Chapter 23: Defying the Ruler

It's Time for Revenge. Alina Won't Stay Silent.

"I don't care about Aileen's reputation anymore," Alina said, her sharp eyes full of determination. "Patience has its limits, and they've crossed the line."

Without hesitation, she made a call. The plan that had only existed in her mind was now set in motion. Sure enough, the next morning, the front entrance of Bungalow International Hospital was swarmed with reporters. Microphones and cameras were pointed at the main door, demanding clarification on the sudden scandal.

Inside the director's office, a middle-aged man was restless. He paced back and forth, cold sweat forming on his temples.

"Who dares to tarnish my name like this?" he muttered angrily.

Before he could think further, his phone rang. The screen displayed an unknown number, but the voice on the other end made it immediately clear who was behind this.

"Well, Director? Enjoying the surprise?" The soft voice carried a sly undertone.

The director let out a deep sigh. "Aileen… are you threatening me?"

"Oops. No need to get emotional, sir. That was just a warm-up. If you'd like, I can give you more… Authentic evidence, and of course—straight to the media."

His heart pounded. He knew better than to underestimate this woman. Taking a deep breath, he tried to steady himself.

"Alright… What do you want?"

On the other end, Alina smirked in satisfaction. She finally had his attention.

"Release the innocent people," she said firmly. "Don't drag them down just to protect your position. You understand what I mean, right?"

The director fell silent. Deep down, he had already figured out her motive.

'So, she's doing all this for Dr. Raka's mother?' he thought, clicking his tongue. 'Interesting. In that case, let's see… how far you're willing to fight.'

Hearing no response, Alina scoffed and repeated herself, her voice dripping with icy sarcasm.

"Hello? Still there, sir?" Her tone sharpened. "Don't play dead just yet. Your punishment hasn't even begun."

A heavy sigh came from the other end before the director finally replied, struggling to contain his frustration.

"Fine… I'll do as you say," he said begrudgingly. "Dr. Raka's mother will be exempt from all medical expenses, and I'll ensure she receives the best treatment."

A satisfied smile spread across Alina's face. Without another word, she ended the call—right in front of Raka.

"You heard that, didn't you?" Alina said casually. "He promised to take good care of your mother."

Raka stared at her, admiration growing in his eyes. There was gratitude, but also awe for the fearless woman standing before him. Yet, behind her faint smile, a new danger was already brewing.

---

Meanwhile, back in the director's office, the air was heavy. The middle-aged man sat grimly, glancing at his stout colleague with a look of pure fury.

"She really had the audacity to challenge me," he grumbled. "If this keeps up, everything could be exposed sooner or later."

The stout man smirked slyly, leaning forward.

"Relax," he whispered. "I have a way to get rid of her. Let's send her to a disaster zone. That place is brutal, even for someone as tough as Aileen. Let's see… if she can survive."

A wicked smile formed on both their faces. A dirty plan was now in motion.

---

Not long after, Alina was checking on Lana in the ICU when a young nurse rushed in. Her face was pale, breath uneven.

"Doctor! It's an emergency," she said urgently. "You've been assigned to a disaster site. Direct orders… and you're to go alone."

Alina raised an eyebrow, showing no surprise. Instead, a knowing smirk played on her lips.

"Finally, huh?" she murmured. "Such a predictable move."

She gazed out the window, as if she could see the director's cunning schemes from afar.

"If they think this will be enough to take me down… they're dead wrong."

Just as she was preparing to leave, Leo suddenly appeared. His expression was filled with disbelief, as if he couldn't believe what he had just heard from Damien.

"You're being sent to a disaster site?" he asked sharply. "What did you do to piss off that old man?"

Alina tensed. Leo didn't work at the same hospital, but he knew the director well. Her mind raced, connecting pieces she had previously overlooked. And suddenly, it all became clear—Leo had been discarded too.

"Old man?" Alina echoed cautiously. "You know him?"

Leo gave a slight smirk, hiding something. "Of course. Hospital directors are usually old, aren't they?"

But Alina knew it wasn't just a guess. She didn't respond directly, choosing instead to play along.

"Yeah, Dr. Borgio wants me to gain field experience. Maybe they're afraid I'm getting too comfortable here."

Leo narrowed his eyes, reading between the lines, but he didn't push further.

"Alright then, I'm coming with you."

"No need!" Alina refused immediately. "The bunker needs you more than the disaster site does. Without you, who will handle the patients here?"

Leo didn't care. Casually, he crossed his arms. "I know this region better," he said. "Besides, the base is secure. Marco's forces have been pushed back. I have no reason to stay."

Alina sighed. She knew arguing was pointless.

Just then, a nurse approached them. "Your transport will arrive in thirty minutes, Doctor. Be careful—where you're going… it's not an ordinary place."

Alina simply nodded, unfazed. To her, this was just another assignment. But before leaving, she had one last thing to do.

She turned to Raka, handing him something more precious than her own life.

"While I'm gone, take care of Lana for me." Her gaze was sharp, unwavering. "If I don't return… bring her back to the hospital."

Raka fell silent. His fists clenched. Once, he had wanted to get rid of Alina and Lana. But now, all he felt was a tightness in his chest.

"Are you sure about this?" His voice was hoarse. "I can talk to the director, cancel this arrangement."

Alina gave a bitter smile. "It's pointless. You know he won't take his words back."

Raka could only watch as the vehicle that would take Alina toward an uncertain fate awaited in the distance.

---

Alina glanced at Leo, who sat beside her. His head had tilted slightly to the side, completely asleep—so peacefully, as if this were just another ordinary trip. Meanwhile, their vehicle continued down an increasingly treacherous road.

The tires hit a deep pothole, shaking the vehicle violently. Alina nearly lost her balance, yet Leo remained unbothered.

"Sleeping on a road like this… Is he even human?" she muttered in disbelief.

The driver chuckled. "City doctors like you aren't used to traveling in places like this."

Alina didn't reply, her focus locked on the road ahead. A few minutes later, the vehicle stopped at the edge of a wide river. The current was strong, the water murky brown—evidence that it had rained upstream.

"Is there no other way to the site?" she asked, hoping for a better answer.

The driver simply shook his head. "This is the only route."

Alina exhaled. If she were alone, she might have hesitated. But turning back was not an option.

Without warning, Leo suddenly woke up. "Are we there yet?" he asked, stretching as if he had just woken up from a relaxing nap.

Alina shot him a sharp look. "Sleeping through a ride like this… are you even real?"

Leo smirked. "I just know when to conserve energy. You'll need it later."