Once, she gave her hope, only to push her into despair. She remembered that feeling vividly, never able to forget it. Now, it was time for her to experience what she had once inflicted.
"Stand up," Zuri said calmly.
Rhea stood up and faced her quietly. "Zuri, can you forgive me now?"
"Forgive? That's impossible." She would never forgive the moment Rhea pushed her into the abyss.
"Then I'll keep kneeling until you do."
Zuri waved her hand dismissively. "No need. I can give you another chance, but it depends on your ability. If you have what it takes, perhaps your dreams will come true, and your Liu family can ascend to high society. If not, there's nothing I can do. You only get one chance."
"What is it?" Rhea asked, her interest piqued.
"Next week, the Ling Group is celebrating its fiftieth anniversary with a grand event, inviting numerous business elites from Oceanic City. I'll take you in, and once inside, it's up to you to find a benefactor."
Rhea was overjoyed and found it hard to believe that Zuri was genuinely willing to help her.
"Are you serious?" Rhea's heart trembled with excitement.
An upper-class banquet was something she had always dreamed of.
"Of course."
"But I don't have an evening dress or jewelry," Rhea said, seizing the opportunity.
"If I agreed to take you, naturally, I'll help you with those. Just show up looking beautiful. But remember, this is the last time I'll help you. It's not for you, but for your father."
"I'll seize the opportunity and won't let you down," Rhea said, brushing aside her previous gloom and beginning to fantasize about her future life.
"Let's hope so."
Zuri glanced at the unhidden greed in her eyes and smirked inwardly. She didn't bother interrupting Rhea's daydreams because... nightmares were about to begin.
Leaving the park, Farida noticed Zuri coming out alone. After confirming she wasn't hurt, she sighed in relief.
"I was worried Rhea might get desperate and do something to you."
"I told you, she's not capable of that. Stop worrying," Zuri said with a smile.
"Let's go."
After the three of them left, Rhea emerged from the park, vowing to herself.
This time, no matter what it took, she would find someone to rely on. She didn't want to live in that place or be bullied anymore. If Zuri could have something, why couldn't she?
In the Maybach, Farida said mysteriously, "I have good news. At the Ling Group's banquet next week, a mysterious guest will be attending. He's said to be the genius doctor Adam."
"Adam?!" Azura's eyes widened. "Does Ling Group have that much pull to invite him?"
"Colin told me, but I'm not sure about the details. When the news got out, countless business elites scrambled to get in. Now, the invitation cards for the Ling Group's fiftieth-anniversary celebration are like gold."
"Adam? Is he famous?"
Zuri's untimely question earned her death stares from Farida and Azura.
Farida stared at her as if looking at a caveman. "You don't know him?!"
Zuri felt a bit embarrassed. She really didn't.
She didn't even know celebrities, let alone doctors.
Azura coughed lightly, regaining her composure. "Adam is the top brain surgeon in the country. No, he's a world-renowned genius doctor specializing in brain surgery."
Farida interrupted Azura. "That's not the point. Zuri, you have no idea how amazing Adam is. Three years ago, when a high-ranking official had a problem, and even the top foreign brain surgeons said the success rate was less than ten percent, Adam stepped up. He took on the pressure, performed brain surgery, and succeeded."
"After that, everyone knew about him. Before that, he was quietly working on research projects. If it weren't for that incident, no one would have known about his medical prowess."
Farida's eyes sparkled with admiration as she spoke.
"That incident brought him into the public eye. Half a month later, when the literary giant Mr. Zhang had a heart attack and needed a bypass surgery, no domestic or foreign doctors dared to operate due to his age and the complexity. They told his family to prepare for the worst. Eventually, they begged Adam to perform the surgery, and he succeeded. He has since performed several high-profile, difficult surgeries with extraordinary skill. People call his hands 'the hands of God.'"
Azura added, "I've heard that brain surgery is just one of his specialties. He's also highly skilled in other fields. Several top research institutions abroad have tried to recruit him, but he's not interested. He's truly a role model. Most importantly, he's not only talented but also very handsome. Extremely handsome."
Azura's eyes filled with admiration at the mention of his looks.
This was classic Azura, the looks enthusiast!
"His medical skills are undeniable. As you know, the wealthier people are, the more they fear death. Everyone experiences birth, aging, illness, and death. With such a genius doctor around, who wouldn't want to establish a good relationship with him just in case?"
"It's said that he doesn't take on surgeries based on money but on whether he feels a connection with the patient. If he likes them, he'll operate for free. If not, no amount of money will convince him."
"He's usually in his research lab and only occasionally comes out for a few surgeries. It's almost impossible to see him. Many people want to get close to him but can't find a way. Now that he's attending this banquet, you can bet people will flock to see him and build connections."
"This isn't just building connections; it's preparing for their future health," Zuri said earnestly.
"Hahaha!"
Azura and Farida burst into laughter.
"You're right. They're preparing for their future health."
Azura laughed so hard that tears formed in her eyes. "You're so blunt, but I like it."
Meanwhile, after using the last of their money, Saira and Christian were politely asked to leave the hotel. They stood on the street with their luggage, unsure of where to go.