Ch. 1761..1770

Chapter 1761

Chapter 1761 Master Felch

George's face turned pale in anger, but just as he was about to speak, Danrique gave a signal, indicating Sean to drag the doctor away.

“Wait! Listen to me, Mr. Lindberg...”

George tried to explain himself but to no avail, and his voice quickly faded from earshot.

"Are you happy now?" Danrique gazed at Francesca.

“Very,” the woman responded with a smile. “By the way, the treatment’s going to cost you a hundred million. You don't have a problem with that, do you?”

“Not at all,” Danrique answered readily. “But if I'm not better in half a month, I'm going to take your life.”

He sounded calm, but there was something chilling about his voice.

"A hundred million or my life?” Not only was Francesca not afraid, but she even beamed smugly. “I guess my life's worth that much, huh?”

Danrique merely stared at her while remaining silent.

This was the first time a woman didn't fear him one bit.

Or rather, the second.

The first woman was the one who had used a knife against him back at Casino Inferno.

Interesting.

“Just to be safe, give me my one-hundred-million check first. It's not like I can run away while I'm here, anyway.”

Having already lost his patience, Danrique frowned as he emanated a frosty aura.

“Leave it to me.” Sean quickly stepped forward. “Let's talk outside. By the way, what's your name?” “I'm...” Francesca pondered for a moment. “I'm Master Felch.”

“Huh?” Sean thought he had misheard. “How do you spell that?"

"F-E GH."

The man was speechless.

Still, he handed Francesca the check before returning to the study room.

He then served Danrique some tea as the latter went through some documents. “Can we really trust her, Mr. Lindberg?”

“For her to be able to manage my injury in such a short time and with such limited resources, she has to be skilled. On top of that, she’s not even afraid of Sam.”

Danrique had been observing Francesca the whole time. The nurse he had placed beside her would report the woman's every move.

I thought she was just slightly capable, but from the way she played with Sam, she’s definitely not an average Joe.

“That's a surprise.” Sean was visibly stunned too. “Sam's been bathed in toxins all its life and is covered in poison. Even we wouldn't dare go near it."

“Watch her closely,” Danrique instructed.

"Yes, sir.”

Sean prepared the medicinal ingredients as requested by Francesca.

“These won't do,” the woman remarked with a frown. “They're all crude herbs that have been filtered. They won't be effective.”

“I'll keep looking—"

“It's fine,” Francesca decided. “These herbal concoctions are hard to come by in the first place, let alone high-grade ones. You also didn't manage to prepare everything on the list I gave you. Just one missing ingredient makes a world of difference.”

"What should I do, then?” Sean asked in a panic.

“It'd be best if we could go to Chanaea. That's the only place we can get high-quality herbs.”

“But we can't leave yet. Mr. Lindberg still has some matters to take care of,” Sean replied helplessly. "How about I get someone to send the herbs over from Chanaea?”

“That could work if you manage to get the quality I'm looking for, but time is of the essence.” Francesca glanced at the calendar. “The longer we wait, his condition will become worse. Also, his wound is near his kidneys. So, I won't be responsible if anything happens to his manly functions.” “Uhh...”

A pale-faced Sean quickly reported to Danrique, who grew just as worried.

"Get someone to send the herbs over right away.”

“Yes, sir!"

In just a few days, Francesca went from being just an injured woman to Danrique’s personal doctor. Now, everyone would greet her no matter where she went. “Good day, Master Felch!”

 

Chapter 1762 Shameless

After hearing people call her that so often, Francesca suddenly realized something. I think I'm starting to realize who I am.

When the doctor, George Henderson, had mentioned Francesco and surmised that his mentor might have already died, the woman was filled with rage and silently cursed at George.

Then, when Sean asked for her name, she hastily called herself Master Felch.

It seemed like she subconsciously knew that her last name was Felch and that she had some sort of connection with the person known as Francesco.

Who could Francesco be? Are we related?

At the thought of this, Francesca grew excited.

One day, she so happened to overhear Sean instructing some underlings to look for Francesco. “Try searching for him in Chanaea,” she suggested. “Given how skilled Francesco is in traditional medicine, he has to be Chanaean.”

“That's what I thought too. We've already sent our men to look over there.” Sean nodded. “Don’t worry. Even if we manage to find Francesco, you'll still get to keep your money.”

“Glad to hear that.”

Francesca grinned. If they manage to find Francesco, I'll be able to figure out who I am.

Then, I can go home.

