Chapter 146
The Institute.
“This is the elite treatment wing,” Nathaniel said, guiding Serena to the empty lounge where patients were meant to wait for their appointments.
It was Serena’s first time at the Thorne Neurological Sciences Institute.
Seeing how much Nathaniel had achieved, Serena could not help but look at him with admiration.
Gavin, who was following behind them, also smiled, looking proud.
Although she was still pissed about Tina, Serena set it aside. There were more important matters to attend to. She hadn’t told Nathaniel yet, so they could focus on the day’s agenda. Moreover, Tina had tasks of her own to accomplish.
The institute was only a four-storey building, but it sat on two acres of land. The main wing housed the research institute itself. It was quiet, modern, and tightly secured.
On the right wing was the elite treatment area, secluded and discreet, reserved for high-profile patients and specialized care. Separate access points ensured privacy, while the layout allowed medical, psychological, and security teams to work seamlessly without crossing into the foundation’s safe spaces.
To its left stood the EverThorne Foundation, a charitable institute dedicated to aiding victims of crime and abuse.
Nathaniel and Gavin walked with her to the east wing of the building. Unlike the stark precision of the research wing, this side of the building was designed for healing. Floor-to-ceiling windows let in natural light, private counseling rooms overlooked landscaped gardens, and soundproofed corridors ensured discretion and calm. The spaces were intentionally warm, with soft colors, open lounges, and therapy rooms meant to make survivors feel safe rather than examined.
“Miss Vander, this foundation has helped over ten thousand family victims of crime and abuse,” Gavin shared. “Eligibility is based on need. The foundation accepts cases involving individuals or families who lack the financial means, legal access, or a safe environment to recover properly, regardless of location p>
Serena glanced at Nathaniel with a faint smile. “That’s very impressive. How does it feel to have achieved this p>
Nathaniel replied calmly, “It’s very fulfilling p>
“I’m here. Sorry, I’m late,” a woman’s voice rang from behind them.
When Serena turned, she saw it was Doctor Lin.
Though she had aged, she was still recognizable.
“Doctor Lin?” Serena smiled.
“Oh, Serena. It’s been such a long time,” the doctor said, pulling her into a hug. “When Nathan told me he’d found you, I cried p>
When they pulled apart, her eyes were wet. “I’m glad you’re back. I heard you’ve found your family p>
Serena couldn’t explain how she felt. Emotions swirled inside her. This was the woman who had helped her through her childhood trauma. Of course, she was happy to see her.
“Yes,” Serena said softly. Her eyes grew misty as she spoke. “You have no idea how much relief it brought me to know I was never Victor’s daughter p>
“I wish to meet your parents,” the doctor said with a smile. “We have so much to talk about p>
“In due time,” Serena suggested.
“Dr. Lin is our Senior Trauma
Psychology Consultant,” Nathaniel
explained. “She reviews each case before making recommendations on Counseling protocols. She will help us review our PR strategy today p>
Serena turned to Nathaniel, then smiled at the doctor. “She’s the best person for that p>
The rally outside the institute was loud, but Nathaniel and his team of lawyers were focused, preparing for the press conference inside the building’s largest conference
room.
All court filings against the Holts were now publicly available on the VelmonVsHolts website, including the recent attempted murder charge.
“We are heading in the right direction,” Dr. Lin said, reviewing the PR statement.
“And the website is a great idea,” Nathaniel’s lead counsel complimented. “Miss Vander’s suggestion is truly a brilliant strategy p>
Nathaniel placed his hand on the small of Serena’s back, visibly e pleased. “It was the most effective approach Court filings are
dense
and difficult to navigate. This made
the facts accessible p>
“The press conference will start at three in the afternoon,” he told the team. “Let’s all get ready p>
As the conference room emptied, Nathaniel turned to Serena and asked, “Are you sure about your plans p>
Serena nodded. “I’m certain p>
With a sigh, he said, “Then Dennis will be with you, along with security p>
“That’s fine,” Serena said.
A minute later, Nathaniel added, “Dennis is here p>
“I’ll just head to the restroom real quick,” Serena said. She walked briskly to the ladies’ room and took care of her business. After that, she reapplied her makeup.
If she was going to face Vanessa again, she had to look her best. She had even worn her favorite business suit that day.
Just then, the restroom door opened, and Tina walked in.
Serena’s eyes landed on her, but she ignored her all the same.
“So you told him, but he didn’t fire me. He didn’t reprimand me either,” Tina said with a smug look She läugned trumphantly as she added, “Mr. Thorne probably didn’t believe you, and you’ve probably guessed how important I am to him.