Chapter 3

When they finally arrived at the nearest hospital, the doctor examined Ember and delivered the grim news with a heavy expression.

He told Atlas that Ember's foot injury was extremely severe, and the only solution was amputation to remove the necrotic tissue. If the infected and festering wound was left untreated, there was a high risk that she could lose her entire leg.

Moreover, the severe starvation she endured had caused significant damage to her digestive system. The doctor explained that a full recovery might take at least 10 to 20 years.

Atlas froze at the words, as if he was struck by a heavy blow. It took him a long moment to recover, and his fury erupted when he did. He kicked over a chair with a loud crash.

"How is that possible? It's just a minor injury! How could it lead to amputation? You're nothing but a quack—don't you dare spout nonsense!"

Kaylee quickly stepped in to calm him down.

"Atlas, don't get upset. It's probably because the doctors in small towns like this aren't skilled enough. Once we take her back to the capital, there will definitely be a way to fix this!

"My brother is a top-tier surgical specialist. Let him take a look first, okay? If that doesn't work, we can even find international experts."

Though he was still tense, Atlas began to rein in his anger. Nonetheless, traces of agitation remained in his eyes.

"Right. You're right. Let's have your brother take a look first," he muttered while clenching his fists anxiously. "We'll find the best doctor—there has to be a way to heal her."

They then rushed Ember back to the capital without delay. The doctor who examined Ember there was Spencer Langford, Kaylee's brother and the best trauma specialist at the city hospital.

After reviewing Ember's injuries, Spencer spoke to Atlas with an air of nonchalance.

"It's nothing serious. Ember's injury is just a superficial wound. It'll heal as long as she rests for a while.

"As for the internal damage? Absolute nonsense. She's just a little malnourished, that's all.

"If you ask me, this is probably one of Ember's usual tricks. She's still trying to gain your sympathy."

Atlas couldn't shake his doubt. He glanced back at Ember, and the image of her horrifying wound was burned into his memory.

Was it really not as serious as it looked?

Kaylee quickly clung to Atlas' arm. Her tone was sweet and coy as she said, "Atlas, stop worrying. My brother's medical skills are top-notch."

Spencer shot Atlas a disapproving look. "I haven't even held you accountable yet! Didn't you promise to protect Kaylee? So, why is her hand still injured and not healed by now?

"Instead of worrying about that troublemaker Ember, you'd better focus on Kaylee. Her hands are meant for painting—if anything happens to them, I'll hold you responsible!"

Kaylee shot him a gracious smile. "Spens, don't say that. Ember didn't mean to hurt my hand. She was just momentarily blinded by anger and acted out.

"And besides," she said while looking at Atlas with a sad yet resilient smile, "even if I can never paint again… I'll be content as long as Atlas stays with me."

"How could that happen?" Atlas' attention was immediately drawn to her, and he grasped Kaylee's hand firmly. "Kaylee, don't worry. I'll make sure you can pick up a paintbrush again!"

The sibling duo's perfectly coordinated act successfully shifted Atlas' focus entirely away from Ember. Ember, however, was no stranger to their skillful manipulation.

A week ago, she had actually managed to avoid the avalanche when it struck. But then Kaylee had shoved her down the mountain during an argument. In the scuffle, Kaylee dislocated both her arms, while Ember tumbled to the bottom of the slope.

She had crashed hard against a rock when she fell, and her entire body was wracked with pain as if all her joints had been dislocated. The agony left her unable to move or make a sound.

As Ember plummeted, she clearly heard Kaylee's venomous curses.

"Why don't you just die here and save everyone the trouble of dealing with you?

"There are many wild beasts on the snow mountain. I wonder if you'll make it through tonight."