The herbal concoctions Sean had ordered arrived three days later.

Francesca instructed him to boil the ingredients for four hours before pouring everything into a bathtub for Danrique to soak himself in. She would then go over and perform acupuncture on the latter.

Sean immediately did as told.

Meanwhile, Francesca prepared her tools, brought out her new medical kit, and sterilized the acupuncture needles.

Sean personally came over when he was done preparing. “Everything's ready, Master Felch.” "Okay. Let's go.”

Francesca had thought that Danrique would be soaking in the bathtub in his own room.

However, she was led to a hot spring by the garden instead, and she couldn't help but freeze at the sight before her.

Steam rose above the hot spring filled with the herbal concoction, with magnolias all around. Meanwhile, Danrique sat inside the hot spring with his eyes closed. His bare body appeared a little slender, but he still had very toned muscles and even an alluring six-pack.

The moonlight shone down on his tanned skin, making him look like an absolute masterpiece. Beads of sweat dripped down his gorgeous face and into the pool of herbal concoction.

It was a dreamy, picturesque, and romantic sight to behold.

The view was stunning, and so was the man.

There was no denying that Danrique had a charming face—even more so than some women out there. Moreover, the way he sat there quietly made him look especially captivating.

Feeling her heart race, Francesca inadvertently kept her gaze on the man’s body and gulped. Stop! Don't stare at him like that! You're a woman of honor, not a shameless lecher!

“Master Felch? Master Felch!”

Francesca finally snapped back to reality after hearing Sean call out to her several times. She then hurriedly retracted her gaze and coughed in an attempt to ease the awkwardness.

“Can you begin now?”

Sean couldn't help but worry when he noticed the strange look in her eyes. She's not actually a con artist, is she?

“Yes,” Francesca answered before opening up her medical kit and taking out the acupuncture needles. Then, she walked toward Danrique and stopped right behind him.

“Try anything funny and you're dead.”

Danrique’s low and airy voice sounded extraordinarily enticing on this still night.

Not only did Francesca remain as calm as ever, but she even added shamelessly, “Don’t worry. I couldn't bear to kill you even if I wanted to.”

"Hmm?" Danrique’s eyebrows furrowed.

"What I mean is, you're my cash cow! How could I bear to kill you?” the woman explained frantically. Danrique stopped responding. Having had zero experience with women, he naturally didn’t think much of her words.

“I'm going to start now. Relax. It won't hurt.”

Francesca began the treatment, and before long, Danrique’s head and shoulders were filled with needles.

“Now, turn this way. I have to stick one into your waist,” she instructed while grabbing another needle.

 

Chapter 1763 First Kiss

With his eyes closed, Danrique turned around slowly and leaned his chest against the edge of the hot spring, revealing his broad shoulders and back along with his waist and half of his rear. Francesca stilled at the sight.

The man's tanned body was the epitome of masculinity and seduction, especially in this misty atmosphere with dim lighting.

Francesca couldn't help but blush as her heart pounded wildly against her chest.

She quickly composed herself and focused on the acupuncture treatment.

However, she couldn't proceed with Danrique’s lower half completely submerged. “Could you climb up a little? I can't reach your waist.”

Danrique didn’t respond at all. It turned out he had dozed off.

Hence, Francesca could only lower her own body. With one hand on the ground, she reached forward to position a needle on Danrique’s waist.

Suddenly, her hand slipped, and she fell right into the hot spring.

Splash! The loud noise instantly jolted Danrique awake.

He opened his eyes and frowned in displeasure before turning his head.

There, he saw the reckless woman splashing about in the water, her hands flailing as though she was desperately searching for a lifeline.

"H-Help!” she blurted amidst muffled screams.

Danrique turned around and leaned back into the edge while gazing at her, his eyes full of contempt.

The water isn't even that deep, but she's here panicking like this instead of trying to stand on her feet? Even if she can't swim, how much of an idiot can she be?

The hot spring was less than 1.4 meters tall, so Francesca would have been able to stand up just fine even if she were a little shorter.

Gurgle...

The woman slowly sunk to the bottom of the hot spring, a raft of bubbles rising above her.

A taunting smirk played on Danrique’s lips as he watched the struggling woman with an icy gaze. If this idiot actually drowns in here, that'd be a first in history.

Growing weary with each struggle, Francesca reached out to him.

A few seconds later, Danrique couldn't stand the sight any longer and finally decided to give her a hand.

But just as he approached the woman, she suddenly grabbed onto him and pulled herself over to him.

