Chapter 230 Lifeâs Regret and Unexpected Pursuits
âAlright,â Damien gently reached out and tousled her hair, his affectionate smile warming the moment.
âLetâs have a meal first, and then weâll head over to the research institute. Does that sound good to
you?â
âYes!â Cherise nodded in enthusiastic agreement. With fanâs potential quest to regain his position and
claim the prize money, the afternoon when the netizens gathered was an optimal window of
opportunity. They would be there, ready and waiting for him at the research institute.
Following a delightful lunch, Damien personally chauffeured Cherise to the research institute. A few
dedicated netizens had already gathered outside, their presence a testament to the brewing digital
storm.
Cherise and Damien, keen to avoid the commotion, discreetly entered through the instituteâs
back door.
Welcome, Mr. and Mrs. Lenoir!â Upon their arrival through the back entrance, a chorus of warm
greetings resonated through the research institute. All the researchers had lined up, applauding and
cheering enthusiastically to welcome them.
A headache began to creep in. The reception felt all too reminiscent of the grand event Bernard had
orchestrated during Cheriseâs visit to the Shaw Group for an inspection.
As an unsettling feeling gnawed at her, she heard a familiar voice, âMs. Shaw! Surprise!
Bernardâs large face appeared at the end of the line. âWhy are you here?â Cherise asked, taken aback
by his sudden appearance.
âBecause our group sponsors this medical research institute!â Bernardâs innocent blink and wide eyes
radiated his pride. âThe director called me a while ago and said you were coming for an inspection.
Since they didnât know what kind of welcome ceremony youâd like, I came to give them some
guidance.â
Bernard was clearly basking in his achievement. âArenât you surprised? You didnât expect to see me
here, did you?â
Cherise stumbled over her words, âYes, Iâm genuinely surprised.â
Soon enough, Cherise learned that the entire medical research institute indeed fell under the
sponsorship of the Shaw Group. It suddenly made sense why Damien treated this place like his
backyard.
Nevertheless, a question lingered: Why did Damien sponsor a medical research institute years ago?
âBecause of my sister,â Damien shared, his arm still affectionately wrapped around Cheriseâs waist as
they made their way to the directorâs office. âWhen I was thirteen, our family villa caught fire.â
1/2
âIn an attempt to save me, my sister sustained severe burns, disfiguring herself and causing extensive
internal organ damage.â
Damien let out a soft sigh. âDuring that time, medical science simply couldnât save her, so my
grandfather arranged for a team of burn specialists from abroad to urgently transfer her to at different
medical facility.â
âShe passed away on the plane before reaching the destination.â
As Damien recounted this painful chapter of his life, his eyes reflected a deep sorrow. âSo, when
Lennon mentioned that a doctor he knew was planning to establish a medical research institute
dedicated to rare diseases, I didnât hesitate to provide my sponsorship.â
He sighed again, leaving the topic there.
Cherise pursed her lips and held his hand with a firm grip. âI can understand how that feels.â
Having witnessed her grandmotherâs struggles with heart disease, she had been motivated to become
a skilled cardiovascular surgeon. Often, lifeâs regrets drive people toward unexpected. pursuits.
With that, they finally arrived at the directorâs office. Acknowledging Cheriseâs recent miscarriage. and
her less-than-optimal condition, the director had thoughtfully arranged the most. comfortable hospital
bed for her to rest on within the office.
âThank you, Director,â Cherise expressed, feeling somewhat self-conscious yet genuinely appreciative.
2/2