After ending the call, Lucille hurriedly straightened her clothes. Despite her chest's heaviness and swollen eyes from crying, she knew she had to push through. The operation would last several hours, and she hadn't had anything to eat. She quickly dialed the coffee shop next to the hospital where she worked, requesting a cheesecake and coffee to be prepared.

Getting into her car, Lucille drove towards the hospital, trying to clear her mind of the recent events. Upon arrival, she quickly stopped at the coffee shop, paying for her order before heading towards the hospital's basement parking lot.

With the cheesecake in hand and the warm coffee cup in the other, Lucille began munching on the sweet treat as she walked, her phone still clutched. Just as she was about twelve feet from the elevator, a tall man stepped inside and pressed the close button.

Realizing she was in a hurry for the operation, Lucille called out desperately, "Sir! Excuse me. Please wait a minute!"

Thankfully, the elevator doors reopened before fully closing, and Lucille sighed as she hurriedly stepped inside. However, in her haste, her foot caught on the entrance, causing her to stumble forward.

Time seemed to slow down as Lucille desperately tried to regain her balance. The coffee cup in her hand floated in the air, its contents spilling onto the man's crotch.

Gasping in horror, Lucille instinctively acted, reaching for a tissue from the bakery bag to wipe the affected area. She was grateful that the coffee hadn't been scalding hot, but the embarrassment and guilt flooded over her.

"I'm so sorry! I didn't mean to!" Lucille repeatedly apologized, her voice filled with genuine remorse as she continued to dab at the stains.

The repetitive act of apologizing disgusted her at that moment. Throughout her life, she always immediately apologized for any wrongdoing, fearing severe consequences. Perhaps this ingrained habit allowed people, especially her own family, to trample over her. Lucille resolved to change this pattern for her well-being.

Meanwhile, consumed by her task of drying the stains, Lucille failed to notice the man's intense gaze. When she finally looked up to meet his eyes, time seemed to freeze. His strikingly handsome features swept her off her feet for the second time that day. She was rendered speechless, captivated by the depth of his gaze.

Since meeting Lucas, Lucille had believed he was the most handsome man she would ever encounter in her lifetime. But standing before her now, this man eclipsed Lucas entirely.

Radiating an air of cold confidence and arrogance, he possessed the visage of a Greek sculpture crafted by the gods. His deep, dark eyes, calm and mysterious, held a dangerous and untamed allure, stirring a feeling within Lucille that defied description.

'Sexy,' she thought, her mind momentarily consumed by her undeniable attraction towards this enigmatic stranger.

Lucille's prolonged gaze into his eyes had caused her to forget their compromising position inside the elevator. She was all too aware of the potential scandal it would become if any of her colleagues caught wind of the situation. She couldn't afford such notoriety as a respected surgeon at the hospital.

Reality abruptly jolted her back to the present, and she realized the awkwardness of their circumstances. Embarrassment flooded her, not just for the inconvenience she had caused but for preserving her dignity.

Clearing her throat, Lucille mustered the courage to speak. "I am so sorry. I didn't mean to cause any harm. I was in a hurry and..." Her attempt to explain was cut short as she slipped on the still-wet floor, ending up back on her knees before the mysterious man. In her unsteady state, her arms unintentionally reached out, clinging to his thigh, while her head ended up perilously close to a rather compromising area.

At that precise moment, the elevator doors opened, and a man walked in. It was Kevin, a colleague of Lucille's.

"Sir Moore, Miss Ward, she..." Kevin's voice trailed off as his eyes widened, taking in the scene before him. His mouth gaped open in surprise, his gaze shifting from the woman on the floor to the stain on his boss's trousers and finally settling on his boss's face.

Sir Henry Moore, typically noble, solemn, and seemingly untouchable, now appeared furious, as if Kevin had interrupted something of great significance. Or at least, that was how Kevin imagined it.

"Oh! I didn't see anything. You can continue!" Kevin blurted out, quickly turning around to hide his concealed delight.

Coughing awkwardly, he pretended to have seen nothing, eager to give his boss some privacy.

His boss, Henry Moore, had always been a paragon of virtue, rarely seen in the company of women. Now, it seemed he had finally discovered some form of enlightenment. Who was Kevin to deny him that?

