Before I could say a word, Arabelle shoved me aside and stepped forward to help.

"Aunt Tessa, what are you doing? You’re actually kneeling to someone like her?"

Tessa brushed her hand away without hesitation and turned back, resolutely kneeling at my feet.

"Please, I know you can do it."

Jaxon stared at me with confusion in his eyes, as if unable to understand what kind of strength a quiet woman like me, someone only known for taking care of others, could possibly possess.

I gently helped Tessa to her feet and said, "Since I’ve agreed to marry him, he is my fiancé, and I’ll take responsibility for him."

Only by marrying him could I bring Callum back. So, I would pour everything I had into waking him, even if it meant exhausting all of my medical skills.

As my words sank in, Jaxon’s expression shifted. Then, he snapped irritably, "Stop boasting. What do you even know about saving people? Arabelle is the real doctor!"

He dragged Arabelle forward and placed her in front of Tessa.

"Mrs. Montgomery, Arabelle just returned from studying abroad. She’ll definitely be able to save Rigel.”

“She’s the one who cured my legs!"

Tessa let out a cold scoff. "She cured your legs? I don’t trust someone who turned her back on my son."

Arabelle’s face turned pale.

Jaxon quickly explained to her, "Arabelle and I have been engaged for years. We were childhood sweethearts. The engagement with Rigel was something our parents forced on us."

Tessa let out a cold laugh. "Seems like you really don’t know people at all. Whatever. It’s a good thing I have Liora now. The two of you can leave."

Still trying to defend herself, Arabelle protested, "Aunt Tessa, don’t be fooled by her. How could someone like her possibly know medicine? She’s probably bluffing. Leaving Rigel in her hands would only make things worse!"

"I know breaking off the engagement was wrong, but I’m willing to make it up by doing my best to treat him!"

But Tessa acted as if she hadn’t heard a single word and turned to the butler. "See them out."

And just like that, Jaxon and Arabelle were thrown out of the Montgomery household.

Humiliated for the first time, Arabelle exploded in fury at the gate. "What kind of shitty Montgomery family is this? They don’t even know what’s good for them!"

Jaxon stared at her as if seeing someone he no longer recognized. She used to be gentle and kind.

Realizing she’d crossed a line, Arabelle quickly clung to his arm, her voice turning sweet and pitiful.

"Jaxon, I was only worried the Montgomerys might be fooled by Liora. Don’t forget, she’s always tried to ruin what we have. Maybe she’s lying again, just to get your attention."

Jaxon seemed to consider it for a moment. "If she’s really lying, the Montgomery family will find out sooner or later. You healed my legs; I trust you, naturally."

Arabelle clung to his arm, but behind his back, her expression slowly turned cold.

Liora, you bitch. Just wait.

Not long after Jaxon returned to the villa with Arabelle, the housekeeper came rushing over.

"Young master, the madam’s illness has flared up again..."

Ella, his mother, had long suffered from pulmonary blebs. The condition often left her writhing in pain and robbed her of sleep. Hearing that his mother was in agony once more, Jaxon grabbed Arabelle and hurried upstairs.

As soon as they pushed open the door, they found Ella curled up in bed, groaning in pain.

"Mom, Arabelle’s here! Her medical skills are top-notch. She’ll help ease your pain!"

But Ella cried out in distress, "Where’s Liora? Why isn’t that girl here?"

"Mom, she’s already gone to the Montgomerys."

"That damn girl! After everything our family did for her! Good riddance! I’ve got Arabelle now, and I don’t need her to take care of me!"

Arabelle glanced at the medical record and felt a pang of guilt. Pulmonary blebs? She had never even heard of it. Still, she forced a calm smile and said, “Don’t worry, Aunt Ella. I’ll get you some medicine.”

She hurried downstairs, rummaged through her bag, and pulled out two ibuprofen tablets. Handing them to the maid, she said, “This is special medication I brought back from abroad. Give these to Aunt Ella. I have something to take care of, so I’ll leave first.”

Upstairs, Jaxon watched with relief as his mother finally drifted into sleep after taking the pills. His heart settled. Thankfully, they had Arabelle now; Liora was nothing worth remembering.

A woman who couldn’t even compare to a maid had no place standing beside someone like Arabelle.

What they didn’t realize was that Ella was allergic to ibuprofen.

