Kaizen led Sloane into the study and locked the door behind them. "Dr. Rivers, there’s an urgent situation," he said in a low voice. "Mr. Jackson from the embassy has suddenly fallen ill. The symptoms are very unusual. Because of his status, he can’t seek treatment publicly." Sloane frowned. "What kind of symptoms?" "His fever hasn’t dropped from forty degrees, and his entire body has developed purple blotches. He’s already in a coma." Kaizen’s tone grew graver. "The strangest thing is that every medical test has come back normal. No one can identify the cause." "You want me to treat him?" Sloane asked directly. Kaizen nodded solemnly. "Mr. Jackson isn’t just a senior diplomat—he’s the lead negotiator for next month’s trade agreement between our two countries. If word of his condition spreads, it could disrupt the talks and even strain diplomatic relations." He stepped closer, his voice dropping to a whisper. "And there’s something else—they suspect this isn’t a natural illness." Sloane’s pupils tightened. "You mean someone poisoned him?" "It’s only a theory for now," Kaizen said. When Sloane stepped out of the study, Lucas immediately approached, his eyes full of questions. She gave a subtle nod and motioned for him to step aside. At the corner of the hallway, she spoke quietly, summarizing what Kaizen had told her. Lucas’s brow furrowed deeper with every word until it nearly formed a knot. "This is too dangerous," he said, gripping her hand. "If this really was deliberate poisoning, whoever did it won’t let you walk away after saving him." Sloane’s fingers brushed lightly against his palm. "But Mr. Jackson’s life could affect the entire trade agreement. If he dies, the consequences will be disastrous. And besides…" She paused. "I’m a doctor. I can’t just stand by and do nothing." Lucas looked into her resolute eyes and finally sighed. "Fine—but Beth has to agree that I go with you."Sloane smiled. "I knew you’d say that. That’s why I already asked her. She agreed." When they returned to the living room, Sloane gave Kaizen a firm nod. "We can leave now." Kaizen visibly relaxed and immediately picked up his phone to make arrangements. Beth stood nearby, worry clouding her expression. She didn’t know what was going on, but judging from her brother’s face, it was serious. She hesitated before turning to Sloane, her eyes full of mixed emotions. "Beth," Sloane said softly as she walked up to her, "thank you for everything. Once this is over, we’ll have a proper goodbye." Beth forced a small smile. "Just be careful." She hesitated, then reached up to straighten Sloane’s collar, her touch as gentle as if she were handling something precious. Half an hour later, a black sedan stopped silently in front of the Oliver estate. Kaizen accompanied Sloane and Lucas into the car. The windows were tinted with one-way glass—no one outside could see in. "The embassy is under tight lockdown," Kaizen explained during the ride. "Mr. Jackson’s condition is being kept strictly confidential. Only a handful of people know the truth."The car took several indirect routes before entering through the embassy’s rear gate. Sloane noticed that security presence had at least tripled. Every guard they passed looked tense, their hands never straying far from their weapons. They were led straight to the medical room. As the door opened, a wave of disinfectant hit them. On the bed lay a man in his fifties, his complexion ashen and his lips an unnatural shade of blue-purple. Beads of sweat covered his forehead, and even in unconsciousness, his brow was furrowed as if he were fighting unbearable pain.