Chapter: 242

Joanna aspired to bolster her abilities for her planned global escapades with Norah.

The coach, Duncan Garcia, a towering figure with a rugged countenance, exuded an aura of authority.

“Duncan, when can I catch a breather?" Joanna unscrewed her water bottle, taking a few replenishing sips. Nearly half a month of rigorous training had left her yearning for some respite. She missed Norah dearly, anxious to hear of her exploits at the auction. She just couldn't wait to catch up with Norah immediately.

Duncan was a former mercenary hired by Bryson to teach Joanna.

"The rule here is simple. No leaving until you've mastered your training. You've been slipping out often. Can't have that anymore."

Duncan's voice softened. "Focus on solidifying what I've taught you.

Next month, we'll venture out together."

“Duncan, please! I swear, just one outing!" Joanna pleaded, though deep down, she knew she'd find a way out this month.

After some back-and-forth, Duncan relented. "No wonder they're wary of taking on female trainees. You all are experts at being persuasive.

Alright, I'll grant you half a day. Make it snappy, though. We have to keep tomorrow's training on track, okay?"

Joanna's eyes sparkled. "Got it! Thanks, Duncan. I won't let you down.

I'll be back before the clock strikes midnight!"

Grinning from ear to ear, Joanna couldn't contain her excitement. She could go meet Norah and ask about the specifics of Norah's participation in the auction and everything. She was, in a nutshell, over the moon.

Watching Joanna's jubilant demeanor, Duncan shook his head with a fond smile. He couldn't help but be drawn to her innocence and charm.

Duncan tried to quell the flutter in his chest, wondering if it was simply his prolonged isolation or something more, but found himself inexplicably drawn to her!

After Joanna got back home, she didn't even take a moment to sit down. Instead, she made her way directly to Silver Boulder Private Hospital.

At that time, it appeared Norah was still buried in her work.

It had been a good while, more than a couple of weeks, since Joanna had last laid eyes on Norah. The absence had left Joanna feeling quite lonesome. She found herself puzzled over how Norah had navigated the challenges after Norah tied the knot with Derek.

Joanna arrived at the hospital just as the day was nearing its close, only to discover that Norah was still caught up in surgery.

"Dr. Wilson is still in the operating room, I'm sorry to say."

With a nod, Joanna settled herself on a bench in the hospital's lobby, bracing for the wait ahead.

“Doctor, I implore you to save my father. I will sort out the finances. Just proceed with the operation! You cannot simply stand by and watch him die. That would be too cruel! Please!"

The corridor was soon filled with the sound of a heated exchange, drawing the attention of many.

"The issue isn't that we refuse to perform the operation. It's that, even with surgery, your father's chances are slim. Our facility is not equipped to handle such a complex procedure," a doctor explained, devoid of empathy, to a man overcome with despair.