'But isn't it a bit too wild to engage in such activities in the hospital elevator?' Kevin pondered, stroking his chin thoughtfully, his mind swirling with curiosity.

His boss turned out to have the sultry and vulgar type. Kevin wondered how his boss managed to hide his preferences from him despite being together most of the time.

Meanwhile, Lucille desperately wished for the elevator floor to magically give way and whisk her out of the awkward situation. Gathering her composure, she quickly rose to her feet and nervously handed Kevin her business card.

"I assumed you were his secretary. Here's my card. I'm Lucille Powell, and I work here. I'm on my way to the operating room, so I'm in quite a hurry. I would be more than willing to cover the cost of the damage. Please leave your bank card number at the information desk, and I will wire you the money once I'm free," she blurted out, the words tumbling out in a rush as the elevator doors opened, revealing her floor just in the nick of time.

Without waiting for a response or daring to glance back, Lucille nodded hastily and briskly walked out of the elevator. She knew the man's eyes were fixed upon her, but time was of the essence, and she had no room for further embarrassment.

'What has gotten into you today?' she scolded herself inwardly, criticizing her clumsiness.

Kevin stole a glance at his boss, taking note of the intensity with which Henry stared at Lucille. There was something undeniably amusing about the entire situation. Suppressing a chuckle, Kevin couldn't help but find humor in the way Henry looked at that moment.

"Sir, should I arrange for a spare..." Kevin began, only to be swiftly interrupted by Henry Moore.

"I'm fine. Go and gather information about that woman," Henry instructed, glancing down at the coffee stains on his trousers.

Kevin's excitement grew as they exited the elevator and made their way to the VIP ward.

Rumors of Henry's sexuality had circulated for years, and seeing him in the presence of a woman now piqued Kevin's curiosity to new heights.

Could it be that his boss had finally been interested in the fairer sex?

The mere thought brought Kevin a mischievous smile, earning him a puzzled squint from Henry as they walked on.

Meanwhile, Lucille sighed in relief, grateful that the mysterious man from the elevator hadn't followed her. Collecting herself, she took a deep breath and swiftly changed into scrubs and a white coat in the changing room. Stepping out, she inadvertently collided with Nurse Cindy, who seemed quite flustered.

"What's going on? Are you in a rush?" Lucille furrowed her brow, observing Cindy's anxious expression.

"I'm so glad you're here!" Cindy exclaimed, clutching her clipboard tightly. "If you hadn't shown up, that patient would have caused a scene on the operating table, no doubt." She rolled her eyes, clearly frustrated by the situation.

Offering a reassuring pat on Cindy's shoulder, Lucille smiled and headed toward the patient's ward. She could hear the patient's distressed cries as soon as she entered. Cindy had been right—this patient was proving to be quite difficult for the nursing staff. Letting out a soft sigh, Lucille approached with a gentle demeanor. She greeted the patient and tenderly wiped away his tears.

A smile immediately brightened the elderly patient's face upon seeing Lucille, but he voiced his complaint, "I don't want an injection."

"Don't worry. The anesthesia will help you not to feel any pain. Please cooperate with us, okay?" Lucille coaxed him. Her voice filled with reassurance. After some time and a patient explanation, he finally relented, and the nurses quickly prepared to transport him to the operating room.

Ethan, the doctor overseeing the operation, approached Lucille with a warm smile, praising her skills. "You're truly exceptional at dealing with patients."

Shaking her head modestly, Lucille waved her hand dismissively. "I'm not that extraordinary. It's just that patients trust me."

"Let's begin the operation, shall we?" she said, her smile unwavering as she followed the team. With everyone prepared and adequately sanitized, they administered anesthesia to the patient and initiated the surgical procedure. Lucille took charge of the surgical tray, ensuring the instruments were for Ethan.

Although Lucille had already become a skilled surgeon, she recognized the importance of continuously learning from her experienced colleagues. While she had performed numerous minor surgeries, leading a complex brain surgery was still a challenge she aspired to attain. During her residency at the hospital, she frequently collaborated with Ethan, a renowned neurosurgeon and the head doctor. Their professional relationship had developed into a seamless understanding, making their collaboration effortless.

Observing Lucille's pale complexion, Ethan couldn't help but furrow his brows, concern evident in his eyes. "Are you feeling unwell? Your face appears pale. Since the patient is under anesthesia, you can take a break and rest."

