Hearing Imogen's frustration, Johanna gently comforted her. "Imogen, I know you mean well, but I'm just ordinary. I only have one brother, and he's missing at sea—there's not even a body to recover. Given my status, I'm not worthy of the Russell family, and even less so of Mr. Russell. Please don't say such things anymore. I don't want to upset him."
This only upset Imogen further. She retorted, "Who says you're not worthy? Your brother was my fiancé. He's gone, so I should take care of you!" Johanna sniffed and whispered, "But Mr. Russell doesn't like me... It's better not to force it."
"But I like you, and that's enough!" Imogen declared proudly. "I'm like a mother to him. Does he dare refuse if I tell him to marry you?"
"But... if you say it like that..." Johanna remained hesitant.
Imogen smiled and patted her hand. "Don't worry. I have plenty of ways to bring you two together. You just need to cooperate when the time comes." Johanna blushed and whispered, "I'll listen to your arrangements then..."
After caring for the pregnant and sleep-deprived Imogen, Johanna finally left her room and encountered Stephan. She stopped, speaking softly, "Mr. Russell, Imogen is asleep now. I've talked to her, and she shouldn't be matchmaking anymore. I'm sorry for causing today's trouble." She bowed apologetically.
He remained silent; he wasn't one to argue with two women, especially his sister and sister-in-law. He turned to leave.
She followed a few steps, biting her lip. "Mr. Russell, women are more emotional during pregnancy and can be easily upset. If she repeats anything, we must be patient and comfort her..." He glanced at her and replied coldly, "I don't need you to remind me."
She was startled. Imogen was his sister; he would naturally be patient with her. Did he need her reminding?
Stephan turned and walked away. Johanna stood there, gently biting her lip. She reminded herself to be patient and not rush things. She would take things slowly; there would be plenty of time.
Felicia had been busy. The number of patients at the Union Clinic had steadily increased, so she hired more assistants. On ordinary days, she didn't need to intervene; eight seasoned physicians handled everything smoothly. She only stepped in for particularly difficult or unresolved cases.
She had spent the past few days in the storeroom, working on the twin venomous creatures. Under her careful modifications, their color had changed from transparent to light red! Felicia was pleased. The modifications had granted the creatures additional properties, but she needed to test their effectiveness.
She placed the twins in a small porcelain bottle and put it in her pocket. Just as she was about to leave, her phone rang—a call from Stephan. Felicia's brow furrowed, and after hesitation, she answered.