Roxanne quickly composed herself and shifted her gaze from Aubree to Jonathan. Sharp-eyed as usual, Jonathan quickly noticed the awkwardness between the two women. He casually approached Roxanne, subtly blocking Aubree's line of sight.
"Dr. Jarvis," he said, "my grandfather is waiting for you upstairs. Shall we go?"
Roxanne nodded. Jonathan then excused himself to Aubree and began walking toward the stairs with Roxanne.
As they reached the stairway, Aubree called out, "Ms. Jarvis, I heard your treatment has helped Old Mr. Queen immensely. I'd like to visit him and observe your work."
Aubree then followed them. Roxanne frowned, displeased, but since Jonathan didn't object, she pretended Aubree wasn't there.
Alfred, under Roxanne's care, had recovered enough to return to his bedroom. In his room, they found him propped up in bed, in good spirits.
"Grandpa, Dr. Jarvis is here," Jonathan announced, leading Roxanne to the bed.
Alfred smiled gratefully at Roxanne. "Dr. Jarvis, thank you. Without you, I wouldn't be alive today." He had seen Roxanne during previous treatments but had been too weak to properly thank her. Now, after a few days of recovery, he had the energy to express his gratitude.
"Don't mention it, Old Mr. Queen," Roxanne replied politely. "I'm happy to see your recovery." She sat by the bed and began sterilizing her tools. Alfred's appreciation for her deepened as he watched her focus.
Aubree, however, was clearly upset by Alfred's reaction. She quickly approached him, blocking his view of Roxanne. "Hello, Old Mr. Queen."
Alfred acknowledged her. "Oh, Aubree, you're here too."
"I wanted to visit as soon as you woke up," Aubree said, sitting beside him, "but work kept me busy. I finally managed to free up my schedule today." She glanced at Roxanne and added, "Lucian wanted to come, but he's swamped with work. He sends his regards. We're all relieved you're better."
Alfred beamed. "You and Lucian are good kids. You're both busy, yet you found me a doctor."
"No need for ceremony, Old Mr. Queen," Aubree said gently. "You're like a grandfather to Lucian and me. It's only natural we do this for you." Her gaze lingered on Roxanne, revealing pride and perhaps a touch of conceit.
It was clear Alfred considered Aubree and Lucian family. Roxanne knew their relationship didn't involve her, but she couldn't shake a strange feeling.
After sterilizing her tools, Roxanne controlled her emotions and addressed Alfred and Aubree. "Ms. Pearson, please step aside. I'll begin the treatment now."
Aubree, still chatting with Alfred, turned her attention to Roxanne. With a gritted smile, she reluctantly stepped back.
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