The international medical conference was held in one of the grandest convention centers in Italy.

Medical professionals, scientists, neurosurgeons, and pharmaceutical experts filled the hall, discussing groundbreaking treatments and future advancements in medicine.

Mila sat beside Max in the front section. Even though she appeared calm, her fingers were slightly cold. This was one of the biggest stages she had ever stood on.

Max noticed her nervousness and leaned closer. "Relax," he whispered. "You’ll amaze everyone."

Mila smiled faintly.

Soon, her name appeared on the screen.

"Dr. Mila Vega."

The hall erupted into applause as she walked toward the stage gracefully in her elegant ivory gown.

Mila stood before the podium and began her presentation.

At first, she presented several critical surgeries she had successfully handled over the years. The screens displayed complex surgical procedures and recovery results that stunned many doctors present in the hall.

Many senior doctors nodded in appreciation. Then the atmosphere shifted slightly when Mila moved to the final section of her presentation.

She started talking about her research on glioblastoma.

The hall turned quieter.

Everyone knew how terrifying the disease was.

"Glioblastoma remains one of the deadliest and most aggressive brain cancers in the world," she said steadily. "Despite medical advancements, survival rates remain devastatingly low."

Mila took a slow breath before speaking again. "But my team refuses to accept that this disease is unbeatable."

Determination shone in her eyes.

"We are currently developing a treatment aimed at targeting the cancer cells without damaging healthy brain tissue."

Whispers spread through the hall immediately. Many doctors straightened up in their seats.

"If successful, this research could change the future of brain cancer treatment completely."

The hall fell into complete silence.

Even Max found himself staring at her without blinking. At that moment, she wasn’t merely beautiful. She was shining.

"We still have a long journey ahead," Mila admitted honestly. "But we will continue until we succeed."

Then a smile appeared on her lips. "Because giving up means abandoning countless patients who still wish to live."

The hall erupted into thunderous applause. Several doctors even rose to their feet.

Mila blinked in surprise before bowing politely. When she returned to her seat beside Max, he immediately smiled proudly at her.

"That was incredible," he said sincerely. "You completely captured the entire hall."

Mila laughed softly. "Really?"

"Really?" Max scoffed lightly. "Mila, they were practically mesmerized."

His eyes lingered on her longer than necessary. "You were brilliant up there."

Mila shifted slightly under his steady gaze, suddenly feeling awkward. To avoid it, she quickly changed the topic. "Did you speak with Dr. Grant?"

Max finally snapped out of his thoughts. "Yes." His excitement returned immediately. "And you won’t believe this. He is extremely interested in our research."

Mila’s eyes widened instantly.

"He wants to meet us after the conference."

Mila’s heart raced with excitement.

The dinner party began after the conference ended.

The grand dining hall overlooked the glittering Italian city lights, while soft classical music played in the background. Doctors from different countries mingled around elegantly decorated tables, discussing research and future collaborations.

Mila and Max soon met Dr. Grant personally.

The elderly neurosurgeon greeted them warmly. "So," he said with visible excitement, "you two are the young geniuses trying to challenge glioblastoma."

Mila smiled politely. "We are trying our best."

"No." Dr. Grant shook his head firmly. "What you started isn’t ordinary research." His eyes gleamed with genuine admiration. "It has potential."

Max and Mila exchanged glances, excited.

Dr. Grant continued speaking enthusiastically. "The targeting mechanism you proposed is extremely advanced. If this succeeds, it could become one of the biggest breakthroughs in neuro-oncology."

Mila almost couldn’t believe what she was hearing.

"We actually came here hoping to ask if you would supervise our team," Max admitted honestly.

But before he could continue, Dr. Grant chuckled. "Supervise?"

He shook his head with amusement. "No. I want to become part of this research myself."

Both Mila and Max froze. Then happiness exploded across their faces instantly.

"You mean it?" Mila asked excitedly.

"Absolutely," Dr. Grant replied firmly. "I haven’t felt this excited about research in years."

Mila’s eyes turned slightly watery from happiness. This was far beyond what she had hoped for.

The three continued discussing research enthusiastically for a long time before finally sitting down for dinner.

Mila could barely contain her excitement anymore. 𝗳𝚛𝗲𝕖𝚠𝚎𝚋𝗻𝗼𝕧𝗲𝐥.𝚌𝚘𝐦

"I still can’t believe it," she said happily while sipping wine. "Dr. Grant actually wants to join the project."

Her eyes sparkled brightly. "If this succeeds, my mother’s dream will finally come true."

Max quietly watched her speak excitedly. And for the first time, he realized something terrifying. His heart was racing not because of the research, but because of her.

The way her eyes lit up while talking about saving lives, the way she smiled so sincerely, the passion in her voice... He had fallen for her.

But she already belonged to someone else. A bitter feeling spread through his chest. If only he had confessed earlier, if only he had realized his feelings sooner, maybe she would have been beside him instead.

But now it was too late.

Max forced himself to continue smiling while swallowing the disappointment silently.

Far away, inside a luxurious private room overlooking the hall through tinted glass, a middle-aged man quietly observed them. His sharp eyes remained fixed on Max.

He slowly swirled the wine in his glass before speaking quietly to the man beside him. "Bring him here."

The man in the black suit nodded respectfully and left the room immediately.

A few moments later, he approached Max inside the banquet hall and leaned down slightly. "Mr. Bellini wants to see you."

Max’s expression changed instantly. All warmth disappeared from his face. Without another word, he stood up and followed the man away.

Mila watched him leave with confusion. She instinctively wanted to follow him.

Before she could move, another doctor approached her enthusiastically.

"Dr. Vega, your presentation was remarkable."

Soon, Mila became occupied in another conversation.

Meanwhile, Max entered the private room.

A middle-aged man sat calmly on the sofa like a king.

Luke Bellini.

Max’s expression immediately turned cold. "What are you doing here?" he asked sharply.

Luke smiled faintly. "That’s how you greet your father after such a long time?"

"I already warned you before," Max snapped fiercely. "Stop following me. Stop interfering in my life."

Luke sighed softly before placing his wine glass down.

"I’m here for business," he replied calmly. "I came to meet a client. I didn’t know you’d be here too."

Then his gaze softened slightly. "But I’m happy to see you."

A faint smile appeared on his lips. "It’s been a long time."

Max, however, looked completely unmoved. In fact, irritation burned in his eyes.

"Don’t look for me again," he said coldly before turning to leave.

"Max." Luke immediately stood up. "Stay with me while you are in Italy."

There was an unusual softness in his voice now. "I want to spend some time with you." He paused briefly. "I missed you."

Max’s fists clenched tightly. Slowly, he turned around. His eyes were cold and empty.

"We have no relationship anymore," he muttered harshly. "And I have no intention of reconnecting with you."