Before he could even respond, he felt a pair of soft lips pressing against his cold ones.

Danrique froze instantly and just stood there.

Her lips felt so delicate—like a flower that had just blossomed.

Furthermore, the woman's soft body pressing against his chest gave him a feeling he had never felt before. She also had her slender arms wrapped around his neck tightly, indicating how terrified she was of falling back into the water.

Everything happened so quickly that Danrique didn’t know what to do.

The unfamiliar feeling caused him to stiffen. It was like an electric current had suddenly entered his body and was now coursing through his bloodstream.

His once tranquil heart was now beating frantically as though it had just been given life.

“Phew!”

After a long while, Francesca finally calmed herself and opened her eyes, only to see an incredibly dashing face right in front of her.

Those amber eyes looked especially enchanting under the moonlight.

They appeared to be filled with shock, though.

She stared at Danrique in horror, her mind turning blank.

"Oh, my God!” Sean suddenly exclaimed. “W-What on earth...”

Danrique finally returned to his senses and violently shoved Francesca away, sending her to the other side of the hot spring and back into the water.

“Help me! Help...”

Once again, the woman cried for help.

Unfortunately, Danrique’s momentary lapse of kindness was gone. He merely shot her a glare before getting out of the hot spring. Then, he wrapped himself with a towel and stormed away.

Chapter 1764 Afraid Of Water

“Mr. Lindberg!”

Noticing something off about Danrique’s expression, Sean quickly followed him, but not before giving a female subordinate his order. “Get her out of there. Make sure she doesn't die.”

"Yes, sir.” The woman hurriedly went to rescue Francesca.

Meanwhile, Danrique removed all the needles from his body and returned to his room in a fury. He then put on his bathrobe, sat on the couch, and sipped on a glass of cold wine.

His eyes continued to burn with rage. That d*mned woman! How dare she...

"What happened?”

Gordon rushed over and was just about to report to Danrique when Sean stopped him.

Sean then leaned over to describe what had just happened, causing Gordon to pale in shock. "What? That was Mr. Lindberg’s first kiss—"

“Shhhh!” Sean hastily covered the other man’s mouth. “You have a death wish or something?” Upon realizing he had said something out of line, Gordon scanned his surroundings nervously. Did he hear me? No? Okay. Guess I'm safe.

Sean let go and gritted his teeth. “I leave Mr. Lindberg for just one moment, and that woman makes a move on him,” he remarked softly. “It's no wonder I've been having this strange feeling about her. I thought she was only after the money or that she was sent by our enemies to spy on us, but I never thought...”

"D*mn! I can't believe a tomboy like her tried to seduce Mr. Lindberg!” Gordon raged. “And more importantly, she actually succeeded?”

“Mr. Lindberg's never been around women, so there are rumors saying he’s into men. Maybe that's why she was the perfect candidate to approach Mr. Lindberg,” Sean lamented. “It's all my fault. Why did I walk away? I should've kept an eye on her.”

“No.” Gordon grew increasingly confused. “The point is that her face is so ruined that she's kept it wrapped all this while. No one knows what she even looks like! So, why did Mr. Lindberg still...” “Maybe it's because he's never actually been with a woman. So when one finally tries to make a move on him, I guess he just...” Sean pondered. “Well, Mr. Lindberg's twenty-seven, but he’s never even touched a woman's hand. So I can kind of understand why this happened.”

Gordon wasn't having it. “That tomboy is full of tricks. She can't stay. I'm going to kick her out now.” "Wait." Sean quickly stopped him. “Mr. Lindberg hasn't been cured yet. Besides, I was there when it happened. He looked like he enjoyed it, but I'm not sure what he was thinking. What if he calms down and asks for that woman only to learn that you've thrown her out?”

“Good point.” Gordon had always been more rash, unlike the meticulous Sean. “What should we do, then?”

“Let's just wait and see what Mr. Lindberg has to say.” Sean couldn't help but worry as he stared at the tightly shut door. “Poor Mr. Lindberg. He's probably feeling depressed now after getting his first kiss robbed by that tomboy.”

“Seriously. I can't believe this!” Gordon fumed.

Meanwhile, the female subordinate carried an unconscious Francesca into the building.

After a series of struggles, the bandages on Francesca's face had come loose, and a small part of her face could now be seen.

Her body was completely soaked, and the outline of her charming figure was now clear as day. Regardless, all the men kept their gazes low, not daring to sneak a peek at her.

In any case, their boss was now considered to have touched her, so nobody dared to even let their eyes wander.

