stage lung cancer." Seeing the flicker of professional curiosity in her eyes, Cliff added, "He's a bit old-fashioned and refuses to have surgery. He came back hoping to find a doctor who could offer a more conservative treatment."

Elissa had encountered many patients with similar views. It was a gamble—with a skilled doctor, non-invasive treatments could work wonders. With the wrong one, it was just a waste of precious time. She understood the mindset. Twisting the cap on her water bottle, she took a sip. "When does he want me to see him?"

"Would you be able to go now?" Cliff asked apologetically. "My father's friend is at my house as we speak. If you're willing, it would be best to see him as soon as possible." With this kind of illness, time was of the essence.

Elissa decisively took off her lab coat and grabbed her bag. "The data's in. I'm free."

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