Chapter 41

After finishing her breakfast, Grace began preparing for the day ahead.

She had an appointment lined up-a medical consultation for someone in the Pearson family.

Relying on no one but herself, she hailed a cab for the journey rather than accept any offer from the Pearsons for a driver. The last thing she ever wanted was a fuss or a dramatic arrival.

Rumors swirled that today's patient was someone of considerable importance, which explained all the secrecy surrounding the visit.

Even the Pearsons had set aside an entire medical wing for the occasion.

Colton had insisted that no one find out about Dr. private visit. If his uncle discovered the arrangement,complications would surely follow.

Relying on the address Patrick had texted her, Grace rode straight to the estate, avoiding all fuss.

A cap shadowed her eyes as she strode toward the main gates, every step light and unhurried.

Just outside, Dominick lingered, fidgeting as he kept watch for a mysterious arrival.

Before long, a young woman in a crisp white T-shirt and simple jeans crossed his line of sight.

Long, slender legs carried her with a quiet confidence,her movements graceful yet nearly silent on the pavement.

"Miss Miller?" Dominick called out, momentarily caught off guard by her presence. Today, of all days, wasn't ideal for random visitors.

"We should go inside," Grace replied, her tone cool and businesslike.

Dominick hesitated, uncertainty creeping into his voice. "I apologize, but I'm actually expecting someone else. You're here for Mr. Pearson, right? He may not be available this morning..."

Dominick's gaze kept darting down the driveway, still searching for the legendary doctor.

Frustration threatened as he recalled insisting on personally escorting the enigmatic doctor, only to be politely turned down.

Double-checking her phone, Grace frowned, glancing at the estate behind him. "This is the Pearsons' estate,isn't it?"

Did Patrick send her the wrong address?

"Yes, that's right," Dominick answered, a bit more formal now.

"I'm here for Mr. Pearson's treatment. Please, show me the way," she said without a hint of doubt.

"Wait! You-you're Dr. Q?" Dominick stammered, shock flickering across his face. In a scramble, he nearly lost his glasses, fumbling to steady them, his nerves completely unraveled.

Everything he'd pictured about Dr. Q-someone older,perhaps with a commanding presence-seemed utterly wrong now.

No part of him wanted to believe that this unassuming young woman could be the famed healer he'd heard so much about.

Despite witnessing Grace work her magic before, he still found it hard to equate her with the famed Dr. Q.

Questions hung on his tongue, but Grace had no patience for explanations. Instead, a small nod was all she gave as she reached into her canvas bag and produced a wooden token.

Elegant carvings covered the surface, and a boldcaught the light in the center, unmistakable and proud.

Dominick's breath hitched. There was no mistaking it-

the token was genuine.

"Please forgive me! I truly did not mean it!" Dominick bent low at the waist, cheeks flushed as a nervous sweat began trickling from his hairline. "Dr. Q, right this way. Mr.Pearson has been waiting for you."

They walked together down the corridor, their footsteps echoing until they reached a small,separate building on the western edge of the grounds. This was the private medical facility reserved for Colton.

Dominick had only just lifted his hand to knock when the door swung open from inside.

Inside the room, several figures waited-the leading specialists from the top hospitals-engaged in a serious debate, every face shadowed by worry.

"With Mr. Pearson's state, I believe we should avoid risky procedures and proceed with caution," said one of the doctors.

"That is not enough. Surgery gives him his only real hope. The toxins are aIready moving through his body,"another doctor insisted.

A calm and unmistakable voice rang out from the entrance. "Seems like every one of you is ready to write him off."

Heads turned at once, startled by the interruption.

Dominick was no longer alone. A young woman stood at his side.

All around, doctors furrowed their brows in confusion.Who was she, and what was she doing here?

Rodney Powell, one of the more senior doctors, glared in disapproval. "Who let her in? This is no place for childish nonsense. Get her out of here-immediately."

Frustration echoed through the group as the other doctors voiced their complaints. The mounting tension in the room made it clear that they had little patience left for unexpected guests.

"Mr. Byrd, escort her out. We're discussing a matter of life and death here."

With a careful step forward, Dominick's voice carried both caution and resolve. "Doctors, please. This is Dr.Q, the very specialist Mr. Pearson asked to see."

An immediate hush fell over everyone.

Dr. Q? This young woman? Surely, someone must be playing a trick.

Rodney's face tightened with open disbelief, his annoyance growing. "You can't expect us to take this seriously. Does she even have a license? We're surrounded by enough imposters already."

"That's right. You have got to be joking. People these days will try anything for money-even trying to con Mr.Pearson? She must be out of her mind."

"Years of training make a real doctor. What could she possibly know at her age?" another physician scoffed.

A ripple of mocking laughter and pointed glances spread through the group.

Grace's lips twitched with a sly confidence. "Suppose I manage to pull him through-what will you say then?"

A doctor let out a harsh laugh. "You? Heal Mr.Pearson?Don't make us laugh."

"If you pull that off, I'll believe in miracles-or that pigs might fly."

With a cool nod, Grace replied, "Then we're in for an extraordinary spectacle."

At that very moment, a familiar face appeared at the door. It was Colton in his usual relaxed clothes.

His gaze turned cold the second he spotted Grace in the room.

He had wondered if it might be her, but coming face-to-face with Grace left him shaken.

So it was true-Dr. Q was Grace Miller.

They locked eyes-hers calm and full of resolve, his unreadable and intense.

Though his features looked tired, the powerful aura he carried had not faded in the least.

Turned out he was her patient.