Before long, the female subordinate brought Francesca back to her room so the nurses and maids could take care of her. “She's unconscious. Should we get a doctor to see her?” the subordinate asked.

"Why should we? Isn't she a doctor herself?” Gordon snapped.

Sean, on the other hand, was more rational. “That doesn't mean she can treat herself. Get a female doctor to tend to her.”

“Understood.” The female subordinate immediately did as instructed.

“Did she seriously pass out after choking on some hot spring water?” Gordon was dumbstruck. “Is she that afraid of water?”

 

Chapter 1765

Chapter 1765 Throw Her Out

While in a half-conscious state, Francesca felt someone removing the bandages on her face, causing her to jolt awake and grab onto the unknown person's hand. “What are you doing?”

The female doctor jumped in fright before explaining, “I just wanted to check for injuries on your face.”

“There's no need for that.”

Francesca didn't want anyone to see her face and risk having her identity exposed.

“All right, then.” The doctor didn't insist. “I heard you're a doctor too, and a really good one at that.” Francesca remained silent and sat herself up on the bed.

Ever since she was young, there was nothing she feared—except for water.

She felt terrible after falling into the hot spring and swallowing so much of that herbal concoction. “The injury on the back of your head is a little problematic. You should take care of that as soon as possible, or things could get real bad,” the doctor reminded. "You can't perform the surgery on yourself no matter how skilled you are. So you'll have to let someone else do it.”

"Huh?" Francesca turned to her. “Are you saying you can do it?"

“I had a look at your X-ray.” The doctor took out an X-ray film and pointed at the visible metal piece. “It's already pressing against a nerve. There's definitely going to be some risk.”

"How confident are you?” Francesca gazed at her.

“Fifty percent.”

Francesca rolled her eyes.

“Master Felch, this is Dr. Helen Wright, M Nation's best neurologist,” the nurse hurriedly chimed in. “She just so happened to be in Summerbank for a trip, and Mr. Lowe went out of his way to bring her over so she could take a look at you.”

“Mr. Lowe only told me that you nearly drowned, but after examining you thoroughly, I noticed a few other issues. That's why I'm kindly reminding you to get treated as quickly as you can, or the consequences will be unimaginable.”

Helen gave a stern reminder before walking away with her medical kit.

When she arrived at the door, she turned to Francesca once again. “Oh, by the way, are you acquainted with the miracle doctor Francesco?”

“No. Why?"

“I was just curious.” Helen gazed at her suspiciously. “I have zero confidence in treating Mr. Lindberg, but he says that you do.”

"Why, of course.” Francesca raised her chin proudly.

“Well, I'm looking forward to it then.”

Helen stared at her intently before turning to leave.

Sean was already waiting outside. "How is she?”

“Nothing serious from the little hot spring incident, but the metal chip in the back of her head has begun pressing on one of her nerves. She'll have to treat it before things get worse. Also, from the quick conversation we just had, I can't really tell how skillful she is as a doctor. But...”

Helen paused for a moment before continuing, “She looks really young. She's probably not even twenty, is she? How capable could someone her age be? As far as I know, traditional medicine requires years of extensive practice and experience. Her age doesn't quite make sense in this case.” "Okay. I understand.”

Sean's brows creased. Looks like she really is a con artist.

Helen nodded politely before hurrying away.

Back in the room, Francesca clutched at her chest, unable to resist the nauseous sensation she was feeling. “Just how much bathwater did I drink last night? I still feel like throwing up.”

“Pfft!” The nurse couldn't stifle her laugh. “Why are you calling it bathwater? Isn't it a herbal concoction that you told them to prepare?”

"Well, he soaked his entire body in there, including his bum. How can I not call it bathwater?”

At the thought of that, Francesca dashed into the bathroom and began to retch over the toilet. “Are you okay, Master Felch?”

The nurse followed her and patted her on the back.

At the same time, Sean headed to the study room to report to Danrique everything he had just been told.

Danrique kept his gaze low as he sipped on his tea.

After a long while, he finally spoke. “Throw her out!”

"Umm..." Sean froze momentarily. “Then, what about the poison?”

“I'll take care of it myself.”

Chapter 1766 Rescuing An Eagle

Given how skilled Danrique was at refining poison, he naturally knew how to cure it too.

He wasn't especially knowledgeable in it, though.

However, after watching how that tomboy did it, he seemed to have gotten the basics down.

Even if it doesn’t work, this poison isn't all that serious, anyway.

