She Was the Treasure All Along novel Chapter 221

As soon as Lucian received her medical report, he reviewed it immediately. His expression grew darker with every line. At 5 a.m., he sent her a message.

[Full-crew physicals at the naval base today. You know my condition better than anyone, Loyce. I need you here. I’ll give you that medical machine to dismantle. I’ll also help you secure the exclusive naval contract for your new patent. It’s a very lucrative opportunity.]

When Loyce received the message in bed, the sky outside was just beginning to lighten. She glanced at the content, then the time, and knew something big was going down at the physicals today.

Lucian wouldn't have disturbed her unless it was urgent. He must have been up all night, weighing his options before finally contacting her.

He had other ways to deal with Caden, of course; no one could truly threaten his position as Admiral. But this wasn't just about politics. He needed Loyce’s expertise to solve the problem of the shoddy medical equipment on his warship once and for all. He refused to let any more taxpayer money go to waste.

Loyce had known Lucian would eventually ask for her help with the medical machinery. Gavin's technology, for all its flaws, was worth investigating. As the sun climbed into the sky, she revved up her motorcycle and headed for the naval base.

The physicals were the final preparation for the upcoming battle over the oil fields, a routine check to ensure no soldier would suffer a health crisis at a critical moment.

Normally, Lucian would be exempt. Although he retained his rank and authority, he had been on medical leave for nearly a year, handling most of his duties via video conference. Recently, however, he had become more active at the base, his health visibly improving. With that came a heavier workload and the full command of the oil field operation. As the central figure, he had a target on his back.

His second-in-command had already formally objected to the Commander of the Navy about exempting him, and the Army Commander had quickly echoed the sentiment.

Upon hearing his grandson was being targeted, the old general, Zeke Shapiro, had personally called the base. But his golden era was a thing of the past. While his name still carried weight, the rumors of Lucian's incurable illness had spread so far and wide that few were willing to heed his warnings anymore.

Those who coveted Lucian’s position, or simply saw him as an obstacle, were hoping his illness would finally claim him. They had waited for him to die, and his stubborn survival was driving them to desperation. Now, they were making their move.

Caden, the perennial second-in-command with the greatest ambition, was determined to use Lucian’s health as a weapon to force him to step down.

“Caden, I understand your concern that Lucian’s health might prevent him from leading effectively,” the Naval Commander said, frowning. “But right now, there is no one else who can replace him. Our priority should be getting through this conflict. We can address other issues later.”

Caden bristled at the rebuke. “I’m not trying to strip Lucian of his command. It's just a health screening. As long as his physical condition meets the standard to ensure he can handle the deployment and command of the oil field operation, I have no objections. I will support him wholeheartedly.”

The Army Commander, Meredith Hampton, spoke up after a moment of thought. “We all know Lucian’s health is poor. It’s expected he won’t pass a rigorous physical. We just need a report from the medical equipment to confirm he can last until the end of the operation. It’s a formality, a simple diagnostic to put everyone’s mind at ease.”

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