Chapter 19
Felicia stepped into Harmony Medical Center, feigning ignorance of the curious eyes that seemed to follow her. She strolled confidently through the center. The work was straightforward; in her previous life, she'd taken the job to supplement her income and gather discarded herbs for practice. But today felt different.
Just as she set up the small stove, Clive arrived, beckoning her over. "Come, Licia. Let's make a house call."
Clive's use of "Licia" left the apprentices and senior physicians stunned into silence. A brief pause followed, then whispers erupted. "So she's Mr. Walsh Senior's granddaughter? The real heiress the Fuller family just brought back?" "Congratulations, Mr. Walsh Senior!" "What a coincidence! Felicia has been working part-time here for a year, and we didn't even know she was your granddaughter!"
Felicia obediently approached and greeted him, "Hello, Grandpa." Clive hummed in reply, his stern demeanor softening slightly. Everyone knew he was a master physician, highly respected, yet he often lamented his lack of an heir. His youngest daughter, Myra, had no interest in medicine and rebelled against him, creating a rift. His two sons had proven disappointing, lacking talent. Now, with Felicia's promising arrival, Clive clearly intended to nurture his granddaughter.
Felicia understood this, but also knew she could teach him a thing or two. Throughout the day, she shadowed Clive as he treated patients. He patiently guided her through traditional methods, allowing her to observe and learn.
As they finished the last patient's chart, Clive asked, "Licia, did you learn anything? If you have questions, don't hesitate to ask."
Felicia hesitated. She almost voiced her thoughts on their convoluted methods but swallowed them instead. She'd just watched him treat two patients using acupuncture; his technique was masterful, but overly complicated. Problems requiring three needles, she knew, could be solved with one—and with better results. But voicing this would only spark outrage.
Felicia longed to demonstrate her skills independently, to earn her place at Harmony Medical Center and share in the lucrative house-call fees. Little did she know that opportunity was imminent.
The last house call was to an upscale Khogend estate, where every inch of land was incredibly valuable. Arriving, Felicia noticed discreet cameras everywhere. No bodyguards or maids were visible, only an elderly butler leading the way.
Inside, the butler, William Wayne, stated, "Mr. Russell doesn't meet outsiders. Aside from Mr. Walsh Senior, only one assistant is allowed. The rest can wait downstairs." After considering, Clive decided to bring Felicia.
William guided them to a second-floor bedroom. The room was vast, sleek, and minimalist, in shades of gray—clean and cold. "Mr. Russell is inside. Please, come in."
Entering, Felicia glanced quickly. Sunlight streamed through drawn curtains, illuminating a figure seated on the bed. The man's dark eyes held an unsettling intensity; his lips were pale and thin, exuding an intimidating presence. It was… Stephan?
A chill ran down Felicia's spine; she nearly fled. The memory of his suffocating grip around her throat flashed through her mind, setting her nerves on edge. To Stephan, her expression appeared as a startled cat, poised to bolt or strike.
Raising an eyebrow, Stephan's surprise quickly turned to a smirk. He fixed his gaze on her. "You, come here."
Felicia pretended not to hear.