Now that word's gotten out, I know we'll be able to find that miracle doctor soon.

As for the despicable tomboy who stole my first kiss, I never wanted to see her again.

Not even for another minute.

"How about we give it another try? We've already gotten all the ingredients, anyway. Maybe we should give it a few more days, and the poison will be—"

Danrique cut Sean off with a death glare.

“Throw her out. Right now.”

"Yes, sir.” Sean dared not say anything more.

Just as Francesca had exited the bathroom and was about to lie in bed, the door suddenly flew open. A few female subordinates then barged in and began to drag her out of the room.

"Hey! What's going on?”

The women paid no heed to her screams and continued to drag her all the way outside the building before tossing her out.

“Wait!”

Francesca quickly got up to her feet only to find herself standing in front of a green metal gate. She had been locked out.

She stared at the gate in utter confusion.

Then, Sean appeared and handed her two checks through the railings. “This is compensation for the car accident. You can receive treatment at the hospital. Just drop my name, and Dr. Helen Wright will personally see to you.”

“What on earth is going on?” Francesca stared at him, completely bewildered. “Doesn't that scum...” She quickly changed her words. “Doesn’t Mr. Lindberg need my help treating him?”

“Not anymore.” Sean glared at her. “You don't have an ID, nor do we even know where you're from. How can we be sure that you can actually cure the poison? Whatever would we do if you end up endangering him instead?”

"You—"

“You should go,” advised Sean. “You'll still be able to hail a cab before the sun goes down. It'll be dangerous after that.”

With that, Sean turned and left.

“Wait!” Francesca called out to him.

“Is there anything else?” Sean gazed at her frostily.

“I need some money for the cab.” The woman extended an arm toward him.

Sean was at a loss for words. And here I thought she was going to beg me for mercy, but all she wants is money.

Well, that's understandable. She has nothing but two checks on her. She won't be able to take a cab back to the city without any cash.

Thus, Sean handed her a stack of cash and bid her goodbye.

Francesca put the money into her pocket and left.

Dressed in a casual outfit with a robe draped over her, a face full of bandages, and a pair of slippers on her feet, she looked just like a refugee right then.

After walking a few steps, Francesca gazed up at the balcony of the master bedroom on the first floor. The open curtains fluttered with the wind, but there was no one standing there watching her leave with a reluctant expression.

What am I even thinking? Stuff like that only happens in romance movies, not in real life.

"Ugh, that heartless scumbag!”

Disappointed, Francesca left in a huff.

You stole my first kiss just last night, and now you're kicking me out?

What an awful excuse for a human being! I'd like to see what you can do about the poison without me!

Just you wait! You'll definitely be sorry.

As Francesca headed down the mountain, she suddenly heard a bird's cry.

Upon looking up, she saw a dark object plummeting down the sky and landing inside the forest. She ran over and discovered a wounded eagle that seemed to be guarding something beneath it. As she tried to take a look at the bird's injury, it immediately raised its claws against her.

Francesca took a step back and instinctively cooed at the creature, causing it to settle down.

 

Chapter 1767 Snowy

Upon closer inspection, Francesca realized that the bird was an adult female bald eagle.

The creature had fractured its wings, and there was blood all over its body from having its neck bitten. Even so, its eyes remained sharp and fierce

Right underneath it was a clutch of eggs.

The bird was protecting its children with its life.

Seeing that, Francesca immediately moved the bald eagle and its eggs to a safe place before searching the forest for herbs. After smashing up the ingredients, she then applied them to the bird's wounds.

To prevent other animals from attacking the mother and its children, Francesca decided to stay in the forest to watch over them and head down the mountain only after the eagle had recovered. Three days flew by just like that.

Francesca spent all her time with the eagle—sleeping on top of trees, eating wild fruits, and drinking dewdrops from plants.

Her white robe had since turned black from all the dirt, making her resemble a beggar.

The eagle was now feeling much better. While its wings still hadn't healed completely, it could now protect its children.

“I have to go after this,” said Francesca as she tore a piece of her robe to wrap the eagle's injury with. “You look so majestic, and you have such beautiful feathers. Could you actually be a queen bird?"

As though it could understand her, the eagle nodded and let out a cry.

“Really?” Francesca grew excited. “What's your name? Wait. I suppose you don't have one. Let me give you one, then.”

After pondering for a moment while stroking the eagle's head, she made up her mind. “You shall henceforth be named Snowy!”

She then pointed to the eggs. “Ill name your children when they hatch too. I hope we'll meet again someday!”

