Chapter 52

Word of the Soul Surgeon's upcoming consultation sent waves of excitement throughout the Underground Network.

A rush of hope lit up in the eyes of many influential people struggling with severe illnesses.

The inbox belonging to Eleanor's top disciple nearly burst with messages.

Even so, she knew the full story. Eleanor only agreed to this particular case because she felt personally responsible, not for any kind of payment.

For that reason, she had to refuse countless requests.

No matter how many she rejected, the stream of inquiries never slowed.

All she could do was wish that Eleanor might set aside a little time to make a few rare remedies,just to relieve some of the stress.

Glancing over the disciple's string of complaints,Eleanor erased them with a single swipe.

There was no way she could be everyone's hero.

Her plate was full, between her work at Hope House and the brand-new Enigma Group, leaving her with hardly any extra minutes in the day.

Once another hectic week had passed, it was time for Fannie's next round of treatment.

Progress was clear. Fannie had not regained consciousness, but her health was much better.

A worry tugged at Eleanor. If Fannie suddenly woke up,she might not be ready, so she hurried out of the room as soon as the treatment ended.

She might have béen rushing too quickly, as she ended up bumping straight into a man.

The impact was enough to stop her in her tracks. Heat crept up Eleanor's cheeks behind her mask,and she stepped back quickly to say, "I'm sorry."

Catching a clear glimpse of the man's face brought her to a standstill.

Nolan stood right there.

Panic flashed through her mind.

Maybe he wouldn't notice who she really was.

She had to get away fast.

With that idea pushing her, she spun around and made her way quickly toward the elevator.

Nolan narrowed his gaze, sizing up her clothing.Could that actually be the Soul Surgeon?

He had come straight from the office to check on Fannie's progress, only to come face-to-face with the Soul Surgeon here.

Still, the Soul Surgeon reminded him of Eleanor.

Could they be the same person? He dismissed the idea immediately as it sounded ridiculous.

Yet, he couldn't help but call out, "Where are you off to,Soul Surgeon?"

Hearing his voice, Eleanor felt her chest tighten, so she lowered her tone. "I can't tell you."

Without saying anything more, she slipped inside the elevator.

Her quick exit caught Nolan's eye, and he stood there deep in thought.

Nearly running, Eleanor hurried out of the hospital.

That was too close.

Next time she visited Fannie, she would need to be extra careful.

After puulling off her mask and working the tension from her cheeks, Eleanor noticed a call from Lillian lighting up her phone.

"Eleanor, where are you right now? I'll come get you!" After sharing her location, Eleanor watched as Lillian's eye-catching purple-red convertible rolled up beside her.

As soon as Eleanor settled into the passenger seat,Lillian leaned over and gave her a curious look."Eleanor, what have you been up to? You look like something rattled you!"

Eleanor shifted awkwardly under her friend's stare and cleared her throat. "It's nothing. I just left the hospital."

Raising an eyebrow, Lillian looked doubtful but decided not to argue.

She started the engine and made a dramatic pout."Just so you know, I get you for the rest of the day.If you ditch me again, we're officially done!"

A wave of guilt hit Eleanor, and she sent Lillian an apologetic glance. "I'm sorry, Lillian. Things have been kind of overwhelming lately."

After studying Eleanor's tired expression, Lillian let out a sigh and softened her tone. "Okay, since you've been running yourself ragged, I'll let it slide this time."

Their conversation drifted to lighter topics, and soon Lillian brought up some gossip. "Oh, before | forget,did you know Lainey and Jonny finally set a wedding date? They picked the 18th of next month. Lainey's father has even tossed in $100 million as a wedding gift!"

Eleanor gave a distracted nod, her mind wandering elsewhere.

Noticing Eleanor's lack of reaction, Lillian finally relaxed.

If Eleanor could hear that news without flinching,then maybe she really had let go of that jerk. Feeling relieved, Lillian pressed her foot down. "Hang on tight, babe. We're about to have the time of our lives!"