---- Chapter 167 Gregory thought for a moment, then nodded. "Flynn still hasn't been found, and no one can guarantee he won't show up again. I'd feel better with you around Wendy, too." He added, "But Wendy's office is pretty small. Why don't you two use mine for now, and I'll move into hers? She's not seeing patients anyway, so just focus on the treatment research." Liam thanked Gregory, then walked out with Wendy. "It's fine. Dr.

Hendrix is Aunt Margaret's attending physician, and we're supposed to be collaborating anyway," Liam replied, glancing at her. "Unless you're worried people will read into it." Wendy shrugged. "I'm not worried about me. I just don't want you catching flak because of me." He didn't even blink. "If you're not worried, why should I be? If there's nothing to hide, there's nothing to fear." That made Wendy smile. "Alright, but you're helping me move my stuff." By 3:00 pm, they were fully set up.

In just two hours, Wendy and Liam had mapped out four different treatment strategies. For the next three days, they were practically glued to each other. They ran drug response tests in the lab, simulated surgery plans, and reviewed pathology in real time. ---- The police had yet to provide an update about Flynn, and Wendy pushed it to the back of her mind, pouring everything into work. A week later, she and Liam presented their final treatment plan at the symposium.

After a round of tough questions and scrutiny, it was approved for clinical use. Margaret was also at the meeting and personally signed off on the plan. Despite being warned about possible side effects, she didn't hesitate. "T'll take full responsibility for whatever happens," she said, standing up with a calm smile. Then she looked at Liam. "And I trust Dr. Harrison to give it his all." The procedure was scheduled to begin the next day.

Wendy and Liam would lead, with Gregory assisting in managing unexpected complications. Years of illness had taken a heavy toll on Margaret's body. At five-foot-six, she weighed barely 90 pounds. As Wendy watched the nurse insert the IV, she couldn't help but frown. "Tused to weigh 120 pounds," Margaret said, catching her expression. "Before I got sick, [had always been healthy." Wendy pursed her lips.

"Once you've recovered , everything will fall back into place." ---- Margaret gave a small smile and said, "I'll hold you to that, Dr. Sanders." Despite battling two rare diseases , she never wore the usual expressions of despair or fear. She was either reserved and distant or warm and gracious. Once the IV was set, Wendy calmly went over the next steps of treatment. "Once the medication starts stabilizing your vitals, we'll move on to surgery.

The goal is to slow down the disease's progression and reduce your pain." Margaret nodded. "Will you be performing the surgery?" "Yes," Wendy replied. "But don't worry, Dr. Harrison will be in the OR too." "No need to say that just to make me feel better," she said lightly. "I'm not afraid of surgery." Then she turned to Liam, who was reviewing data nearby. At the sound of her voice, he looked up. "The surgery's a complex one," he explained.

"It requires two surgeons." "Ah, I see," Margaret said with a knowing smile. "And here I thought you were just being overprotective." "Partly that too," Liam admitted. Margaret's smile deepened, and she turned to Wendy. "He's always been like that. He never says what he's really thinking, ---- makes me guess every time." She chuckled. "It must be exhausting being friends with someone like him." Wendy shook her head, saying honestly, "He's great. And he's been really good to me."