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The Doctor's Reckoning Chapter 212: Your Fault
Joaquin stumbled back from the force of Emilio’s punch, tasting the metallic tang of blood at the corner of his mouth.His breathing was heavy, his heart hammering wildly in his chest, but he didn’t fight back. He took it—he deserved it.In Emilio’s eyes, he was the reason Serena was lying unconscious, fighting for her life."Governor, please!" one of the nurses rushed to intervene, but Emilio shook her off, his eyes burning with unspoken rage."I knew you would only bring trouble!" Emilio shouted, his voice cracking. "She started disobeying me because of you! And now look at her!"Joaquin lowered his head, guilt swallowing him whole.He wanted to scream that he would have done anything to protect Serena—that he loved her more than anything—but none of that mattered now.The only thing that mattered was Serena’s life.Andrew stepped in and pulled Emilio back. "Sir, please calm down. Let us help Serena first."Reluctantly, Emilio allowed himself to be guided away, though his furious gla
The Doctor's Reckoning Chapter 213: Awaken
Joaquin sat outside the hospital, hunched over on a cold steel bench, staring blankly at the ground.The night air was cold, biting against his skin, but he hardly felt it.All he could think about was Serena—unconscious, fragile, fighting for her life just a few floors above him.And he couldn't be there.He couldn't even hold her hand.He raked his fingers through his hair in frustration, breathing hard through his nose.The bitterness in Emilio’s eyes haunted him, replaying over and over in his mind like a cruel, broken record."Stay away from my daughter."Joaquin squeezed his eyes shut, the pain cutting deeper than any wound he had ever received.He wanted to scream.He wanted to tear the world apart just to get back to her.But what could he do?He was powerless.The worst kind of powerless—the kind that felt like it was suffocating him from the inside out.Footsteps approached.He didn’t bother looking up.Not until he heard a familiar voice."Here."A paper cup appeared in fron
The Doctor's Reckoning Chapter 214: Who are you?
Joaquin froze at Serena’s question, shifting slightly in his seat."Who are you?" the young woman asked again.Joaquin gulped and tightened his grip on her hand."I-It’s me. Joaquin. Don’t you remember me?" he asked worriedly.Serena’s face remained blank, her eyes empty as she stared at him.In her gaze, she couldn’t recognize the man sitting in front of her.Meanwhile, Joaquin’s shoulders slowly began to sink, the weight of the moment pressing down on him.He was a doctor—he should have known something like this could happen to Serena."Y-You can’t remember me... right?" he asked sadly.Serena didn’t answer. She just kept looking at him, silent.A bitter smile tugged at Joaquin’s lips."It’s me... Joaquin Lopez. I’m your boyfriend, my love."Serena blinked several times, confusion flickering across her face.But before she could say anything, the door suddenly burst open."I knew this would happen! Didn’t Tito tell you you’re not allowed to be here?!" James Villareal snapped, marchin
The Doctor's Reckoning Chapter 215: A Warning
James stiffened at Joaquin’s words, but he forced a smug smile onto his face."What did you say? What did you just call me?"Joaquin smirked. He could already tell James didn’t like what he’d just heard."You know very well that if I wanted, I could take everything away from you, James Villareal."James clenched his fists."Who do you think you are, huh? You're just a doctor, Joaquin Lopez! What right do you have to say that to me, huh?!""Really?"Joaquin took a step closer."Let me remind you about the ring."James’s eyes slowly widened.Only then did he fully understand what Joaquin meant.His gaze sharpened dangerously."You know?"Joaquin straightened, his expression calm but cutting."At first, I didn’t. I kept wondering why a Villareal would suddenly take such an interest in a simple gold ring. You could have bought hundreds of them, but you still insisted on trying to get that one from me. Then you visited my sister’s hospital room after her accident. I kept asking myself why.