Caught off guard, Lucille stared blankly for a moment before responding, "No, I'm fine. Let's proceed."

Meanwhile, inside the VIP ward, a beautiful patient sat on the hospital bed, her brows furrowed in frustration. With a furious glare, she ignored the food served to her by the man standing before her.

"Do you think I won't inform Henry that you're neglecting your duties, Kevin? You have no concern for me, do you?" Iris shouted, but Kevin remained silent.

"Why hasn't Henry arrived yet? Answer me!" She seethed, but her words were brushed aside as Kevin maintained his silence. Taking a deep breath, she growled, "Once I marry Henry, firing you will be the first thing I do!"

"Miss-" Kevin attempted to respond, but his words were stifled when someone interrupted him.

"Whom do you wish to terminate?" A cold voice resonated, causing both Kevin and Iris to freeze in their positions. They turned their heads to find Henry entering the ward.

Henry strode in, his hands casually tucked into his pockets. He exuded casual elegance, wearing a white shirt and black pants. Unlike his usual imposing presence, he seemed unthreatening, yet every movement carried an undercurrent of awe-inspiring majesty.

His eyes, devoid of emotional fluctuations, held a depth as impenetrable as the ocean's abyss. No one could decipher what thoughts resided within him.

"Who offended you, Miss Ward?" Henry raised an eyebrow.

"Henry!" Iris cooed, her initial anger dissolving into a bashful smile upon seeing him. "With your protection, no one dares to cross me."

As Iris spoke, she cast dagger-like glares at Kevin, but her expression softened when she faced Henry. "I'm still unfamiliar with the script I received, so I'm practicing my lines."

"I warned you that acting is challenging, but you didn't listen. Now, you've injured your legs because of it. If your grandparents find out, I'm sure they'll forbid you from pursuing acting again," Henry stated flatly, his words striking a chord of fear within Iris.

Anxiously, she reached for his hand and squeezed it. "No, please! Don't let them know. I love acting, and I don't know what I would do if I had to quit. It's the only passion I have..."

Iris thrived on attention, and acting was her avenue to showcase her beauty. Moreover, being supported by the influential Moore family provided her with a shield against any trouble in the entertainment industry. Although she entered through privileged means, she took pride in her craft. Within two years, she had risen from an inexperienced newcomer to an A-list celebrity, leveraging her connections. Still in the prime of her life, the thought of retiring prematurely felt like a waste of all her efforts.

As an actress, Iris could effortlessly conjure tears. She gazed at Henry with a tearful expression, blinking her sorrowful eyes.

Observing her display, Henry sighed, gently retracting his hand and offering reassurance. "Don't worry. I won't tell them. Come on, have something to eat."

A sense of loss began to creep over Iris as she realized Henry was setting a boundary. She bit her lip, suppressing her emotions. After all her efforts, she couldn't afford to let that line come between them. A coy smile flickered across her lips, and she murmured, "I know you always treat me the best!"

Yet, her attempts to sway him always fell flat. Henry didn't respond and simply gestured for her to eat. Once they finished their meal, he glanced at his watch and prepared to leave.

Just as he was about to depart, Iris grabbed his hand. "Can you stay with me tonight? It's dreadful to be alone here, and I'm afraid I won't be able to sleep."

"I still have something to attend to," Henry promptly refused without a second thought.

Upon hearing his words, tears welled up in Iris' eyes. She gazed at him with wide, teary eyes, her trembling lashes giving away her emotions.

Impatience crept into Henry's heart, yet he managed to maintain composure and nodded. He settled himself on the couch, eliciting a sense of happiness from Iris. She reclined back and closed her eyes, eventually succumbing to a deep sleep.

The moment Iris drifted off, Henry stood up and glanced at Kevin before striding out of the ward. Kevin stole a final look at Iris before following in his footsteps.

Meanwhile, a grueling four-hour surgery had finally concluded inside the operating room.

"The operation was a success," Ethan announced with a relieved smile that reverberated throughout the medical team. They carefully transferred the patient to a stretcher bed, and the nurses swiftly wheeled him out of the operating room en route to his designated ward.

