Chapter 1229

The hall buzzed even before six-thirty. Instead of the usual industry exchange, the attendees were far more interested in the presence of Dominic Fike's secret apprentice. Dominic was world-renowned for his medical skills. He had only five apprentices, and was reputed to be exceptionally strict. Years ago, however, he’d taken on another, keeping the apprentice's identity a closely guarded secret. He had not accepted any new apprentices since. This new, young apprentice naturally piqued everyone's curiosity.

Lily, who preferred solitude, had sought a quiet corner. She wouldn't have attended but for Alexander's insistence and the promise of research institute representatives. She hoped to glean insights for her new project, Blossom. The thought of being home, building blocks with Galen, elicited a yawn.

Her secluded spot seemed to render her invisible until footsteps approached. As she considered moving, the footsteps stopped, and a woman's anxious voice spoke. "Mr. Langston, tell me the truth. Is Mr. Fike's secret apprentice Austin Fike?"

Though hushed, the anxiety was palpable. Intrigued, Lily remained seated. An older man's chuckle followed. "Mrs. Moore, I've told you countless times, I honestly don't know."

"Mr. Langston," she insisted, "you and Mr. Fike have been friends for years! What's the embarrassment? Mr. Fike wants to keep a low profile, I understand, but my situation demands I know. I promise secrecy."

"It's not that I don't want to tell you," he sighed, "I genuinely don't know. Dorn's been reclusive for years, seeing almost no visitors. I have no idea who this apprentice is." He paused. "Mrs. Moore, why are you so determined? Modern medicine is advanced; even a general practitioner could treat Ms. Rollins. And if other doctors failed, Dorn has other apprentices."

The woman gave a wry smile. "Mr. Langston, really? Two of Mr. Fike's apprentices are deceased; two others are untraceable, having travelled the world. The last one's abroad, visiting war zones. This secret apprentice, I hear, is young, intelligent, and remains by Mr. Fike's side. And he's in Kingsland!" She lowered her voice. "Who knows if he'll even be at this banquet?"

"Even if he were," the old man sighed, "you wouldn't recognize him."

"We would," the woman countered. "We know most of the guests. Anyone unfamiliar—the chances are high they're Mr. Fike's apprentice."

Lily almost laughed at the woman’s logic. Why was she so convinced the apprentice was someone new? Why so sure Dominic hadn't chosen someone amongst their mutual acquaintances?

Lily shook her head, sipping her drink. She hadn't seen anyone from the research institute yet. They'd told her their representative was a young man surnamed "Fike," but her attempts to contact him had been unsuccessful.