Dr. Yale's office felt charged with anticipation as he waited for Karvel's response to his generous offers. The distinguished physician had rarely encountered someone whose medical abilities so thoroughly impressed him, and he was prepared to make whatever concessions necessary to secure Karvel's services."Dr. Yale, I truly appreciate your confidence in my abilities," Karvel began, his tone respectful but firm. "However, I must decline your offer of permanent employment."Dr. Yale's face fell slightly, though he tried to maintain his professional composure. "May I ask why? The compensation package would be extremely generous, and you'd have access to resources most physicians only dream of.""I value my independence too highly to commit to any single institution," Karvel explained. "However, I would be willing to consult on particularly challenging cases – the ones your regular staff can't solve."At least that's something, Dr. Yale thought, his disappointment tempered by the prospec

The insult hit Ethan like a physical blow, and he lunged forward with his fists raised. However, Torres stepped between them with fluid efficiency, his massive frame blocking Ethan's attack without even appearing to exert effort."Careful there, little man," Torres said quietly, his voice carrying obvious menace. "Wouldn't want you to hurt yourself.""Get away from me!" Ethan screamed, his voice cracking with panic as he realized the size and danger of Sebastian's security team. "I'm protected! Leo Romano will destroy you for this!""Protected?" Sebastian laughed cruelly, the sound echoing across the suddenly silent casino floor. "Is that what you call cowering behind your sister's marriage? How embarrassing for the Romano family."Sebastian stepped closer, his voice dropping to a whisper that somehow seemed more terrifying than any shout. "Let me tell you something, you pathetic little worm. The only reason you're still standing is because of Leo Romano's reputation. But even family

The morning sun filtered through the laboratory's tall windows as Karvel meticulously arranged the new samples that had arrived from the affected family's residence. Each specimen was carefully catalogued and placed in individual containment units, the potential danger requiring extreme precision in handling procedures.Finally, Karvel thought as he examined the environmental samples under his microscope. These should provide the missing piece of the puzzle. The pathogen has to have an environmental source.The laboratory door swung open with unnecessary force, and Sophia Yale strode in wearing a tight-fitting dress that was completely inappropriate for a medical facility. Her high heels clicked against the sterile floor as she approached Karvel's workstation with obvious determination."Well, well," Sophia announced loudly, "if it isn't the man who thinks he's too good for the Yale family."Karvel looked up from his microscope briefly before returning to his work. "Sophia, this is a

The Romano estate's private study felt heavy with tension as Leo paced behind his mahogany desk, his expensive Italian shoes clicking against the marble floor with each agitated step. Thompson stood at attention near the office door, a thick file of surveillance reports clutched in his hands."Tell me again what your sources reported," Leo commanded, his voice tight with barely controlled anger.Thompson opened the file and consulted his notes. "Sir, our surveillance team confirms that Karvel Cross has been spending significant time at the Yale family estate over the past week. He was also observed entering and leaving Yale Medical Center on multiple occasions.""The Yale Medical Center?" Leo's eyebrows shot up with interest. "What business could that nobody possibly have with Carson City's most prestigious medical facility?""We're still gathering details, sir," Thompson admitted reluctantly. "Dr. Yale has been keeping whatever happened very quiet. No press releases, no public statem

"I just had the most frustrating conversation of my entire life," Vivian said, settling heavily into the bedside chair. "With your supposed savior, Karvel Cross."Sophia set aside her magazine, her interest immediately piqued. "What happened? Did you finally ask him about his mysterious background?""I tried to," Vivian replied bitterly. "But he gave me the same runaround he always does. Claims it's 'too dangerous' for me to know the truth, whatever that means."Still playing the mysterious hero card, Sophia thought with satisfaction. Perfect opportunity to get Vivian on my side."That's exactly what I was afraid of," Sophia said sympathetically. "The man clearly has secrets he's determined to hide, regardless of how it affects the people who care about him.""I'm just so tired of being jerked around," Vivian continued, her frustration evident in every word. "I've stood by him through everything, and he still doesn't trust me enough to be honest."Sophia leaned forward eagerly. "You kn