The Doctor's Reckoning Chapter 216: A Deal
Slowly, Joaquin opened his eyes.Darkness.That was the first thing that greeted him—nothing but darkness.He furrowed his brows and sharpened his senses.‘Where am I?’He tried to move, only to realize he was tied up.Who would do this to him?A few moments passed before he got his answer.His eyes narrowed when a sudden burst of light filled the room.The door opened, and he heard several footsteps approaching.Once his vision adjusted, he saw a group of men standing before him.He didn’t recognize any of them, except for the man standing in the middle, facing him."George Beckham."Joaquin’s face hardened as he struggled against his restraints."What do you want from me?"George smirked."What do you expect? You won Stage Two. I'm just here to congratulate you, Joaquin."Joaquin clenched his fists.He had almost forgotten about the Tiger Ranking after everything that happened to SerenaThe Blue Tiger Ranking Competition wasn't over yet—he still had to fight the final round.Stage T
The Doctor's Reckoning Chapter 217: The Decision
After Joaquin’s conversation with George, he was finally released.George had repeatedly reminded him about the deal he was offering, trying to tempt him one last time.Joaquin, though curious about who had really killed Master Iroh, couldn’t just throw away his dream for the sake of that information.He couldn’t abandon everything he had fought for—not now.If he withdrew from the competition, he would lose his only chance to bring down the Black Viper Society once and for all.Without wasting another second, Joaquin decided to head straight to the Suarez mansion.He needed to tell Miguel what had happened.He needed to hear his thoughts, to figure out their next move.As expected, Miguel couldn’t believe what he heard."So that’s how he managed to stay champion all these years," Rick muttered, shaking his head in disbelief. "He’s been bribing everyone."Rick crossed his arms and leaned against the wall, clearly frustrated."But he still competes every year. Why go through the troubl
The Doctor's Reckoning Chapter 118: A sister's worry
After visiting the Suarez mansion, Joaquin went straight home.He was immediately greeted by a worried Jasmine.“Joaquin! Where have you been? I’ve been calling you for hours!” she exclaimed, rushing to his side.Joaquin, exhausted, collapsed onto the sofa.He leaned his back against it and closed his eyes, trying to collect himself.“I met George Beckham,” he said, voice low and tired.Jasmine froze mid-step.Slowly, she sat down across from him, her hands nervously gripping the edge of the cushion.“Y-You did? Why?” she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.Joaquin took a deep breath.He opened his eyes again and met his sister’s worried gaze.“I don’t know what you ever saw in him, Jasmine. But I don’t want him anywhere near you,” he said, his voice hardening.Jasmine rolled her eyes in frustration.“You don’t have to worry about me. Whatever we had is long over. Is that the reason you met up with him? I thought you were supposed to be with Serena at the hospital?”Her voice mad
The Doctor's Reckoning Chapter 219: Please
Joaquin woke up to the relentless ringing of his cellphone.His eyes were still heavy with sleep when he answered the call."Yes?" he said groggily."Joaquin! I've been calling you for a while now!"His brows furrowed the moment he recognized Mikyla’s voice."Mikyla? What do you want?""Serena. If you want to talk to her, you should come here now. While her parents and Mr. Villareal are still away."In an instant, Joaquin was wide awake."C-Can she remember me now?" he asked, his heart racing."I'm not sure yet. But I know you want to talk to her. So if you want to, come now.""Okay."Wasting no time, Joaquin got up, ended the call, and quickly got dressed.Round three of the Blue Ranking Tiger was approaching fast, but before he left, he wanted to make sure he could speak to Serena properly.He didn't even get the chance to talk to his sister as he rushed out of his room and climbed into his car.In no time, he arrived at the hospital.Even from the entrance, he spotted Mikyla waitin
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Chapter 228: A Call for help
