Chapter 252

Cameron returned to Aquarine Residence. Using the key Dakota had given him, he opened the door to apartment 302.

“Dakota, I’m back,” he said, entering and carrying the medicinal ingredients into the kitchen. “I’ll prepare your medicine. Wait for me in the room.”

“Okay, Cameron,” Dakota replied softly.

A smile touched Cameron’s eyes as he retrieved a clay pot from under the kitchen cabinet. He added the correct amount of water, then the purchased ephedra, fragrant skullcap, poria, and hollyhock seeds, each in the right proportion. He added a black pill he always carried and covered the pot. He brought the water to a boil over high heat, then reduced it to a simmer.

Half an hour later, the kitchen filled with the medicine’s aroma. Cameron turned off the gas, poured the dark liquid into a small bowl, covered it with cling film, and refrigerated it for half an hour.

Once the medicine had set into a paste, Cameron removed the bowl. It may not have looked appealing, but it emitted a faint, refreshing fragrance. He took it into the bedroom.

Dakota was lying on the bed, scrolling through her phone. Seeing Cameron, she lowered her phone. Her eyes lit up. “Cameron, what kind of medicine is this?”

“It’s a secret recipe, haha,” Cameron chuckled. “One application should reduce swelling and disperse bruising.”

Dakota’s eyes widened. “It’s that miraculous? Is it a wound-healing ointment?”

“Better than any on the market,” Cameron said gently. “Lean back. I’ll apply it. You might feel a cooling sensation.”

“Okay!” Dakota smiled.

Cameron moved to her side and carefully dabbed some ointment onto his finger. Under Dakota’s shy gaze, he gently applied it to the swollen bruise on her cheek. The ointment spread evenly, instantly cooling her face. She felt her pores open, and the fiery sting vanished. The cooling sensation was unlike the sharp chill of mint; it felt like tiny ice crystals seeping into her skin.

Chapter 252 (continued)

“What a magical feeling!” Dakota exclaimed.

Cameron smiled. “The bruising should vanish in about fifteen minutes.”

“Wow, that soon?” Dakota was astonished.

“Yes,” Cameron replied, continuing to apply the ointment evenly for better absorption.

Dakota watched, feeling happy. However, her joy was short-lived when she noticed a strand of wavy, black hair on his shoulder—clearly not hers.

“Dakota, what’s wrong?” Cameron noticed her change in expression.

Dakota bit her lip. Her tone was tinged with jealousy. “Cameron, the friend you met was a woman, wasn’t she?”

Cameron was surprised. “Huh? Why are you asking that?”

Dakota pointed to his shoulder. “Because there’s a strand of her hair there.”

Cameron saw the hair. His gaze flickered.

Dakota pressed further. “Cameron, was that friend Tara, Dr. Smith?” (She remembered Tara’s wavy hair.)

Cameron’s expression stiffened. The hair must have been from Tara hugging his arm earlier. He couldn’t believe Dakota had figured it out!

“Uh, yes, it was Dr. Smith,” Cameron admitted. There was no point in hiding it; nothing was going on between them.

Dakota’s heart skipped a beat. She bit her lip, hesitating before asking, “Did you go to her place?”

“No, how could I?” Cameron quickly clarified, sensing her misunderstanding. “I was at the pharmacy buying medicine when I bumped into her. Her grandfather was misdiagnosed with late-stage liver cancer, and I could treat it, so I accompanied her to the hospital.”

“You went to the hospital?” Dakota was surprised.

“It turned out his diagnosis was wrong. He had liver toxicity and cirrhosis, not cancer—much easier to treat,” Cameron explained.

“Dr. Smith’s grandfather has liver cancer?” Dakota’s eyes flickered. She knew cancer was incurable. Her jealousy faded, replaced by concern. “Then, can you cure it?”

“Yes,” Cameron nodded. “It was a misdiagnosis. He has liver poisoning and cirrhosis. It’s much easier to treat than cancer.”

“That’s a relief,” Dakota sighed, then frowned. “What kind of irresponsible doctor makes such a grave misdiagnosis?”

“Exactly,” Cameron scoffed. “That Mikel is such an asshole!”

“But it’s good it’s nothing serious,” Dakota said, her brow smoothing.

“Are you not angry anymore?” Cameron asked with a smile.

“Hmph, I’m not that petty!” Dakota huffed, scrunching her nose. “Besides, if you really liked Dr. Smith, I wouldn’t mind…”

Dakota hesitated. Considering Cameron’s qualities, keeping him to herself felt unfair.

“Really?” Cameron raised an eyebrow.

“Yes,” Dakota nodded, biting her lip.

Cameron saw her struggle and his gaze softened. “Silly girl, I was just joking. There’s really nothing going on between me and Dr. Smith.”

“Look, the ointment on your face is almost dry. Let me even it out for you.” Cameron reached out…

Chapter 253

…to gently smooth the ointment on Dakota’s face. Dakota looked at him with moist eyes, feeling incredibly secure.

Suddenly, the living room door opened. A gentle female voice said, “Dakota, you’re back? And Cameron, you’re here too?”

Seeing men’s shoes by the entrance, Jane realized Cameron was there and headed towards the living room. Dakota’s room was the first door; it was open. Jane paused, seeing their intimate gestures. A meaningful smile touched her face. “Sorry to interrupt. Please carry on…” She quickly closed the door.

Cameron’s face stiffened. He wondered if Jane had misunderstood.

Dakota’s cheeks burned. She felt Jane shouldn’t have said that in front of Cameron. She looked up at him, and her face grew even hotter.