Snowy leaned against her, brushing its head against her face as a sign of gratitude.

“Good girl. You should hurry up and take the kids back to your husband.”

Francesca gave Snowy a hug before leaving the forest.

Soon, she spotted a silver Maybach at the roadside.

Dusk had fallen by then, and she would probably only arrive at the bottom of the mountain by midnight. Wild animals weren't a concern to her; the dark, however...

At the thought of this, Francesca quickly made her way over to the car and hid inside the trunk. "Why is Mr. Lindberg suddenly asking to use a different car?”

The voice of a curious bodyguard could be heard.

“Mr. Lindberg's been experiencing pain in his waist. The Pagani is too low to the ground. He feels uncomfortable sitting inside it.”

Francesca instantly recognized Sean's voice.

Of course his waist would be in pain! That's where he was injured. If he doesn't do something about the poison, it won't just spread; the entire wounds going to start rotting too.

Well, that's what he gets for being such a know-it-all and choosing not to believe me. He even threw me out!

"I see.”

"Gordon's found the miracle doctor, so Mr. Lindberg’s planning to meet him at the hotel. Anyway, just hurry up and change cars.”

"Yes, sir.”

“Be careful, Mr. Lindberg.”

Francesca felt the car sink slightly. It seemed that Danrique had gotten in.

Soon, the car began to move.

Francesca could still hear Sean's voice. “Have some water, Mr. Lindberg.”

Danrique remained silent.

Even while inside the trunk of the car, Francesca could feel the man’s bone-chilling presence. "We'll get to meet the legendary Francesco soon. It's definitely him this time,” Sean assured carefully.

“Are you sure?”

Danrique’s calm voice gave off an icy aura.

“l.." Sean dared not answer.

“Find out what happened to that tomboy,” Danrique suddenly ordered.

"Huh?" Sean was visibly taken aback, but he quickly collected himself. “Of course, sir. I'll let Gordon know right away.”

“Aside from that, tell him to go to Casino Inferno and find out everything about the woman who made fun of me that day.”

“Yes, sir.”

Something dawned on Francesca when she heard those words.

That's right. I woke up at Casino Inferno, so the people there might know who I am. I might even have left my ID there.

 

Chapter 1768 Captured

The car drove down the mountain and headed for the city.

There was no saying how long they had been driving because Francesca was dozing off by the time the car finally stopped.

It was extremely quiet there. There was even an echo when Sean talked to the others, and Francesca deduced they were in a parking lot.

She shoved a corner of her shirt at the lock on the trunk to prevent it from locking properly.

After that, she waited until the men had left, and she could no longer hear their footsteps.

Certain that the coast was clear, she slipped out of there right away and was going to flee the place. That was when the elevator door suddenly opened. Danrique and the others had doubled back. Francesca jumped in surprise and hurried to the other side of another car to hide.

“Mr. Lindberg’s coat is inside the car. Go and retrieve it.”

“Understood.”

As Sean was giving his orders, his eyes took a quick scan of the surroundings. He soon noticed something at the side of a jeep.

There, beside one of the car's tires, was the corner of a shirt.

He signaled the others right away.

Two subordinates crept to the side slowly.

“Is it really her, Mr. Lindberg?” asked Sean softly and curiously.

Danrique didn't reply. He narrowed his eyes and glared in the direction where Francesca was hiding at.

Still behind the jeep, Francesca waited for quite some time. Her plan was to escape after the other had left with the coat.

She was going to sneak a peek when she heard something behind her.

Her instinct prompted her to turn around, but by then, someone had already grabbed her shoulder and pinned her down as though she was an animal.

“It is her, Mr. Lindberg!”

The men treated Francesca as though she was a thief and dragged her to Danrique.

She didn't struggle or complain. Instead, she glared at him.

"Why were you hiding there?” demanded Danrique coldly.

“It's dark out, and it'll take me forever to walk all the way down the mountain. That's why I decided to hitch a ride,” answered Francesca with a straight face on.

Danrique was speechless.

His subordinates were so amused that they almost laughed aloud.

"Wait, so you never left? How did you end up like this?” asked Danrique curiously.

“I can't believe you have the audacity to ask that question,” replied Francesca. She sniffed a little and pretended to be pitiful. “You guys chased me out for no reason, and I didn’t have anywhere to go, so I ended up living in the forest for a few days. The only reason I decided to leave the mountain was because I was too hungry.”

“This...” murmured Sean. He felt a little guilty.

