Chapter 396

The mysterious X. Nora knew of the renowned medical genius who had caused a sensation in the Imperial court that year, but X’s identity remained shrouded in secrecy. “Crystal, why are you asking me to find X?” Nora inquired. Crystal's request, of course, stemmed from a specific incident. That morning, two nurses who administered her medication whispered outside her door: “Crystal is a beautiful lady, the Imperial court's leading beauty, but now she has a scar on her wrist. What a pity.” “Yes, this scar will forever mar her, a flaw on a perfect masterpiece.” “Do you know any famous doctor who can remove scars without a trace?” “I think of X. Yes, he's X!” “X? The mysterious X?” “Yes, X is Academic Dickson’s student. My house and Academic Dickson’s are old neighbors. Years ago, I was hit by a car, leaving a large scar on my leg. My mother consulted Academic Dickson, who provided a prescription from X. After using it, the scars vanished completely, leaving my skin as good as new.” “No wonder your skin is so beautiful now. X is truly amazing.” “Of course! Let’s tell Miss Crystal about X.” “No.” “Why not?” “Don't you see Crystal alone here? She and Charlotte are both Paulo family granddaughters, but Charlotte is the biological granddaughter; Crystal is Mr. Paulo’s daughter’s daughter—an outsider. The Augustine family has approved the marriage, and the entire Paulo family is preparing for Marvin and Charlotte's lavish wedding. Crystal has been completely forgotten. Jean and Mr. Paulo haven't visited the hospital; they're preoccupied with Charlotte's wedding.” “Right. It's truly pitiful to see Crystal like this.” “Hush, let's not cause more trouble. Let’s go.”

The nurses departed, but Crystal had overheard their conversation. “Mom, I don’t care; I just want to see X!” Crystal declared petulantly. Nora lowered her voice: “Crystal, don’t be so demanding. Where can I find the mysterious X for you?” Crystal immediately pouted condescendingly, “Mom, you don’t love me anymore! If you told me to cut my wrists, I would do it instantly, but now Olive is gone, and I have this awful scar. How will I wear a skirt later? Everyone will laugh at me!” “But…” Nora mumbled. After all, she was her biological daughter. Seeing Crystal's distress, Nora's heart softened. “Mom, isn't X Academic Dickson's student? You can call Academic Dickson. He’ll definitely help me.” Nora hesitated. “Academic Dickson and your grandfather are rivals. If I contact Academic Dickson, and your grandfather finds out, he’ll be furious.”

At the mention of her grandfather, Crystal clenched her fists, her nails digging into her palms. Although she and Charlotte were sisters, they had silently competed since childhood. Crystal had always overshadowed Charlotte—Imperial's leading beauty, the daughter of the richest man. Glory had always been hers. But now, she felt sidelined while Charlotte thrived. This imbalance gnawed at her.

Grandpa and Jean were biased, favoring Charlotte, who was marrying Marvin. They had urged Crystal to commit suicide, but now Olive was gone. Resentment welled within Crystal. “Mom, why haven’t Grandpa and Jean visited me?” The Augustine family had approved the marriage. The wedding's urgency kept her grandfather busy with Charlotte's preparations. Before Nora could finish, Crystal threw a pillow to the floor. The nurses' words rang true! Grandpa and Jean were biased! “Crystal, what's wrong with you?” “Mom, if Grandpa gets angry, then don't tell him. Mom, don't you think Grandpa and Jean only care about Charlotte? They don’t care about me anymore!” Crystal's lip trembled; her eyes reddened. Nora felt sorry for her daughter and hugged her, comforting her. “Silly girl, why would you think that? We all love you, don’t cry.” Crystal pleaded, “Mom, then help me find X. I'll ask X to remove the scar!” “Okay, okay, I agree.” Nora conceded. Crystal ate, then napped. The door opened; Nightingale entered cheerfully: “Crystal, good news! Academic Dickson has agreed. X is here, outside!”

The news stunned Crystal. X had arrived so quickly? Pleasure surged through her. X was enigmatic, yet had readily responded to her mother's invitation—a boost to her ego. “Mom, let X in quickly; I can’t wait!” Crystal urged. “Professor X, please come in.” A figure entered—the mysterious X. X was… a man! X had neatly styled short hair. He wasn't handsome, quite ordinary, but possessed a clean aura. Crystal, who had assumed X was female, was surprised.

“Professor, hello. My daughter has a wrist scar; are you certain you can remove it without a trace?” Nora asked directly. Professor X examined Crystal's wound. “The wound isn’t deep. Yes, I’m sure.” Crystal's eyes gleamed. With the scar gone, she'd reclaim her title as Imperial's leading beauty. How could Charlotte compete? “Professor, how long will it take?” Crystal asked. Professor X replied, “Five days.” Five days? Before Marvin and Charlotte's wedding? Excellent! Nora marveled at X’s skill. Removing scars flawlessly in five days was remarkable, perhaps beyond even the Paulo family's capabilities. “Professor X, may I know your surname?” Nora asked, given their use of the title Professor X.