Chapter 26
Chapter 26 Doubt and Derision
From the looks of her, she appeared to be around the same age as Naomi How could the possibly be the renowned Aletta he had specifically requested?
Robert couldn’t help but wonder. Was Aletta too busy to come in person and had sent an apprentice instead? But sending someone who just seemed to have come of age felt somewhat disrespectful.
Though inwardly displeased, Robert remained courteous. “Are you… Aletta’s apprentice p>
Arabella knew that at her age, even if she claimed to be Aletta herself, no one would likely believe her. So she simply followed Robert’s assumption. “You could say that,” she replied.
After all, she was Aletta–if she wanted to consider herself her own apprentice, that was her business.
Hearing the word “apprentice, Matthew’s expression darkened. He had heard of the mysterious miracle doctor in alternative medicine circles over the past couple of years–someone known for treating complex and stubborn conditions. He had even looked into this doctor once, but eventually opted for modern medicine, believing it would work faster, and had arranged for the top specialist from the hospital he invested in
Yet here was his grandfather, still turning to Aletta after all this time. And this Aletta had the nerve to pur on airs–sending some young girl instead of coming personally?
He couldn’t hold back a cold scoff. “Your master certainly thinks highly of himself. My grandfather requests his help, and he casually sends a little girl to handle it p>
Miles, standing nearby, chimed in, unable to stay quiet. “This is downright irresponsible p>
Facing their skepticism, Arabella stayed calm. “Let me examine the patient first. If I can’t determine the issue. I’ll call my master. It won’t be too late then. If even she couldn’t treat the condition, then truly no one could.
Hearing the confidence in her voice, a flicker of appreciation crossed Robert’s eyes. “Not bad. You’re young, but you’ve got nerve. Go ahead and try. If you can accurately diagnose my condition, I’ll allow you
to treat me.
“Grandfather.” Matthew frowned deeply, thinking Robert was being unreasonable.
“It’s fine. Come on, young lady, take my pulse.” Robert smiled and gestured for Arabella to approach
Without hesitation, Arabella took a seat in the chair beside the bed.
Miles kept studying her, convinced she was a fraud. After all, everyone had heard of Aletta, but no one had ever mentioned an apprentice. If Aletta had taken one, he would have likely applied himself p>
The more he thought, the more suspicious he became. He leaned toward Matthew and whispered, “Mr. Stewart, I’ve never heard Aletta has an apprentice. This girl might be a con artist…
Matthew was also aware of scammers who posed as apprentices of well–known alternative medicine practitioners. A girl this young claiming to be one was highly suspect.
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Chapter 26 Doubt and Derision
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Just as Arabella reached out to take Robert’s pulse, Matthew spoke up to stop her “Grandfather, if you’re just trying to avoid treatment, there’s no need for this charade. This girl doesn’t look like any kind of doctor. Lei Miles check you over now and stop wasting time
He was busy every day. If it weren’t for his grandfather, he wouldn’t be spending his time here.
“A charade? You think I hired this girl?” Robert asked, disbelieving. Did his grandson really see him as that
idle?
“Isn’t that the case? Matthew held his gaze,
Seeing that Matthew believed she was some hired actor, Arabella spoke plainly, “Your imagination is running a bit wild. I didn’t come all this way to playact for anyone p>
She was telling the truth–Stewart Manor was in the opposite direction from the Hamiltons, and the ride over had taken considerable time.
“Tell me, how much did my grandfather pay you? Matthew looked at her as if he had everything figured out, his tone dripping with certainty.
For the first time, Arabella felt genuinely annoyed with someone. Even knowing he was the employer: grandson, she couldn’t help but retort coolly. “Sir, not everyone practices medicine just for money. Especially my master. You might not be able to get him even with all your money p>
It was the first time Matthew had been talked back to by a girl this young. Even the butler nearby began to sweat nervously. This young woman had some nerve.
One thing was crystal clear–Matthew abhorred nothing more than being crossed–or dared to be defied.
Sure enough, a chill immediately emanated from Matthew, and his words turned sharper. “Don’t act so noble. In this world, whether it’s alternative medicine or modern medicine, people study and practice for profit–let’s not pretend otherwise p>
Matthew had seen the coldest sides of human nature. In his view, everything came down to interest.
Arabella simply shrugged. “Sure, it’s about making a living. But between the two of us, the modern doctor beside you is in a better position to talk. The medication he prescribes for your grandfather costs at least a thousand dollars a day, doesn’t it p>
She hadn’t meant to target anyone initially, but Miles had been scrutinizing her since she walked in and had even spoken against her under his breath.
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Chapter 27 A Pulse Reveals the Truth
Sara Lili
Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.