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Seeing she was in a decent mood, Cliff couldn’t help but laugh. “Word is, it’s rare to see Dr. Drummond not put on a friendly face, so everyone’s wondering if there’s some drama between you and Marcia p>
Elissa didn’t reply, just eyed what he was holding. “Is that for me p>
“Yeah p>
Cliff set the insulated container on the table in front of her. “Braised chicken, roasted eggplant, and tangy sautéed cabbage. Jacqueline made sure I brought these just for you p>
The moment Elissa lifted the lid, a delicious aroma wafted out. She immediately grabbed a piece of eggplant. “You stopped by Professor’s house p>
“Yep. Had a chat with him about the Murphy Group project p>
Cliff took the seat across from her. “How’s it taste p>
“It’s fantastic, as always p>
Elissa grinned. “Did you eat already p>
“L”
Cliff hesitated, his gentle gaze lingering on her face, a smile tugging at his lips. “Not yet p>
“Then eat with me p>
Elissa pulled a disposable fork from her drawer and handed it to him, then asked, “So, what’s up with the Murphy Group project? When does it
start p>
“Let’s eat first,” Cliff checked his watch. “Project talk can wait until you’re off work tonight p>
“Oh, by the way–Marcia… Mr. Garcia’s taken her on as his apprentice p>
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Elissa’s hand paused mid–bite, but she didn’t look surprised.
When it came to Marcia, Frank always made sure every angle was
covered.
At this clinic, aside from the Professor, the other cornerstone was William
Garcia.
Elissa nodded. “Having William look after her is a good thing. At least there won’t be any major mistakes p>
Just before her shift ended, Elissa had finished an acupuncture session when her phone buzzed in her pocket.
A message from Frank: [Elissa, I’ll pick you up after work p>
Her brow furrowed slightly–she wanted to say no.
She was still searching for a good excuse when a nurse suddenly called out, “Dr. Drummond! A patient just fainted p>
Elissa’s nerves tightened. She shoved her phone back into her pocket and rushed over.
She pressed her fingers to the patient’s wrist, quickly studying his complexion. “Get me a lancet, now p>
A nurse hurried over with the needle.
Elissa took it and, with steady hands, pricked the patient’s fingertips, drawing a few drops of blood.
Moments later, someone in the crowd called out excitedly, “He’s awake! He’s coming to p>
“Bring the stretcher over–don’t let him move on his own yet p>
Elissa kept her hands steady, instructing a nurse to hold the patient still. “You nearly had a stroke. Don’t try to move p>
A few patients in the crowd looked at her with admiration. “Dr. Elissa’s skills are legendary p>
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“Tell me about it!” one of her regulars chimed in proudly. “She’s the reason my ten–year illness finally got sorted p>
Across the room, Marcia’s eyes flashed with envy.
Why?
Back in college, she’d been the prodigy, the one the professor always praised.
So why was the clinic’s rising star now Elissa–someone even younger
than her?
Before leaving the exam room, Elissa gave firm instructions. “Take your medicine twice a day, and remember your daily acupuncture sessions. Don’t get careless–your condition could turn serious if you do p>
“Of course, thank you, Dr. Drummond p>
The patient was sincerely grateful.
Elissa changed out of her scrubs and headed for the clinic entrance. As she spotted the familiar Maybach parked out front, she realized she still hadn’t replied to Frank’s message.
Before she could react, the man had already stepped out and was walking toward her.
Scenes like this weren’t new. Sometimes after family dinners, Frank would swing by to pick her up so they could head home together.
The only difference? He never used to get out of the car–just waited for
her inside.
Still, Elissa had always looked forward to it.
She used to be the kind of wife who hoped for a little romance from her
husband.
“Frank p>
Behind her, Marcia suddenly darted past, hurrying over to the man and stopping right in front of him. She put on her sweetest voice. “You’re so
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thoughtful, coming to pick me up after work p>
C