Joaquin’s shoulders sagged heavily as he walked into the house.Every step felt heavier than the last.He didn’t want to leave Serena’s side—not when her life was still hanging by a thread.But he knew he had no choice.He needed rest if he was going to save her.He needed strength.And most of all, he needed answers.Because he knew deep in his bones that the cure for Serena’s condition wouldn’t be found in any hospital.Not in any book.Not in any medicine known to man.This—whatever had poisoned Serena—was something far more ancient.As soon as he entered his room, he didn’t waste a second.He locked the door and bolted the windows, making sure no one could disturb him.The familiar smell of home barely registered in his nose.All he could think about was her.Her pale face.Her weakening heartbeat.Her soft voice called his name before she slipped into unconsciousness.He pushed the memory away and dropped to the floor, sitting cross-legged right in the center of the room.The air
Chapter 227: The Surgery
The doors slammed shut behind Joaquin.For a moment, the world outside disappeared—and it was just him, Serena, and the fight that was about to begin.He quickly scrubbed in, his hands trembling slightly—not from fear, but from the overwhelming weight of what was at stake.You can do this, he told himself, breathing deeply, steadying his hands.He approached Serena's operating table.She looked so fragile, lying there under the harsh surgical lights, her face pale and still, her breathing shallow and strained."You’re going to be okay, love," Joaquin whispered under his breath."I’ll bring you back. I promise."The nurses around him moved efficiently, handing him tools, monitoring Serena’s vitals.Joaquin gave quick, sharp instructions, falling into the rhythm of a surgeon—focused, precise, merciless against the enemy threatening his beloved.But the moment he made the first incision and peeled back the damaged tissue, his heart stopped.What he saw wasn't something any textbook had p
Chapter 226: Trust
The ambulance ride to Villareal Medical Hospital was a blur.Joaquin stayed by Serena’s side the entire time, holding her hand tightly, refusing to let go even for a second. The paramedics tried to assure him that she was stable, but for Joaquin, nothing was certain until he saw her open her eyes and smile again."Just a little more, love," he whispered under his breath. "Stay with me."When they arrived at VMH, the hospital staff, already alerted by Dr. Reyes, rushed Serena straight into the diagnostic wing. Joaquin followed closely behind, barking rapid instructions to the doctors like a man possessed."Full-body MRI. Prioritize her brain scan. Blood work. Everything. Move!"No one dared question him.Inside the emergency room, the machines buzzed to life.Joaquin watched through the glass as Serena was carefully prepped.Each beep from the monitors sent a spike of fear through his chest.A few minutes later, Dr. Ramirez, one of VMH’s senior neurologists, approached him."Dr. Lope
Chapter 225: Sick
"Serena!"Joaquin rushed to her side without wasting a second.He scooped her up carefully and checked her condition.She was unconscious—but there was still a pulse."Serena, wake up!" he pleaded, gently tapping her cheek."My daughter!"Emilio suddenly appeared, hurrying toward them."You! Let her go!" he shouted, his voice laced with fury.But Joaquin didn’t even flinch.His throat tightened when he realized how faint her pulse was.Without hesitation, he pulled her closer and tried to leave——but Emilio and several of his bodyguards blocked his path."Where do you think you’re going?! Are you trying to kidnap her in broad daylight?!" Emilio barked, disbelief clear in his voice."She’s weak! She needs to be taken to a hospital!" Joaquin shot back.James stepped between them, arms spread as if shielding Serena."No! If she’s really sick, I’ll be the one to take her!" he insisted.Joaquin tightened his hold on Serena, feeling the panic and rage brewing inside him."We don't have time
Chapter 224: The Wedding
Joaquin had just arrived home after the competition.He hadn’t even stepped fully inside when Jasmine rushed out to meet him."Joaquin! Thank goodness you're finally back!" Jasmine cried, her voice tight with worry.Her face was pale, anxious, her hands wringing the hem of her shirt.Joaquin’s brow furrowed immediately."What's wrong? Did something happen?"Jasmine hesitated, glancing away, struggling to find the words."It's Serena, Joaquin," she said quietly. "I’m afraid... we’re out of time."At the mention of Serena’s name, Joaquin’s heart started pounding violently against his chest. His instincts kicked in, his mind already racing."What? What happened? Is she okay?" he demanded.Jasmine dropped onto the sofa, burying her face in her hands for a moment before taking a long, shaky breath."Earlier today, Mikyla came here. I thought she was just here to cause trouble again, but no. She was frantic—panicking even—because she said she couldn't reach you. She told me... Serena’s wedd
