At the Carter family’s villa, Kathy was relaxing on the couch while Madeline was at the dressing table, applying her makeup.
“Madeline, my brother mentioned he met your parents recently. How did that go?” Kathy asked.
Kathy had been grounded at home since their last outing to the racetrack, undergoing what Sharon considered necessary discipline. It was only recently that she had been allowed out again. Derek had once mentioned meeting Madeline’s parents over a meal, and Kathy took note of it.
While shaping her eyebrows, Madeline answered, “It went well. Derek brought up the idea of our parents meeting to set a date for the wedding.”
“That’s good to know. Rest assured, Madeline, once I return home, I’ll surely put in a good word for you with my mom. She doesn’t quite get you, and that was the reason she disliked you. Don’t let it get to you. Mom’s just looking out for my brother,” Kathy replied, patting her chest.
Yet, Kathy’s mood darkened as she remembered what happened to Derek years ago. She soon comforted herself, thinking that those issues were between her brother and Madeline. As Derek’s sister, her main concern was his happiness. Given how seemingly well Madeline treated Derek now, Kathy doubted the past problems would happen again.
Madeline paused in her makeup routine and said, “I’ve said it. I’m willing to put up with any treatment from Sharon as long as I can be with Derek.”
Holding the eyebrow pencil more firmly, Madeline added warmly, “Kathy, you’re so sweet. Your words do make me feel better.”
Kathy offered Madeline a bright smile and said, “After all, who else deserves my kindness if not you, Madeline? Speaking of which, I’ve heard that Norah has sent my brother legal papers. What’s causing the delay with the divorce?”
“Derek is looking into Norah’s past. What you might not know is that after parting ways with the Carter family, she’s been living at Dreamview Villas. Her identity as a racecar driver under the code name Selene was unexpected enough. Derek thinks Norah has been keeping things from him, so he’s decided to dig deeper before moving forward with the divorce,” Madeline explained flatly.
At the mention of “Dreamview Villas,” Kathy widened her eyes. “The Dreamview Villas in Glophia? Holy shit! How is Norah managing to stay there? Is it possible she’s got a connection with someone influential?”
Madeline set aside her makeup tool and offered a noncommittal shrug. “What can I say? Yet, I sense that Norah is looking for a new backer.”
Leaning closer, Kathy lowered her voice and said, “Madeline, do you think it’s possible Norah is getting involved with a member of the Scott family?”
“Could she?” Madeline replied, her voice tinged with doubt. “It’s audacious of Norah, right? Does she even grasp the prestige of the Scott family head? She appears relentless in her pursuit to scale the social ladder. Just wait.”
“She’s bound to be harshly abandoned by Mr. Scott. The day she gets kicked out from Dreamview Villas will be a spectacle. I can’t wait to see!”
Just then, Derek entered the room. “What’s this conversation about?”
He cast a disapproving glance at Kathy and said, “Kathy, try not to mess up Madeline’s makeup. We don’t want to be stuck at home.”
Kathy playfully stuck out her tongue and said, “I was merely asking about Madeline’s insight on the Grace Cup. You’re aware, Derek, that Madeline has an exquisite eye for fashion. As someone just starting in design, I’m eager to learn everything she knows.”
Derek’s expression softened as he said, “Isn’t there still plenty of time before the Grace Cup? Madeline’s not going anywhere. What’s the rush to ask her today?”
Kathy said those words to change the subject, clearly not interested in seeking advice from Madeline regarding the Grace Cup. She jumped up and pushed Derek toward the door. “Understood. Derek, make it quick and get going. Madeline needs to get dressed.”
Once the door shut, Madeline asked, “So, are you actually going to join the Grace Cup?”
Kathy confirmed with a nod. “Yes, I studied fashion design at university. I’m eager to enter competitions to build my name. I need your support, Madeline.”
Madeline appeared unsure and said, “But I’ve also entered the Grace Cup’s fashion design contest. If I assist you, it might detract from my own work.”
She looked down, her gaze carrying a hint of mystery and uncertainty. She hadn’t signed up for the contest until Kathy brought it up, prompting a spur-of-the-moment decision to participate. She felt she had wasted too much time during her two years abroad. Now back in Glophia and preparing to marry Derek, Madeline knew she had to be mindful of her public image.
“I’ve heard Noelle will be judging the Grace Cup this year. I’m really looking forward to meeting her in the final round,” Kathy shared her aspirations.
