Chapter 188: Leah Young Rushed to Elena's Side

"Dr. Ward! Drink some hot water!" Leah Young rushed to Elena's side, thrusting a steaming enamel mug and a chocolate bar into her hands. Ever since witnessing Elena's weakened state after performing acupuncture, she had been extra attentive. Over the past few days, she had noticed a pattern—each time Elena used her needles, she would grow deathly pale, her hands and feet icy cold.

Elena's trembling fingers accepted the mug. The scalding liquid slid down her throat, thawing her frozen tongue.

"Let me." Dean Carter, seeing her struggle to unwrap the chocolate, took it from her and peeled it open before handing it back.

"Thank you, Dean."

"Eat quickly. Should I have someone escort you back to your office? The heater's still on." It suddenly dawned on Dean Carter why Elena had insisted on that particular office—it was for moments like this.

Just as the chocolate touched her lips, Elena staggered from a sudden impact.

"Savior!" The mother dropped to her knees, clutching her child, her forehead thudding against the floor. "You saved my baby's life! From now on, you're our family's guardian angel! When my child grows up, I'll make sure they repay your kindness!"

Elena tried to help her up but found her back too stiff to bend.

"Help her!" she urged Leah Young frantically.

Dean Carter and Leah Young lifted the woman to her feet.

"Ma'am, saving lives is our duty as doctors. Right now, your child needs to be checked—medication or injections, whatever's necessary." Elena's voice shook. She had pulled the child back from death's door and couldn't bear to see her efforts wasted.

Medical staff whisked the child away to the emergency room. The woman chased after them for a few steps before turning back. "Doctor, what's your name? My child must know who to thank!"

"Just call me Dr. Ward."

"Dr. Ward... Dr. Ward..." The woman murmured the name as she disappeared down the hall.

Only then did Elena realize the cold was seeping from her bones, her teeth chattering uncontrollably. To avoid suspicion, she had deliberately restrained her healing force, using just enough to save the child. But the restraint had drained her more than expected, leaving her utterly spent.

"Get Dr. Ward back to her office now!" Dean Carter stamped his foot in urgency.

Before Leah Young could move, a tall figure stepped forward and steadied Elena.

"Can you walk?" Douglas Carter frowned at her paper-white face.

Elena shook her head. "I'm fine. Please check on the child." She knew Douglas Carter's back injury had long healed—his visit today had another purpose.

"I came to deliver a commendation plaque," he said quietly. "'Miracle Worker' seems too small a praise now. In a few days, I'll bring my entire team to thank you properly." With that, he strode after the mother and child.

Back in her office, Leah Young cranked the heater to its highest setting. Waves of heat rolled out, and within minutes, sweat poured down her face.

"I can't take this!" Leah Young yanked at her collar and bolted for the door—nearly colliding with a man outside.

"Who are you looking for?" She eyed the broad-shouldered man in his crisp military uniform and gleaming insignia. Clearly, he was no ordinary visitor.

"I'm here for Elena Ward." Adrian Stone lowered his raised hand. He had just been transferred to the provincial capital and had scoured records to track her down. Today, he'd taken leave specifically to find her—only to be met with a closed door.

"Dr. Ward isn't seeing patients today." Leah Young planted herself firmly in the doorway. After witnessing the life-saving ordeal, Elena had ascended to sainthood in her eyes. No one was disturbing her rest.