The Man Who Never Looked Away novel Chapter 131

A few days ago, Charley Sheffield had managed to contact a foreign-owned medical facility on Marina Island capable of performing target analysis and precisely matching radiopharmaceuticals.

This cutting-edge cancer treatment acted like microscopic smart bombs, exclusively targeting and eradicating cancer cells. It was currently the most advanced treatment protocol in the world.

Charley had also applied for a medical research grant, meaning the treatment would cost them almost nothing.

After a quick family discussion, the Joplins immediately agreed to go to Marina Island for the procedure.

Saul Joplin lowered his voice on the phone. "Charley, I probably won't be able to visit Lavinia for a while. Could you keep an eye on her for me? By the way, how is her job hunt going?"

"She has an interview tomorrow. I'm with her right now, helping her pick out an outfit."

"Alright, thank you so much." Saul paused. "Lavinia, are you listening?"

"I'm here, Saul. Go ahead."

Saul's voice grew heavier and far more serious. "Lavinia, financial independence is the only true independence. Working a job will definitely be harder than staying at home, so you need to be mentally prepared. Remember my words: resilience is forged through hardship."

"I know. Don't worry about me."

After a few more words of advice, Saul hung up the phone.

***

Lavinia ended the call and looked at Charley. His deep, steady gaze was resting on her face.

"Your interview is tomorrow. Have you prepared answers for all the questions I gave you?" he asked.

"All prepped." Lavinia stuck her tongue out playfully; he really sounded like a strict professor.

"Good. I'm going to test you tonight."

"What? I have to memorize them? There's over a dozen questions!"

"Yes, but not just rote memorization. You need to express them naturally, in your own words."

Left speechless, Lavinia quickly changed the subject. "Is this outfit okay for the interview?"

Charley took a look and said gently, "It works. Let's go with that one."

Lavinia loved the outfit, too. Instead of a skirt, it was a tailored pantsuit that made her look highly professional and capable.

She was just looking down to check the hemline of the trousers when, before she knew it, a brooch was pinned to her lapel.

Sigrid's voice carried a lazy, arrogant drawl. "The fashion here in Blossom City really lacks the taste you find on Marina Island, let alone New York."

"Our last shopping and dining experience on Marina Island was top-tier. I wonder when we'll get the chance to go back," Corinne chimed in with a laugh.

"Let's go together. How about this weekend? If Garnett won't let you off the clock, I'll talk to him for you."

"Oh, please don't. Mr. Harper can't bear to be apart from you on a normal day, let alone the weekend. I wouldn't dare steal his time with you," Corinne teased.

Standing perfectly still in the fitting room, Lavinia caught a clear view of her own expression in the wall mirror. Numb. Placid. Yet carrying a trace of unspeakable disappointment and sorrow.

She didn't love him anymore. She knew that for a fact.

But for some reason, every time she ran into him and Sigrid, or even heard about them, her heart felt like a kite with a snapped string.

Drifting aimlessly in the sky, terrified of the fall, yet knowing with absolute certainty that it was inevitable.

Outside, a phone began to ring.

"Hello? Mr. Harper... I'm out with Sigrid right now. Yes, it's a good time. What do you need?"

Corinne's tone instantly shifted into complete subservience.