Chapter 182
Evelyn’s POV
I walked alongside Emma and our agricultural team across the vast grounds of Red Cedar Resort.
“This entire western section should be dedicated to Moon Root cultivation,” I said, pointing to the area marked on our site plans. “The soil composition here matches exactly what we need for optimal growth p>
“How quickly can we begin planting?” I asked.
“With your approval on these plans, we could start preparation within the week,” Emma replied. “The first harvest would be ready in approximately four months p>
“Not fast enough,” I said, shaking my head. “We need to accelerate. People are suffering now p>
“We could use greenhouse acceleration techniques to shorten the growth cycle by nearly six weeks,” Dr. Winters suggested.
“Do it,” I interrupted. “Whatever we need to make this happen faster p>
“Let’s target full production capacity within six months,” I said as we concluded our site visit. “I want to announce the production timeline at tomorrow’s press conference p>
“About that,” Emma said hesitantly. “The RSVPs have exceeded our expectations. Representatives from every major pack in the region will be attending p>
My stomach tightened. “Every pack p>
Emma nodded. “Including Bloodbane. Their communications office confirmed this morning p>
Calvin would be there. Of course he would.
“That’s fine,” I said, keeping my voice steady despite my racing heart. “Make sure security is tight. This announcement is too important to risk any disruptions p>
The conference hall buzzed with anticipation. Through the backstage curtain, I could see representatives from packs across the country filling the seats. Medical professionals, pack leaders, and journalists. All gathered to hear about our breakthrough.
“Five minutes, Dr. Blackwell,” the event coordinator informed me.
I nodded, reviewing my notes one last time.
“Thank you.” I smoothed down my blazer, taking a deep breath. “How do I look p>
“Like someone who’s about to change the world,” Emma replied, smiling.
I walked out to enthusiastic applause, approaching the podium.
“Thank you all for coming today,” I began. “What I’m about to announce represents not just a scientific breakthrough, but the fulfillment of a promise I made years ago p>
I paused, letting my gaze sweep across the audience.
“Two years ago, I treated a mother suffering from Lunar Degeneration Syndrome. She had a daughter, but because of the disease, she lost her mind, couldn’t recognize her own child, and even tried to attack her. As both a mother and a doctor, I made a promise to ensure no other family would endure such pain p>
The room was completely silent.
“Today, I’m proud to announce that Evelink Biosciences has developed a stable, reproducible treatment for LDS. Within six months, we will have the capacity to treat every known case in the country. And I make this pledge: No one will be denied treatment based on pack status or financial means p>
As I continued outlining our plans, I noticed movement in the back corner. My heart skipped when I recognized Calvin, sitting quietly in the shadows. His intense gaze was fixed on me.
I forced myself to refocus.
“In conclusion, this breakthrough represents hope for those suffering from this terrible disease p>
The room erupted in applause. Many rose to their feet. Through it all, I kept glancing to where Calvin sat, his expression now thoughtful. Perhaps even impressed.
“Dr. Blackwell, the press can’t get enough of you,” Jackson said, bursting into the conference room. “Every major news outlet is running the story. They’re calling you ’The Wolf Healer’ and ’Savior of the Packs p>
I laughed, shaking my head. “A bit dramatic, isn’t it p>
“Not really,” Emma countered, sliding her tablet across the table to me. “Look at these numbers. Our stock has jumped 47% since the announcement. And these are inquiries from packs around the world. Not just for LDS treatment, but for consulting on other wolf-specific medical issues p>
I scrolled through the data, almost unable to believe what I was seeing. “This is… overwhelming p>
“In a good way,” Jackson added. “The underground wolf forums are blowing up too. You’ve given hope to a lot of people who had none p>
Warmth spread through my chest. This was why I’d started all this. Not for recognition or wealth, but to help those who were suffering.
After finishing the meeting with my team, I entered my hotel suite, sighing with relief as my feet touched the plush carpet. The day had been exhausting but exhilarating. Now all I wanted was to see my children’s faces.
I settled on the couch and opened my laptop, accepting the waiting video call. The screen immediately filled with Alexis’s beaming face.
“Mom! You were amazing!” she squealed. “We saw you on TV! You looked so smart and powerful p>
Her enthusiasm made me laugh. “Thank you, sweetheart. I’m glad you watched p>
Gary’s face appeared in the frame, grinning proudly. “Boss, you knocked it out of the park. The medical community is going crazy over this announcement p>
“Mommy!” Two identical faces pushed into the frame, shoving each other to get better positions. Rowan and Rhys. My beautiful boys.
“Hey, you two,” I said, my voice softening. “Are you being good for Gary and Eryx p>
“Yes,” they chorused, though Rowan’s eye roll suggested otherwise.
“Rhys put a frog in the bathtub,” Alexis tattled immediately.
“It was for science!” Rhys protested.
“Was not!” Alexis shot back.
“Was too p>
I couldn’t help laughing at their bickering. How normal and precious it was.
“When are you coming home?” Rowan asked. “We miss you p>
The simple question tugged at my heart. Despite all the professional success of the day, nothing mattered more than these three faces looking back at me.
“Very soon,” I promised. “Just a few more meetings, and then I’ll be home. We can have movie night with all the popcorn you can eat p>
Their cheers warmed my soul.
“And maybe,” I added, “we can start planning that trip to the lakeside we’ve been talking about. Now that the announcement is done, we deserve a little family vacation, don’t we p>
“Yes!” Alexis pumped her fist. “Can we go fishing? And swimming p>
“Whatever you want,” I promised. “It will be our time together p>