On the other side, I followed Tessa into a secluded courtyard. The air was still, the surroundings calm, and it was an ideal place for recovery.

As we pushed open the door, a slender figure came into view. Medical equipment surrounded him, and several private nurses moved quietly around the room.

Rigel’s skin was so pale that the blue of his veins peeked through, undoubtedly from years spent away from sunlight. His features were striking and sharp, like a sculpture chiseled in silence. With his eyes closed, the sharpness of his brows and the intensity of his gaze had softened into peace.

At an age when he should have been vibrant and alive, he had instead spent years trapped in a silent slumber.

“I’ve searched for every renowned doctor I could find, but nothing worked. He still hasn’t woken up,” Tessa said, her voice thick with sorrow. She clutched my hand, desperation in her grip. “Liora, you once saved me. I believe in you.”

I stepped closer to examine Rigel’s condition. I had already reviewed his case; ten years ago, he had slipped into a coma after a high fever. The doctors concluded it was nerve damage caused by the fever, leading to brain trauma.

Ten years ago, the very year Callum had that car accident and “died.”

I shook my head. It couldn’t have been a coincidence. My task wasn’t finished; there was no way the system would hand over the reward so soon.

I pulled out my traditional medicine kit and began examining Rigel.

Meanwhile, back at the villa, Ella’s condition only eased for a short while after taking the pills Arabelle gave her. By midnight, the pain returned, and she woke crying out for Jaxon.

Jaxon had just wrapped up work, drained from endless company troubles. Hearing his mother’s cries, he immediately sent someone to find Arabelle, but she didn’t answer.

The housekeeper approached, holding the empty pill bottle, her expression heavy with worry.

“Before, it was always Miss Liora who personally prepared the medicine for Madam. The relapse maybe because she’s run out. Ever since Miss Liora left, there hasn’t been any more.”

Jaxon’s patience frayed. “Just because she’s gone doesn’t mean no one else can take care of my mom.”

“But Miss Liora truly looked after her very well…”

He rubbed his temples, frustrated, and told them to call a private doctor. After a flurry of panic, the villa finally settled down. He looked up, it was already 3 a.m. Loosening his tie, he called out on instinct.

“Liora, make me a late-night snack.”

No one answered. Only then did Jaxon realize the woman who had always been there was gone.

He hadn’t even touched the last bowl of soup she made before going to prison. He had only watched as she was dragged into the police car.

He used to believe she did everything willingly for him. But now, she had broken free… and walked straight into the Montgomery family’s world.

Jaxon frowned, a dull ache blooming in his stomach.

It had been years since that pain returned, thanks to Liora’s careful care. Whenever he was exhausted, she would bring soup she had simmered for hours. He often complained about the bitter herbal taste, yet the pain never once came back.

Thinking about those ten years with Liora, everything in his life had been seamless. His mother had never once suffered.

Now that she was gone, why did everything feel like it was unraveling?

He glanced at his phone. Arabelle hadn’t replied since 9 p.m. A flicker of frustration rose in him. Still, Arabelle had healed his legs. He couldn’t forget that. As for Liora, he could only try to make up for what he had done.

Last time, she stole Arabelle’s ring. He hadn’t broken her hand, wasn’t that enough mercy?

And she didn’t even return to say thank you. Had she really grown that bold?

At some point, Jaxon dozed off on the sofa. He didn’t know how long had passed, but he vaguely heard a whisper. When he opened his eyes, someone was covering him with a blanket. Instinctively, he grabbed the hand.

“Liora!”

But Arabelle’s voice cut through the silence. “Jaxon, who are you calling?”

Seeing Arabelle’s stunned face, Jaxon realized he had let his guard down; he had just dreamed of that damned woman, Liora.

He hurried to explain. “Sorry, Arabelle. She was by my side for so many years. It’s just a habit.”

Tears shimmered in Arabelle’s eyes. “You called out Liora’s name. Have you fallen for her now?”

“No. I haven’t. I only love you. You know that.”

Noticing the trace of impatience flash across Jaxon’s face, Arabelle quickly changed the subject.

“Alright, I understand. I must’ve fallen asleep last night and missed your calls. That’s why I came early today.”

Jaxon nodded slightly, then turned and headed to his room to rest.