Chapter 223: The Serpent
The air backstage was thick with sweat, blood, and tension.Joaquin moved with slow, deliberate steps, the cheers of the crowd still ringing in his ears. Every muscle in his body ached. His knuckles were split and bruised. His ribs burned with every breath. But none of that mattered. Not now.He hadn't forgotten.He couldn't forget.This fight was never just about the championship.It was about justice.It was about Master Iroh.Her sister, Jasmine.And George Beckham still had answers he hadn’t given.Miguel and Rick tried to steer him toward the locker rooms, but Joaquin shook them off with a tight jerk of his head.There was something he needed to do first."Give me a minute," he said, voice rough.Miguel frowned. "Joaquin—""I won't kill him," Joaquin said flatly. "Just talk."Miguel hesitated, then finally nodded. Rick crossed his arms, staying close but silent.George had just been hauled off the arena floor by two of his lackeys, limping heavily toward the private medical room
Chapter 222: The Winner
The morning of the final round arrived like a heavy storm.The city felt different—quieter, heavier—like the whole world was holding its breath.Joaquin woke before dawn, the restless energy inside him too much to ignoreHe barely touched his breakfast.He barely spoke a word.Rick came to pick him up, his usual casual grin replaced by a tense frown.Even Miguel, who rarely showed nerves, seemed heavier somehow, his presence more guarded.They knew.Everyone knew.This wasn’t just a fight.It was a war for everything Joaquin had left."You ready?" Rick asked as they drove toward the underground arena.Joaquin nodded once, his jaw tight.He didn’t trust himself to speak.Because the truth was—He wasn’t just ready.He was desperate.Desperate to win.Desperate to save Serena.Desperate to take back everything that had been stolen from them.The arena buzzed with anticipation.Spectators filled the stands, shouting and cheering as the final match of the Blue Tiger Ranking Competition wa
Chapter 221: Begging
The next few days flew by in a blur.Joaquin trained harder than he ever had before.He knew he had to focus on his training first, before he could go back to Serena.He was still worried—God, he was always worried—but he had to set it aside for now.If he wanted to get her back, he needed to win. He needed to be strong enough.Under Miguel’s sharp and relentless supervision, Joaquin sparred daily with Rick, working on his speed, his reflexes, and his technique.He pushed himself past exhaustion, past the ache in his muscles, until the only thing left was pure willpower.And there was something else—something strange inside him.That strange energy, that force he barely understood, was growing.It seemed to answer to his emotions, flaring to life whenever he thought of Serena, whenever he imagined her lost and confused, married off to a man she didn't even love.The stronger his resolve became, the stronger the energy surged inside him, crackling just beneath the surface of his skin.
Chapter 220: Doubts
Tears welled up in Joaquin’s eyes as he stood there, helpless and heartbroken.He watched Serena, who looked at him with both confusion and wariness.He couldn't blame her.After all, the people around her must have filled her head with lies while she was vulnerable.With a heavy heart, Joaquin turned away, clenching his fists tightly at his sides.He took one last look at her, memorizing her face — the face he loved more than anything else — and silently made a vow to himself."I’ll bring you back to me," he whispered under his breath, so softly that even Serena couldn’t hear him.When he stepped out of the room, Mikyla was waiting for him in the hallway, arms crossed and an unreadable expression on her face."How did it go?" she asked quietly.Joaquin shook his head, struggling to steady his voice."She doesn't remember me," he said hoarsely. "They already brainwashed her. She thinks she's engaged to James."Mikyla pressed her lips into a thin line, guilt flickering across her featu