As a student majoring in fashion design,
Kathy looked up to several world-famous designers, with Noelle at the top of her list. “Noelle’s designs are simply exquisite. I own one of her high-fashion pieces. I hardly ever wear it, just to keep it special!”
Madeline offered a sympathetic smile and said, “Then you should give it your all in the contest. I decided to compete, and assisting you could be challenging for me.”
Kathy responded with a slight sulk. “Fine, it’s okay. You should just concentrate on your preparations, Madeline.”
“Wilson, today you’re on duty at the outpatient clinic,” Jolie announced, handing Norah the schedule. “You’re on duty today and tomorrow.”
This new week marked Norah’s first chance to work directly with patients at the outpatient clinic. Jolie gave Norah an encouraging pat on the back. “You’re relatively new to our Cardiac Surgery Department, so being at the outpatient clinic mostly means you’ll be waiting. If you get bored, feel free to tackle other tasks around the office. Just make sure it doesn’t disrupt the patient consultations.”
In a low voice, Jolie added, “Just be mindful. I get the sense that Jamison keeps a particularly close eye on you. He could drop by to check on you without warning.”
Jolie understood Norah’s heightened sense of awareness. He probably suspected that Norah might have leveraged connections to secure her hospital position without genuine medical expertise. Since Norah’s arrival, rumors had been circulating. There were whispers that Norah might be a high-ranking official’s relative who had embellished her credentials or belonged to a distinguished family seeking to broaden her horizons.
Despite the swirling rumors, Jolie preferred to rely on her own judgment when forming opinions about others. Norah was friendly toward her colleague, and Jolie reciprocated with warmth. “Thanks a bunch.”
“Don’t mention it.”
As Jolie departed, Norah attached her pen to her uniform pocket and headed toward the outpatient clinic. Derek was still delaying the finalization of the divorce. Calan had handled the delivery of the court summons for Norah.
Norah guessed Derek had received it and pondered his next move. Deep down, she knew involving Juliana could simplify matters, but Norah hesitated to burden her, considering the latter’s advanced age.
Taking a seat in the outpatient office of the Cardiac Surgery Department, Norah found herself alone. The screen showed doctors with patients queued up, but her name had not yet appeared. This didn’t bother Norah. She understood that as a newcomer, patients would naturally gravitate toward more experienced physicians.
After being there all morning, Norah finally got a patient. The first patient of the morning was a young university student seeking relief from discomfort. The clinic was busy, and the patient ended up in the Cardiac Surgery Department by chance, mentioning occasional rapid heartbeats at night.
Norah quickly applied pressure to specific acupuncture points, alleviating the patient’s discomfort in no time.
“Amazing! Are all doctors in the Cardiac Surgery Department this remarkable? The pain is gone!” the patient exclaimed.
Norah said while delivering treatment, “You’ve been dealing with irregular periods for some time, haven’t you? What took you so long to seek medical help?”
“I’ve been here before, but the relief from medication was only temporary. I never thought I’d find such effective relief here. Your technique worked wonders!”
The patient was visibly impressed and chatted with Norah throughout the treatment. After the session, Norah prescribed two medications for the patient. “I’ve given you medications to help stabilize your system. They should alleviate your discomfort going forward. As for the rapid heartbeat, try not to stay up too late, especially when you’re in pain. Maintain a consistent routine.”
By the time lunch rolled around, no other patients had shown up. Norah realized the importance of reputation, understanding it played a significant role no matter the setting.
The hours at the clinic were set, and Norah knew she’d be done for the day once the clock hit closing time. Glancing up, Norah noticed Jamison at the doorway, quietly watching her. She offered him a serene smile before Jamison walked off.
Given Norah’s confidential background, Jamison paid extra attention to her. Norah’s duties at the hospital were heavier than those of other doctors, but clinic days like this one allowed her a bit of downtime. Especially today, with hardly any patients, she could leave work on time.
Leaving the hospital, Norah spotted a stylish green…
G-Class Mercedes. The window lowered, and Joanna greeted Norah with a wave full of excitement. “Norah, over here!”
After Norah got in and buckled up, Joanna started the car.
New Book: Back Home to Marry Off Myself
Loredana’s father left the family for his mistress, leaving them to fend for themselves abroad. When life was at its toughest, her father showed up with “good news” after 8 years of absence: To marry off Loredana to a paralyzed son of the wealthy Mendelsohn family.