All Chapters of The Phoenix Bride Rises: Trust Was Her First Mistake : Chapter 161 - Chapter 168

The sun had barely risen over Country D, but inside the private hospital, Arla-Rosa Hernandez, already weary from the two previous life-saving procedures, adjusted her surgical cap and gown. Her hands, though pale and marked by fatigue, were steady as always. Today’s patient was unlike any she had faced. It was a forty-five-year-old diplomat’s spouse, discovered to have a giant fusiform aneurysm lodged deep within the circle of Willis.The aneurysm was perilous, almost impossibly so. Western neurosurgeons had abandoned the case entirely, citing catastrophic risk. Clipping could rupture the vessel instantly. Stenting offered only a slim hope, with a ninety percent mortality rate. Caldrick, across oceans in Geneva, had assumed Arla-Rosa would refuse the case, or that she would fail spectacularly under the scrutiny of the cameras.Cedric Fleming’s presence beside her was a steady, unspoken reassurance. The twins were safely tucked away, their innocent laughter echoing faintly from the n

The moment Arla-Rosa emerged from the operating theater, the ripples of her genius spread far beyond Fleming House of Hope. Social media still buzzed, hashtags trended in every time zone, and news networks scrambled to cover the unprecedented day of medical mastery.In Brilliant City, Country L’s capital, the prime minister and minister of defense convened a press conference. Cameras rolled, broadcasting live to millions. “Our nation celebrates Dr. Arla-Rosa Hernandez, a prodigy whose brilliance and integrity embody the very best of Country L,” the prime minister declared, voice firm. “She is our precious gem. Anyone daring to undermine or harm her will find themselves in opposition to this government itself.”The minister of defense stepped forward, adding with equal gravity, “We will provide full protection. Her safety is non-negotiable. Any threats, direct or indirect, will be met with the full might of our forces.”The statements sent tremors across diplomatic channels. Within Cou

The morning sun filtered through the tall windows of Fleming House of Hope, casting long patterns across the polished floors. Arla-Rosa sat at the edge of the wide mahogany table, a pen in hand, sketches of floral arrangements, guest lists, and seating charts spread before her. Beside her, Cedric Fleming leaned back in his chair, his sharp eyes scanning the same sheets, his expression calm yet unyielding.The world outside roared with chatter, hashtags, and outrage. Celebrities debated her brilliance. Governments proclaimed their support or veiled threats. The media scrambled for the tiniest hint of scandal. But inside the house, there was silence. Only the quiet ticking of the grandfather clock, the occasional murmur from the staff, and the measured breathing of a family who had endured too much to be swept by panic.“I want it simple,” Arla-Rosa said, tracing her finger along the outline of the garden where the ceremony would take place. “Not for the wo

The morning sun spilled through the tall windows of the Fleming estate, catching on the polished wooden floors and the soft silk curtains. The house was quiet, save for the occasional giggles of Cassian and Celeste racing through the halls in their small slippers.Arla-Rosa sat at the breakfast table, a simple cup of tea warming her hands. Cedric moved around the kitchen, preparing eggs for the twins while stealing glances at her from behind his broad shoulders. His movements were deliberate yet gentle, each gesture speaking of a man completely at ease in the presence of the woman he loved.“You need more sleep,” he murmured, as he set a plate in front of her. “You’ve been through more in the past month than most see in a lifetime.”She smiled softly, sipping her tea. “Sleep comes when the world quiets down,” she said. “But for now, this…” Her hand gestured to the table, the sunlight, the laughter echoing from the children, “…this is enough.