Not A Small-Town Girl

"Morning," she responded with a small nod before heading inside. She changed into a lab coat and got straight to work, her focus unwavering as she prepared to begin her experiments.

"I heard Danielle’s here. Where is she?" Taylor burst into the lab, his energy as brisk as ever. He had been working under Danielle for three years and remained fiercely loyal.

"She’s still in the lab," one of the staff replied respectfully.

Taylor glanced toward the lab, catching sight of Danielle deeply engrossed in her work. Not wanting to interrupt, he decided to wait patiently outside until she finished.

Meanwhile, at the Darling Group’s headquarters, Joseph received a frantic call.

"Mr. Darling, someone broke into Caleb’s hospital room. They drugged the nurse, and we lost them in the chase," the voice reported. Joseph’s expression darkened. "I’m on my way."

He hung up and immediately dialed Danielle.

The ringing interrupted her concentration. Seeing Joseph’s name, she answered.

"Danielle, someone got into Grandpa and Grandma’s hospital room. They drugged the nurse. I don’t know what they did to them, and my men lost them," he said, frustration in his voice.

Danielle’s voice was calm. "I installed cameras in their room last time. Let me check the footage."

Pulling up the recording, she saw a man in a doctor’s coat entering the room. He drugged the nurse, hypnotized Caleb and Alice, and injected them with two syringes of an unknown substance.

During a patrol, Joseph’s men caught an intruder targeting the elderly patients. A fight broke out, and reinforcements arrived, but the skilled imposter escaped, revealing he was no ordinary foe.

"I gave Grandpa and Grandma detox medicine last time," Danielle said after relaying the events to Joseph. "It should neutralize most toxins, but I’ll head to the hospital to check on them."

"Alright. Don’t rush. I’m already on my way there," Joseph said gently.

"Got it. See you soon."