Chapter 164: Old Madam Wakes Up
North stood and said to Raven, “Go on, enjoy your meal. I’ll be going now.”
“North!” Raven pulled her back, his gaze fixed on her pale face. “What’s wrong?”
“What’s wrong with me?” North adopted her usual charming demeanor. “Sleeping with you is one of the worst experiences ever. I’m not comfortable with it. If you want a woman, find one.”
She turned and headed for the door. Raven’s face flushed with anger; his lips curled into a scoff. He was furious at her repeated requests for him to find another woman. As North reached the door, a cabinet swayed and crashed toward her.
“North!” Raven lunged, hugging her from behind as the cabinet fell on top of them. He shielded her head, pressing her into his embrace. She heard the crash and his muffled groan—it happened in a split second. Looking up, she saw blood dripping from his forehead. He was wounded and bleeding.
Raven’s face paled. He raised a hand to his forehead, then pressed his hands on North’s shoulders, checking for injuries. “Are you hurt?” he asked, his concern evident despite his own bleeding. “Are you okay? Don’t be scared, I’m fine.” His cold eyes softened with care.
North pushed him away. “Find a doctor. I’m grateful you saved my life, but that’s not reason enough for me to stay. My overnight fee is quite expensive. It’s late; I’m leaving.”
She turned and left the villa without another glance. Raven watched, frozen, as she drove away in her Ferrari. His bloodstained hand clenched into a fist. For the first time, he truly realized North wasn’t the same girl he knew two years ago.
Pamela was in a foul mood, thanks to a lawyer’s letter. She’d lost $1.2 million and refused to hand over the medical book to Olive. She was furious and despised Olive. However, she soon received good news: Old Mrs. Robert, in intensive care, had awakened and wanted to see her savior! Pamela had saved the old woman with gold needles, and hours later, she’d woken. The news again shocked the media; everyone praised Pamela’s skills, even conducting an interview with the recovering woman. Pamela’s mood soared. She recalled Olive’s alarmist comments; not only was the lady safe, but she was awake. Pamela reveled in her success, convinced Olive was simply jealous and trying to panic her.
She dressed and quickly arrived at the Ivory Council. The institute buzzed with activity; banners praised Pamela, and major LA TV stations were present for interviews. Director Hudson greeted her warmly, his admiration evident. “Pamela, your picture is the top social media trend: ‘Analyzing the Success of a Medical Prodigy.’”
Pamela’s eyes lit up. She hadn’t expected to be headline news. A quick glance at her phone confirmed it: she’d successfully navigated the earlier dilemma. Everyone’s focus was once again on her medical achievements.
Comments flooded her phone: “Pamela is amazing!” “My beautiful, kind, talented Pamela!” “The old lady’s awake and wants an interview! OMG!” “Those who humiliated her must be ashamed!” “A million dollars? Let’s start a GoFundMe!” A fan had indeed created one, and donations were pouring in. A huge burden lifted from Pamela's heart; she smiled, watching the account balance grow. “Olive, are you still fighting me?” she muttered with a sneer.
“Pamela,” Director Hudson called, bringing her back to the present. “Mrs. Rolfert is awake and waiting. You saved her, and she seems to like you very much. As soon as she opened her eyes, she demanded to see the angel who saved her.”
“Angel?” Pamela mused, a smile spreading across her face. Of course, she was an angel! “Let’s go see Mrs. Robert now,” she said impatiently.
“Pamela, Mrs. Robert is a very important person. I think she wants to take you to Imperial City, where you’ll be properly recognized as her savior. That award would fulfill your dream of becoming a successful doctor.”
Pamela gasped. She’d suspected Mrs. Robert was high-profile, but hadn’t expected her to be from Imperial City. Her life's work wouldn't have normally gained her such recognition. Director Hudson's words, however, implied international fame was within reach. How could she not be excited?
Pamela arrived at the ward, where numerous cameras were set up. The live broadcast began. Director Hudson opened the door. “Mrs. Robert, your angel is here.”
Pamela followed reporters into the ward. Old Mrs. Robert looked at the door expectantly. “My angel, we finally meet.”
Pamela saw the majestic old woman. Though she was reclining, her demeanor exuded the poise of a wealthy matriarch. Pamela stepped forward. “Ma’am, I’m here.”
Mrs. Robert’s happy expression instantly turned cold. She avoided Pamela’s gaze. “Who are you?”
Pamela froze, embarrassed. Cameras were rolling; it was a live broadcast. Reporters held their microphones. “Ma’am, this is Pamela, the talented doctor who saved you.” Hudson added, “Ma’am, perhaps you forgot what she looks like due to your illness, but Pamela is your savior.”
The lady’s smile vanished. She glared at Pamela from head to toe. “I don’t know you. You’re not my angel! You didn’t save me!”
A gasp went through the onlookers. Pamela’s face paled. She’d overlooked the possibility of the old lady having seen her actual rescuer. If that were true, her lies were exposed. Reporters eagerly filmed.
Pamela quickly composed herself. This wasn't the time to falter. “Ma’am, it was me. You were unconscious; you wouldn’t have seen me clearly. I used a gold needle to seal your acupuncture point, saving you.”
Her explanation was plausible. Pamela’s talent was deeply ingrained in the public consciousness.