Taking a deep breath, Lucille gingerly massaged her head. Dizziness overwhelmed her, and her temples throbbed with piercing pain. Someone beat her to it just as she was about to remove her surgical cap.

"What happened, Lucy? Did someone harm you?" Ethan's heart skipped a beat as he noticed the dried bloodstain on the back of her neck, large enough to indicate a significant wound.

His question brought back the events from earlier, and a mixture of complex emotions flickered in Lucille's eyes, which glistened momentarily with unshed tears. However, she swiftly regained her composure.

Smiling calmly, she replied placidly, "No one has hit me, Ethan. It was just an accidental injury."

As a colleague who had worked alongside Lucille for many years, Ethan couldn't help but sense that something was amiss. Yet, he wouldn't push her to share it if she didn't wish to.

Taking a deep breath, he expressed his helplessness, "I'll help you clean and disinfect it."

Lucille nodded, and together they made their way to the nurse station. Ethan carefully cleaned and bandaged her wound. Just as they were about to leave the station, their path was blocked by four men donning police uniforms.

"Excuse me, we're looking for Ms. Lucille Powell. Does she work here?" one of them inquired.

Lucille froze, confused and nervous, enveloping her upon hearing her name. A sense of foreboding settled in as if she could anticipate the intent behind their presence.

It was the first time Lucille had encountered the police seeking her out. Though internally gripped by fear, she fought to maintain composure. Clenching her fist, she took a deep breath, attempting to steady herself.

"I am Lucille Powell, Officer. May I ask why you are looking for me?" she managed to utter, her voice tinged with a tremor. She dug her nails deep into her flesh, desperate to remain composed despite the mounting dread.

The police officer explained, "We are here to investigate a report that suspects you may be connected to a pre-murder case. We kindly request your presence at the station to assist us in our investigation."

The news struck Lucille with disbelief, leaving her momentarily stunned. She could only stare at the officers in shock, the weight of the situation threatening to overwhelm her. Eventually, her legs gave way, but Ethan swiftly caught her before she hit the ground.

Wearing a stern expression, Ethan addressed the police, "Officer. I believe there must be some misunderstanding here. Lucy is a compassionate doctor. How could she possibly be involved in a murder case? Spreading such allegations would irreparably damage her reputation. I urge you to conduct a thorough investigation."

Before the police officer could respond, a shrill voice pierced through the air, interrupting their conversation. "They are not mistaken! She is a murderer!"

Lucille's gaze shifted forward, and her heart sank as she saw Claudia and Lucas stepping out of the elevator, striding purposefully toward them. Their faces were contorted with disdain.

Claudia stopped in front of Lucille, her eyes bloodshot with anger, and delivered a sudden slap without warning. Stunned and still feeling the effects of her injury, Lucille failed to evade the blow, staggering backward and clutching her cheek in confusion. Gasping, she held her reddened cheek, her mind racing with bewilderment. 'Why is she accusing me of something I didn't do?'

Reacting swiftly, Ethan caught Lucille as she almost fell, preventing further harm. Anger surged within him as he observed the palm print on her cheek and the trace of blood at the corner of her mouth. He glared at Claudia, swiftly positioning himself protectively in front of Lucille.

Consumed by fury and devoid of rationality, Claudia was determined to make Lucille suffer. She lunged toward her, intent on inflicting more harm. However, before her hand could reach Lucille's face, Ethan seized her wrist and forcefully pushed her back, using all his strength to keep her at bay.

Claudia stumbled and fell to the floor, her expression one of disbelief. Lucas rushed to her aid, glaring at Ethan, who remained unfazed by his presence.

Ethan's face, usually composed, darkened like charcoal, his jaw repeatedly clenching in anger. "Mrs. Reed, let me remind you that we are in a hospital. I can file a lawsuit against you for assaulting one of our esteemed doctors. While the Reed family may be one of the most affluent in this city, your current behavior does not befit your background. Do you really want to become tomorrow's headline?"

Claudia bit her lip, realizing the consequences of her actions. She suppressed her seething anger, mindful of her social standing. However, it didn't stop her from issuing a warning to Lucille.

"Merely being protected by someone won't shield you from legal consequences, Lucille. I will ensure that you rot in hell!" Claudia's eyes blazed with intense hatred as she glared at Lucille, wishing to tear her apart.

