Chapter 8 A Lead to Follow

Anna had just stepped out of the car when it sped through the hospital gates. She gazed up at the imposing structure. Sterling International Medical Center. A faint smile touched her lips.

As she was about to enter, a panicked shout came from behind her. "Run! Everyone run!"

A frantic figure rushed past, but the person couldn't maintain control and fell heavily to the ground, the child in his arms falling with him.

"Are you okay?" Anna moved forward to help, but the man lunged toward the child.

"Ben! Ben!" he cried out, his voice hoarse with fear.

The boy called Ben was deathly pale, his body convulsing violently.

When the man tried to lift the child, Anna quickly stopped him. "Don't move him."

She reached into her bag and pulled out silver needles.

"Hold him down!" she commanded.

The man snapped back to awareness and grabbed his son's hands, pinning him firmly to the ground.

Anna's needles moved swiftly, precisely targeting acupressure points on the boy's head. After several insertions, the child's convulsions stopped.

She didn't know that William was watching everything from a window upstairs, eyes narrowed as he observed Anna's skilled movements. So Anna really did have medical skills.

"Mr. Sterling, everything is ready. This way, please." A nurse's voice came from behind him.

William turned away from the window, sliding his wheelchair away from the scene.

Downstairs, Ben had regained consciousness, and his father bowed to Anna in gratitude.

Anna stopped him with a gesture. "Take him inside for an examination. I suspect there might be an issue with his head."

Her words alarmed the man. "What kind of problem?"

"I'm not certain. Take him to see a doctor, don't panic," Anna reassured him.

"Okay." The man looked down at his son, fighting back tears. "Ben, I'm taking you to see a doctor right away."

"Thank you, Ma'am," he said with deep gratitude.

Anna nodded. After the man left, she noticed a familiar face among the onlookers.

"Ma'am, we meet again."

Richard had witnessed the entire incident, which further strengthened his resolve to recruit Anna to the medical center.

"Dr. Thompson, what brings you here?" Anna asked.

"I was passing by when I saw you helping that boy. I didn't want to interrupt." He gestured toward the hospital. "Since you're here, would you like me to give you a tour?"

A spark of hope ignited in Anna's heart. She hadn't expected that he was the director of this medical center. This might make it easier for her to find that woman.

"I'd be delighted, Dr. Thompson."

"Please, follow me," he replied politely.

The hospital was bustling with activity. Richard began his introduction. "Our medical center is the largest in Brighton Harbor, with over a thousand medical staff. Our expertise is first-rate both nationally and internationally."

"Do you know all the doctors?" Anna asked.

Richard proudly answered, "Of course."

"Is there an OB-GYN named Marigold Walsh here?"

"Marigold Walsh?" Richard thought for a moment, then shook his head. "No."

"Are you certain?" Anna pressed.

"I know every doctor here," he stated confidently. "There's definitely no one by that name."

Disappointment washed over Anna's face.

For years, Marigold seemed to have vanished without a trace. Just when Anna thought she'd found a lead, it disappeared.

Seeing her furrowed brow, Richard suggested, "Perhaps you've remembered the name incorrectly?"

Remembered incorrectly? As Anna considered this possibility, her eyes brightened. Could Marigold have changed her name? She needed to find a photograph.

"If you join us, you'll have more time to search," Richard tempted her. "Ma'am, would you consider working at the medical center?"

"Please, call me Anna."

"All right, Anna. Will you consider my offer?"

She nodded. "I will."

Richard's face lit up. "Excellent. I look forward to having you join us."

After they parted ways, Anna exited the hospital. A sports car roared past her, its engine growling.

Lucy, dressed in a black leather jacket, took off her sunglasses and called out, "Get in!"

Once Anna was settled, Lucy turned to her and asked, "So you're living at the Sterling house now? What's that about?"

"It's a long story," Anna replied. "Just a temporary arrangement. Do you have a photo of Marigold?"

"Not on me, but I know where to find one."

Lucy stepped on the gas, and the car lurched forward.

Soon, they had driven out of the city to a modest suburban neighborhood.

Lucy pointed to a row of small houses. "Marigold's family lives there."

Anna frowned. "She must have had a decent income. Why would her family live here?"

Lucy shrugged. "Gambling father, lazy mother, parasitic brother. What can you do?"

They got out of the car and approached one of the houses. After knocking, an elderly woman opened the door and eyed them suspiciously. "Who are you?"

"Hello, we're former colleagues of Marigold's. May we come in?" Anna asked politely.

The woman, noticing their elegant demeanor, stepped aside. "Come in."

Lucy stared at the messy yard, then pulled out a stack of bills from her wallet.

"Marigold was named an outstanding employee at the hospital. This is her bonus."

"Wonderful!" The woman's eyes lit up as she reached for the money, but Lucy caught her hand.

"Outstanding employees need to provide a photo. Could you provide one?"

"Of course! I'll get it right away." The woman hurried inside and returned moments later with a photograph.

"Will this do?" she asked, handing it to Lucy.

Anna studied the picture of a woman in her thirties with a melancholy expression. She nodded slightly, and Lucy handed over the money.

"Where has your daughter been working recently?" Lucy asked casually.

The woman's face darkened with displeasure. "That ungrateful girl, who knows where she ran off to. It's been three or four years without a word. Her brother is already married, and she doesn't even send money home. When I find her, I won't let her off easy!"

She suddenly looked at Anna and Lucy. "Since you're her colleagues, do you know where she is?"

Anna shook her head. "We were just former colleagues."

Back in the car, Lucy held up the photograph. "Why has Marigold been away from home for so many years?"

"Money," Anna answered. It was the only reason she could think of.

Lucy nodded. "Getting rich, escaping her original family. But who could pay that much?"

Anna and Lucy had their own theories but didn't voice them.

After a moment, Lucy tapped the photograph with her finger. Wherever you are, I will find you.

After they parted ways, Anna returned to the Sterling estate. As soon as she entered, she saw Victoria sitting in the living room.

Victoria looked up. "Anna, where have you been? Why did you leave this morning without saying anything?"