“If you don't have anywhere else to go, why didn't you go home?” asked Danrique as he scrutinized her. “Also, you have a lot of cash on you, don't you? You could have gone to a hotel.”

“I don’t remember where my home is. Heck, I don't even know what my name is because I have amnesia,” replied Francesca. Her expression suggested that she was telling the truth.

"Is that so?" asked Danrique. He obviously didn't believe in a word she said.

Sean inched over and whispered, “Dr. Wright mentioned that there is a possibility that her condition would lead to amnesia.”

Danrique didn't respond to that. He simply turned around and went into the elevator.

Sean and the others followed quickly. Naturally, they brought Francesca along.

Everyone made it to the presidential suite on the top floor. Danrique sat on the sofa and gestured to the bathroom. In a domineering tone, he ordered, “Go clean yourself up.”

“Okay,” replied Francesca. She walked to the bathroom with bare feet.

“Mr. Lindberg, are we still going to Casino Inferno now that she’s here?” asked Sean softly.

"Yes," replied Danrique right away. “Send Gordon over to check things out. See if her identity cards or papers are there. I want to know where she is from.”

“Understood,” replied Sean, who went to relay the message to Gordon.

In the bathroom, Francesca looked in the mirror and saw the two of them talking. That was when she discovered she could read lips.

I guess Danrique still doesn't believe me. That's the only reason he'd send his men to investigate the matter regarding my identity. It doesn’t matter, though. I want to know who I am, too.

It didn't take long before a subordinate came over with a team of doctors. The doctors were then led to the living room inside the hotel.

The team of three greeted Danrique politely before revealing the elderly doctor they had with them. In Ustranasion, they said, “This is the renowned doctor, Dr. Francesco.”

 

Chapter 1769 The Good Doctor

Francesca had finished showering by then. She wrapped herself up in a towel and exited just as the men were making the introductions.

She didn't hurry over when she heard that. Instead, she sat in front of the dressing table and checked her own injuries.

The cut on her face was healing nicely, but the scar remained. Since the bandage was too dirty to be used, she tossed it before she showered. I need to find something to conceal my face again.

"What are you doing?”

Just then, a voice sounded from behind her.

Francesca grabbed a towel to cover her face right away, terrified that Danrique might recognize her. “II just finished showering and am going to blow dry my hair now.”

“Pack up and follow me.”

Danrique had always been a man of few words.

"Okay, got it."

Francesca grabbed a face mask from the drawer and put it on immediately. After that, she got up and walked over to Danrique.

“May I take a look at your injury, sir?”

The elderly doctor looked like a man in his seventies. With a full head of white hair and beard, he somewhat resembled a deity. His get-up also made him look like a wise wizard.

"What did he say? Can you translate for me?” asked Danrique to test Francesca deliberately.

"Oh, he asked if he could see your injury,” replied Francesca instinctively. As soon as she finished speaking, she frowned in confusion. “Don’t you know Chanaean?”

Danrique ignored her. Instead, he shot a look at Sean, who fished out a photo and gave it to the doctor.

The photo was of Danrique’s injury, and it was taken that morning.

The elderly doctor put on his glasses and examined the photo closely. It took him some time before he said, “Given the state of the injury, it looks like you have been poisoned. I'm not sure what kind of poison it is, though. I'll have to examine the injury and collect some samples to run some tests.” Francesca translated the message. Without waiting for Danrique to respond, she immediately replied, “There's no need to run any tests. It's snake venom mixed with live bacteria. How do you think we should treat the condition?”

"We can't just rush in like that, young lady,” replied the elderly man slowly as he stroked his beard. “We have to be careful, so it's best to run the tests first and be certain of everything before treating the condition.”

Getting more annoyed by the doctor's slow response, Francesca demanded, “And how will you go about treating his condition? Tell me every single step involved.”

"Young lady, you're obviously clueless about medicine. How am I supposed to answer that without first seeing the test result?” replied the doctor in distaste.

“Do you know how to perform acupuncture?” asked Danrique all of a sudden in Chanaean.

"Y-Yes," replied the doctor right away. “I have been a doctor for years, and acupuncture is like child's play to me.”

"So, does that mean you know all about human acupuncture points?” asked Danrique.

"Of course. I know everything there is to know,” replied the doctor as he nodded.

“Test him,” ordered Danrique while pointing at the doctor. “He can stay if he proves he knows both.” “Understood,” replied Sean. He hurried off to carry out his tasks.

