"Rise and shine," Chleo cheered, gracefully parting the heavy curtains in their lavishly adorned bedroom, inviting the sun's radiant presence to fill the room with its golden glow.
A slender beam of sunlight slipped through the curtains, gently caressing Lauren's slumbering face, causing her to squint her eyes in response.
"Go away," she grumbled drowsily, huddling deeper beneath the soft embrace of the duvet.
"Wake up, Lauren, it's nearly 8 a.m.," Chleo chimed, elegantly donning her exquisite Christian Louboutin heels.
Upon hearing the mention of the hour, Lauren sprang forth from her bed, her eyes darting towards the wall clock as a weary yawn escaped her lips.
Just as she leisurely prepared to leave the bed's embrace, a flicker of realization ignited within her mind, illuminating the urgency in her expression.
"Oh my dear, oh my dear," she uttered, swiftly descending from the bed.
"What's the matter?" Chleo inquired, a touch of concern coloring her features.
"I have just recalled that I have a scheduled surgery at 8:30 today! Fuck!" Lauren exclaimed, racing towards the bathroom.
"Mind your step, we wouldn't want any bathroom mishaps," Chloe playfully teased, her laughter echoing through the air as her friend hurried away.
Twenty minutes later, the two women descended the grand staircase, their footsteps carrying them swiftly towards the exit, their intentions veiled in an attempt to evade the ever-watchful gaze of Veronica Benneth.
Their escape plan seemed almost flawless, until they were abruptly discovered.
"Young ladies, pray tell, where might you be hastening off to at such this early without breakfast?" Veronica inquired, raising a perfectly arched eyebrow, her arms crossed firmly over her chest.
The pair froze in their tracks, exchanging a glance fraught with anxiety, before mustering the courage to face their formidable aunt.
"Well?" she inquired, her gaze piercing their souls.
"Aunt, you see, here's the situation," Lauren began, her voice tinged with desperation. "I have a complex surgery scheduled for 8:30 this very morning, I need ample time—thirty minutes, to be precise—to prepare myself before entering the theater."
Veronica Benneth remained composed, her response measured. "It's only 7:30; you still have an hour to enjoy your breakfast and make it to the hospital in time for the preparations."
Lauren's eyes pleaded for understanding. "But Aunt, the morning traffic can be absolutely dreadful. I must find a way to beat it!"
Veronica countered with a solution. "In that case, my dear, once you finish your meal, the chopper will transport you swiftly to the hospital."
"Now, onto you, young lady," Veronica turned her attention to Chloe, her penetrating gaze demanding an explanation. Chloe cleared her throat, preparing her defense.
"I have an indispensable board meeting with a significant investor," Chloe stated with composed confidence, even as her heart pounded with trepidation.
Veronica zeroed in on Chloe, her curiosity piqued. "And who might this investor be?"
"Director Shaw, representing Mercury Tech Group of Companies," Chloe responded, puzzled as to why Veronica sought this information.
To their astonishment, Veronica retrieved her phone, scrolling through it methodically before dialing a number. The voice on the other end beckoned them into the conversation, as Veronica had activated the speakerphone function.
"Hello," the voice greeted, clearly taken aback that Veronica Benneth herself was on the line. "This is Veronica Benneth speaking," she announced with her customary grace.
A moment of silence passed, then the speaker cleared his throat. "Oh, Madam Veronica, it is an absolute honor for Mercury Technology to hear from you. How may we be of service?"
"You have a scheduled meeting with Atlantech Company, correct?" Veronica inquired.
"Yes, ma'am, in precisely thirty minutes," the man confirmed.
"She happens to be in my presence currently. If you could kindly postpone the meeting by an hour, it would be greatly appreciated," Veronica requested.
"Certainly, Madam. We will inform her company that the meeting has been rescheduled. Not a problem at all," the man acquiesced.
"Thank you, Director Shaw. Have a delightful day," Veronica bid farewell before ending the call.
The two ladies stared at their aunt, mouths agape, utterly astounded by the turn of events.
"Well, ladies chop chop, time is of the essence," enunciated Veronica Benneth, briskly walking toward the dining area. The two followed in tandem, their sense of awe mingling with gratitude for their remarkable aunt.
---
Inside the elevator, Lauren immersed herself in the medical report of the patient she was bound to operate on, her focus unwavering as she ascended to the private floor.
As she strode along the corridor leading to the exclusive ward, a familiar fragrance teased her senses, causing her to abruptly halt. She swiveled on her heel, scanning the empty expanse behind her, yet an eerie silence hung in the air.
"Strange…" she murmured to herself, perplexed by the peculiar occurrence. Gathering her composure, she continued her journey. Pushing open the door to the private ward, she stepped inside, only to be greeted by faces she had not laid eyes upon in what felt like an eternity.
Damon, Derek, and Vanessa sat around the patient, engaged in what seemed like an animated conversation.
Lauren felt a chill run down her spine, her body freezing in place as the trio's gazes swiftly shifted towards the source of the disturbance.
Meeting their eyes, a rush of haunting memories surged within her, resurrecting the haunting image of her ancestors' lifeless bodies, and her heart started to beat erratically.
"How delightful to have you here, Professor Lauren," one of the doctors uttered, a gleam of pleasure in his eyes.
Lauren struggled to maintain her composure, her mind spinning as her surroundings blurred into a hazy mesh, causing her to sway unsteadily.
"Professor Lauren, are you alright?" a nurse hurriedly inquired, her features etched with concern.
"Huh?" Lauren responded, her gaze vacant as she stared blankly at the nurse beside her, her mind still grappling with the resurfacing memories.
"I'm fine, please excuse me," Lauren murmured, her voice trembling, before hastily retreating from the room, desperate to escape the overwhelming flood of emotions.