Arabelle followed close behind; her fists clenched tightly. Deep down, a storm of jealousy brewed. Jaxon’s heart was starting to shift toward that woman. She had to act fast.

She thought of the dinner from the night before, how the head of the Montgomery family had assured her father they would drive Liora out completely. That memory finally calmed her racing thoughts.

“Liora, you filthy bitch. I’ll ruin you soon.”

While boiling the medicine, I glanced at the calendar.

Three days left until the wedding.

During these few days of treatment, Rigel’s complexion had gained some color. Tessa treated me like an honored guest, pleased by the progress.

But I had stumbled upon an unexpected and unfortunate truth.

Rigel’s coma didn’t seem to be caused by any illness. My diagnosis revealed that his physical condition had already recovered.

The problem lay within his heart; there was an emptiness, something that no medicine could heal. What he lacked was fate.

I pondered deeply, as though something divine was guiding my thoughts.

As I fell into this reflection, several servants rushed in and knocked over my medicine chest. Bottles, tools, and herbs were scattered across the floor.

When I tried to stop them, two bodyguards pinned me to the ground.

“Let go of me! Are you crazy? That’s medicine for Young Master Rigel! It’s life-saving!”

“Life-saving or a scam, you know best yourself.”

A familiar voice echoed from the doorway. The clack of high heels grew louder, walking toward me with arrogant steps. I looked up and saw Arabelle’s smug face looming above me. Behind her stood Jaxon, Tessa, and an unfamiliar elderly man.

Tessa looked at me, her face tense as she anxiously spoke to the elderly man.

“This is the doctor I invited to treat Rigel. Her medical skills are outstanding; she even once—”

“Mrs. Montgomery! Don’t be fooled by this woman! She’s nothing but a liar! Didn’t you hear? She just got out of prison! And you trust her?” Arabelle cut in sharply.

Tessa’s eyes glared at Arabelle, but she was silenced when the elderly man raised his hand.

“That’s enough. I’ve heard enough.”

He turned to me and spoke slowly, “Out of respect for your connection to Jaxon, I’ll overlook how you managed to worm your way into the Montgomery family. Pack your things and leave. The engagement is canceled. I won’t pursue this further.”

When I heard the words "engagement is canceled," panic surged through me. Without it, how was I going to save Callum?

I looked at Jaxon. This marriage had been his idea. For the sake of his interests, shouldn’t he step in?

But to my shock, Jaxon nodded in agreement.

“You’d better leave. Using cheap tricks to get close to me will only make people look down on you. Now that you've been exposed, you won’t have a place left in this entire city.”

I was stunned. Wasn’t it he who had pushed me toward the Montgomery family? Now, he was regretting it?

Arabelle’s fake concern lingered in the air.

“Yes, little sister, don’t try to take on a job you can’t handle. I studied medicine abroad, and you’re nothing. How dare you pretend to be a doctor?”

I ignored them. Waking Rigel was all that mattered; it directly involved my fiancé’s life. I couldn’t retreat now.

I studied the elderly man carefully. Judging by Tessa’s and Jaxon’s respectful attitude toward him and recalling what I’d overheard at the banquet, this must be James, patriarch of the Montgomery family, the most powerful figure in Greenville.

I hadn’t expected Arabelle to go so far as to bring him here just to rid herself of me.

The guards holding me were about to drag me out, but I flicked my wrist, sending two silver needles flying from my sleeve. They struck acupoints in their arms, and they instantly let go, waving their arms in pain.

Upon seeing me fight back, Arabelle’s anger flared.

“Liora! How dare you act so arrogantly in front of Mr. Montgomery!”

I turned to face the old man’s fierce gaze. He sneered.

“You’ve got some tricks, little girl.”

He clapped his hands, and over ten strong bodyguards surrounded me.

“Break this girl’s legs and throw her out of the Montgomery household!”

The burly men moved toward me, closing in menacingly.

“Wait!” I shouted. “Who said I’m a fraud? I am a real doctor!”

I rushed to Rigel’s bedside and immediately inserted silver needles into several key acupoints.

The next moment, Rigel’s body twitched, and a faint murmur slipped from his lips.

Seeing this, Tessa rushed over, tears flooding her eyes.

“Rigel!”