"Mom, you know me well! How could I possibly have killed Grandpa Ricky?" Lucille gasped, unable to comprehend the accusation from the woman she had considered her mother for the past three years. Although she and Lucas had recently divorced, it didn't negate their three years together. How could they brand her as a murderer without conducting a proper investigation?

Instead of softening her stance, Claudia's anger intensified, her ears buzzing at the mention of 'mom.'

"Don't call me mother! You are no longer my son's wife, and I refuse to acknowledge a murderer like you as my daughter-in-law! You are vile! Why did you kill him? He showered you with love, and you repaid him by poisoning him to death!" she bellowed.

Lucille felt a piercing pain in her heart as she heard hatred in Claudia's words. Tears welled in her eyes as she realized they didn't believe her innocence. Trembling, she turned to Lucas, her voice quivering as she asked, "Do you also believe that I killed Grandpa?"

Desperate to know if there was still a glimmer of trust in Lucas, Lucille searched his eyes, hoping to find some belief in her innocence. She valued his opinion because, despite the false pretense of their marriage, her feelings for him had always been genuine. The memories they shared couldn't simply vanish overnight. She hoped that he would at least have faith in her even if he didn't love her anymore.

But Lucas responded with a disdainful snigger, his gaze ice-cold as he looked at her tear-stained face. There was no trace of pity in his eyes; instead, deep-seated loathing and disgust emanated from him.

"I wouldn't have thought you capable of such a thing, but the evidence was undeniable," Lucas said, his voice filled with contempt.

Confused and desperate to defend herself, Lucille tried to speak up. "I don't-"

But Lucas cut her off, gripping a white bottle tightly as he sneered. "There's a video of you poisoning Grandpa. This bottle was found in your room, and the toxin identified matches what was found in Grandpa's body. Now, how can you expect me to believe in your innocence?"

His words echoed through the entire lobby, drawing the attention of onlookers. He pulled out his phone and played the surveillance video, further shattering Lucille's faith in herself.

Lucille refused to accept the truth of Lucas's accusations. She knew deep down that she had done nothing wrong. However, doubt began to creep in as the video played before her eyes. She watched herself surreptitiously open the bottle, take two white pills, and mix them into a glass of water, which she then gave Richard Reed. The serene expression on his face quickly turned into agony, and he collapsed, unconscious.

Shock paralyzed Lucille as her pupils dilated. She moved closer to the screen, desperately searching for any sign that someone else was impersonating her in the video, but there was nothing to suggest otherwise. The woman in the video was undeniably her.

'How is this possible?! I have no recollection of it! How could I have done such a thing?' Her mind screamed in denial, refusing to accept the horrifying truth. "No, it can't be... I didn't do it," she murmured, shaking her head in disbelief. The evidence was irrefutable, but she couldn't reconcile it with the person she knew herself to be.

Anxiety and confusion overwhelmed her, causing her legs to weaken, and she collapsed to the floor. Everything felt like a nightmare she couldn't wake up from. Just moments ago, she had discovered Lucas's affair with her sister, and now she found herself accused of a murder she had no memory of committing. Tears streamed down her face as she yearned for it all to be a figment of her imagination. She buried her face in her hands and wept silently, hoping everything would return to normal when she looked up.

But no matter how desperately she wished for it, the reality before her eyes remained unchanged. The weight of it all crushed her spirit.

Impatience flickered across Lucas's face as he observed Lucille's broken figure on the floor. His voice turned icy as he declared, "You're wicked. You killed Grandpa, who only ever showered you with love. The only way to atone for your sin, Lucille, is with your own life."

His words jolted Lucille out of her grief-stricken trance. She stared at him in disbelief, unable to fathom that he could desire her death. A lump formed in her throat, making it difficult to breathe.

"Lucille Powell, you are under arrest for the murder of Mr. Richard Reed," announced the police officer as he restrained her with handcuffs.

Lucille didn't resist, as if her spirit had been drained from her. Her eyes were empty, clouded with self-blame and confusion. "How could I have killed Grandpa?" she repeated in a dazed and broken voice.

Meanwhile, a man stood silently, observing the unfolding events at a distance. Henry's brow furrowed as he witnessed Lucille's vacant expression, her life force seemingly extinguished. A profound glimmer of determination flashed in his eyes.