Francesca was dumbstruck. Is this for real? Danrique is actually going to keep that doctor around? The doctor didn't even say anything useful, and everything he said earlier could easily be a lie. “Please follow me along.”

Sean led the doctor and his team away.

Back in the room, Danrique waved his hand to dismiss the rest of his subordinates.

"Hey, that guy definitely isn't the renowned doctor, Francesco,” shared Francesca hurriedly, and in a worried tone. “He's a fake, and they're just trying to con you out of your money. Trust me, they—" “I know,” said Danrique, cutting her words short. “I just need him to be well-versed in acupuncture.” Francesca was confused. “What is that supposed to mean?”

"We'll treat my condition using your method. You'll be the command, and he'll administer the treatment,” replied Danrique as he gazed at her coldly. “Got it?"

“Uh...”

Francesca finally understood what was going on. He doesn't want me to touch him, so he got that other doctor over to administer the treatment.

 

Chapter 1770 Arrogant

A sense of indignation welled up in Francesca at Danrique’s words.

She could feel the anger boiling within her. What is that supposed to mean? He makes me sound like a pervert! It's as though I would take advantage of him.

"W-What is the meaning of this?” demanded Francesca, furious.

"What do you think it means?” refuted Danrique. He glared over and pointed out, “Remember how you went all the way into the hot spring just to administer the treatment? You even...”

Danrique couldn't finish that sentence. He was furious when he recalled how she had stolen his first kiss.

“T-That was... I—"

“Enough,” said Danrique to cut her words short. “From now on, you will behave and treat my condition without trying anything funny.”

“What? How am I the one who didn't behave?” argued Francesca. “I told you to lean in closer, but you stayed there like a dummy. That's why I had no choice but to lean in to administer the treatment and why I accidentally slip—"

"And you somehow accidentally fell on me?” asked Danrique. He interrupted her once more and was cruel when he added, "Don't even think about seducing me. I will never be interested in a tomboy like you!"

“Excuse me? You're the one that's somehow masculine and feminine at the same time,” growled Francesca, who was on the verge of losing her temper.

“Shut up and leave,” demanded Danrique. He was too tired to continue arguing with her.

"You..."

“All right, come on then, Master Felch,” said Sean. He had hurried over to ease the tension. “Don’t be angry. Let's stay calm and head out for now. I got you a private room.”

As he spoke, he gestured for two bodyguards to escort her out of the place.

Francesca was still fuming when she left, but she soon realized that there was nowhere she could go. After all, she had no idea who she was. Gah, I have nothing to do anyway, so I might as well just focus on treating his condition and earning that money. Come on, Francesca, you can do it. Just think of the money.

“Master Felch, this is your room. I've already sent someone to get you some clean clothes. Please rest here in the meantime. We'll be heading back tomorrow.”

As Sean spoke, two maids showed up with said clean clothes.

“They will be responsible for taking care of you. Please feel free to ask them for anything.”

With that, Sean was going to leave when Francesca stopped him. “Wait.”

"Hmm? What is it?" he asked, pausing and turning around to look at her.

“I want to head out later and might be back late. Is that okay?" asked Francesca.

"Of course it is. Do you need a car?” asked Sean while smiling.

“There's no need for that. I can get a cab,” replied Francesca before she made her request directly. “Just don't send anyone to follow me.”

“Uh, well...”

“Don’t worry, the pay is too good, so I won't sneak away,” said Francesca, who knew exactly what Sean was thinking. “I'll be back before the sun rises.”

"Okay," replied Sean after he thought about it. He handed her a phone and said, “My number is saved in there, and you can call me whenever you want. Naturally, it'll also allow me to contact you.” “There isn't any tracker in here, right?” asked Francesca as she examined the phone she just received.

"Uhm..."

Sean was dumbstruck by her question. Must she be that direct?

“I guess that's a yes. Don't bother playing tricks like that. There's nothing you can do if I actually want to flee,” she said arrogantly before tossing the phone back to Sean.

After that, she returned to her room to change her clothes.

“My, my, she may be young, but she sure is arrogant.”

Gordon happened to be there, so he saw everything.

“What are you doing here? Aren't you supposed to be at Casino Inferno?” asked Sean, frowning. “I just got back,” answered Gordon in a soft voice. “They don't know who our mysterious Master Felch is, either. Turns out, it was some human traffickers that sent her to the casino.

“They claimed they found her by the beach. She was already wounded then, and our guess is that her wounds are related to the yacht explosion from some time ago.”