Everyone stood in stunned silence. For ten years, Rigel had shown no signs of life, and even the most renowned doctors had failed. Yet, this seemingly powerless woman had stirred a reaction in him.

James’s shock was evident. He had long believed his only grandson had no hope of recovery.

His eyes brightened as he turned to me.

“You… How did you do that?”

I carefully put away the needles and sighed.

“I told you. I’m a doctor. Healing is in my blood.”

I ignored Jaxon’s disbelieving stare, my gaze flicking to the scattered medicine. I then looked meaningfully at Arabelle.

“If you hadn’t barged in and interrupted me, perhaps Rigel would be even closer to waking up now.”

Understanding the mockery in my words, Arabelle screamed in fury.

“You must have used black magic! Mr. Montgomery, don’t trust her!”

But James only looked at me with growing admiration.

“I don’t care whether it’s orthodox or not. If it works, it’s the right way. I’ve brought in countless doctors, and none of them made my grandson move a single inch. You’re the only one who has. If she’s not the hope of our Montgomery family, then who is?”

He then turned to Arabelle with disdain.

“If I hadn’t watched you grow up and owed your father a favor, I would never have agreed to your withdrawal of the engagement. You left as soon as my grandson went into a coma state. If not for that, I wouldn’t let you off so easily!”

He flicked his sleeve. “Men, escort Jaxon and Arabelle out! I need to properly entertain Liora! She is the true guest of honor!”

Without hesitation, the bodyguards turned and marched toward Jaxon and Arabelle.

“Mr. Aldridge, Miss Kingsley, please leave!”

Arabelle wanted to protest but was swiftly pulled away by Jaxon.

I bent down to pick up my medicine box, but James hurried over, blocking my way with a smile that was more flattering than sincere.

“The moment I saw Liora, I knew you weren’t ordinary. My judgment was poor earlier; please, don’t take offense!”

I turned to him, voice steady, asking the question that mattered most to me. “Then, can the wedding between Rigel and me still happen?”

“Of course! Absolutely! If Liora doesn’t mind my grandson being in a coma, once he recovers, our family will treat you with the utmost respect. A proper wedding, no broken promises!”

Relief washed over me as I nodded, finally at ease.

To my surprise, word of my skills spread quickly. Tessa and James announced my success, and overnight, Greenville buzzed with the news that I had brought Rigel back to life.

Everyone was shocked. Wasn’t I the same useless girl who had once trailed behind Jaxon?

The next morning, Jaxon’s phone exploded with calls from his best friends. When he checked, his screen was flooded with unread messages.

One of his closest friends caught his eye. It had a bold headline. [Greenville’s Miracle Doctor! Rigel Revived! Wedding in Three Days! The Entire City Sends Blessings!]

The glaring word wedding struck his eyes like a bolt of lightning. In a fit of rage, he smashed his phone onto the floor, the screen shattering into pieces.

"Good job, Liora! You really grew some guts!"

Trying to win him back with this trick? Not happening.

What divine doctor? It was all a lie!

His gaze fell to his own legs, memories flooding back of the three months at the forest lodge. How did Liora care for him day and night? Could it be possible that his legs had actually healed because of her?

His mind spun in chaos. One moment, he remembered her devotion; the next, he recalled all the sacrifices she had made for him.

How long was she going to keep up this game?

She’d run away before. He remembered how she had smashed a bowl and stormed out after he’d thrown away her carefully brewed medicine for seven days straight. But she always came back to coax him in the end.

It had always been this way. But this time, it had been four whole days. She still hadn’t returned to beg him.

Was she really planning to leave him?

The thought twisted in his chest, a suffocating ache rising as he imagined the possibility.

How could he care about a woman as useless as Liora?

As he looked at the messages from his friends, urging him to call her and check, Jaxon began to hesitate.

Forget it. It had been ten years. Lowering his pride once wouldn’t hurt. He'd give her a small reward, and she’d know how to serve him properly next time instead of constantly irritating him.

He asked the housekeeper for a backup phone, opened the contacts, and dialed the number, but no name was saved.

After a pause, a mechanical voice echoed in his ear.

"Sorry, the number you are trying to reach is unavailable. Please try again later..."

He tried again. Same result.

What did that mean?

Confused, he opened their message thread and sent her a text.

A second later, the chat window blinked with an exclamation mark and a prompt: You have been blocked.