Chapter 99

The revelation that Paisley was Charles's mentor exploded in the room. Even this seasoned group stared, stunned into silence.

"Impossible," Marissa gasped, her composure shattering. "Mr. Hansen, you're joking. She's too young!"

Marissa seethed inwardly. Paisley? His mentor? The thought was ludicrous.

Charles's anger simmered. This was the second time Marissa had insulted Paisley, and his patience had snapped. "You're out of line," he said, his voice tight. "I only asked her because you claimed to be concerned and respectful." He'd already endured Paisley's displeasure for even asking her to come. "Now you refuse to believe it?"

Marissa's face darkened. "Mr. Hansen, it's not disbelief, it's…insane. She's two years younger!"

Charles's jaw tightened. "Ms. Sutton's skills surpass my own! Why shouldn't I learn from her?"

Paisley winced, shooting Charles an annoyed glare.

Jonathan burst from the consultation room, eager to meet Charles's mysterious mentor. Before he reached the group, Reginald intercepted him. "Mr. Walsh, you mentioned knowing a highly skilled practitioner of Ancient Medical Arts?"

"Yes," Jonathan replied.

Reginald smiled apologetically. "Could you contact them? My father's life is at stake." He couldn't believe it was Paisley, Dominick's former wife—a housewife just four years prior. The idea of her becoming a medical genius was absurd.

Jonathan frowned. "Mr. Hansen's mentor is already here?"

Before Reginald could explain, Paisley's voice cut through the tension. "Jonathan."

Jonathan whirled around. Paisley stood, flanked by the Vanderbilts, her face stormy. Charles, beside her, looked sheepish.

Jonathan's face brightened. "Paisley! You came because of my text? I wasn't sure if you'd even help." He hadn't expected a reply, much less her presence.