Ch. 1801..1810
Chapter 1801
It took Francesca a while to snap out of a daze. She hastily retracted her hand and took a few steps back. “Did you not summon me to examine you?”
William gazed at her in shock upon hearing that.
“From your tone, you sound like you're looking for your girlfriend rather than a doctor,” Francesca remarked skeptically. “Have you gotten the wrong person?”
“Francesca...” William was stupefied. “Are you okay? It's me - William!”
“I know,” the woman responded in amusement. “You're the prince of Danontand. I'm just a regular doctor, not your girlfriend. You must have mistaken me for someone else.”
“No...”
“Your Highness, let me explain.” Robin quickly leaned toward William's ear. “According to Sean Lowe, Dr. Felch was hit by a car and lost her memory after injuring her head.”
“She lost her memory?” William turned to Francesca, looking doubtful. “Did she really?”
“It seems to be true. Sean even had Dr. Helen Wright run some tests on her. A metal chip pressing against a nerve in her head resulted in her amnesia. But Your Highness, this lady has never been seen without a mask. Are you sure she's really the miracle doctor Francesco?”
“It's her.” William was absolutely confident. “Her eyes are unlike anyone else's. Even her short hair, her voice, and her behavior...”
“We should still verify her identity.”
“All right, that's enough,” Francesca cut them off impatiently. “Since I'm not needed as a doctor, I'll be leaving now.”
While speaking, she took the check out of her pocket and returned it to Robin. “I'm giving this back.”
“Wait, Dr. Felch!” the butler exclaimed. “Now that you're here, could you give His Highness a check-up anyway?”
“Please.” William glanced at her deeply.
“All right.”
Francesca kept the check back in her pocket and knelt down to examine William's legs closely.
She also used some needles during the process before getting Robin to bring over some of William's recent X-ray films.
Finally, she concluded, “It's not that you can't recover, but there isn't much of a guarantee either. We can only hope and give it a go.”
“It's her. It really is her!”
William couldn't contain his joy. To him, learning that the woman standing before him was Francesco was something more worth celebrating than the fact that he could perhaps walk on his own two feet again.
“Indeed, it's her!” Robin was just as elated.
The way she examined His Highness - the procedures, actions, and even her words - everything was the same as what Francesco had said before!
“Huh?” Francesca stared at them in puzzlement. “Were you testing me?”
“Don't be mad, Francesca. Take a look at this.”
William took out a pocket watch, opened it, and handed it to Francesca.
The woman glanced at it and was instantly floored.
Inside the pocket watch was a photograph of a woman standing in a field of sunflowers, and right behind her was William in his wheelchair, staring at her ever-so-gently.
“This...” Francesca blinked before leaning closer to inspect the girl in the photograph. Then, she turned to face William. “This is me?”
“What do you think?” William gazed at her tenderly.
The woman removed her mask and inspected herself in the mirror. Despite now having two faint scars on her face, she looked exactly like the lady in the photograph.
“It really is you, Francesca.”
Finally getting a clear view of her face, William tugged on her hand exuberantly once again. “I knew you'd be okay... I just knew it.”
“So... I'm Francesco!” the woman couldn't help but exclaim. “I really am Francesco!”
Chapter 1802
qFrancesca felt a tremor in her heart at this very moment.
So, I'm actually such legendary person? No way!
And that Lindberg guy is still searching everywhere for Francesco, not knowing she's been the one treating him all this while!
Wait. I should've charged him even more!
“Francesca...”
William's voice brought the woman back to Earth.
While she hadn't regained her memories, Francesca was now convinced of her own identity. Even so, she still couldn't quite get used to the way the Danontand prince looked at her.
“You're not actually... in love with me, are you, Your Highness?” she asked sheepishly.
William stiffened momentarily before bursting into laughter. “That's exactly what you said when I confessed my love for you on the night before you left!”
“Indeed, it was.” Robin beamed while nodding. “Back then, His Highness was so embarrassed that he couldn't stop fumbling for words. Then, you completely threw him off by asking him the same question you just did.”
William's face reddened slightly, but he continued to gaze at Francesca lovingly.
Yet, the woman didn't seem fazed at all. Instead, she furrowed her brows. “I don't remember you, nor do I feel anything unusual, so I'm guessing I only saw you as a friend and never had feelings for you.”
Both William and Robin were flabbergasted to hear that.
On the night William had declared his love for Francesca, she had received a mysterious phone call and rushed straight back to her room before giving him a response.
After she had left, William continued to wait for her reply, only to not hear from her again.
He then heard about the cruise explosion incident a few days later and frantically rushed over to Lightspring despite his family's objections.
Yet, to think that after having finally found her, she had not changed one bit.
“Uhh...” Francesca scratched her head and began awkwardly. “Sorry, but I've never been one to think a lot, and I always say what's on my mind.”
“It's fine,” William assured. “You've lost your memories and can't remember anything that's happened between us, so I'm just a stranger to you right now. It's only normal for you to think of me this way. I understand.”
“But - “
“Yes, he's right! We completely understand,” Robin chimed in. “But don't worry. We have all the time in the world. You'll think differently when you get better.”
“Really?” Francesca frowned again. “I'm pretty sure that even if I've lost my memories, I'd have felt something if I truly did love someone. But I just don't feel that way about you - “
“Come now, Dr. Felch,” Robin hastily cut her off. “Let's leave this aside for now and talk about your health instead. Allow me to arrange for Dr. Wright to treat you at once.”
“It's fine.” Francesca turned the offer down. “She's only fifty percent confident. I can't take that risk.”
“But it's not like you can cure yourself.” William was especially concerned for the woman.
“I have someone in mind, and I think he'd be able to help me.” Francesca pondered for a moment. “Anyway, I'll deal with this on my own.”
“But - “
“There's something else I need your help with,” the woman added sternly.
“Just say the word.” William nodded right away. “I'll do anything to help.”
“Please don't tell Danrique Lindberg and his men about my true identity along with my relationship with you,” Francesca requested frankly. “Can you do that?”
“Why?” Robin was visibly puzzled.
“No reason in particular. I just don't want them to know.” She couldn't come up with an excuse at all.
“Okay, I understand.” William nodded without any hesitation again before turning to Robin. “Do as she says.”
“Yes, Your Highness.”
Chapter 1803
q“I shall leave first if there's nothing else.”
Francesca grabbed her medical bag and turned to leave.
“Francesca...” William called out, hoping that she wouldn't leave so soon. “Can you stay a little longer?”
“I can't. Danrique is having a fever, and I need to go back and check up on him,” Francesca replied directly before continuing, “Oh, regarding your leg, it can be treated, but I need to think of a way. I will let you know once I think of something.”
After the woman finished speaking, she returned the check to Robin and said, “You can pay me after treatment starts.”
“It's all right, Dr. Felch. You can take the money first. If you need any more help, please feel free to let me know...”
“I won't accept anything I've not earned.”
Francesca shoved the check back into the man's hand and left without a backward glance.
William could not help but feel slightly disappointed as he watched the woman walk away.
Noticing that, Robin quickly tried to comfort the man. “Your Highness, please don't worry. Francesco... No, Dr. Felch is only behaving this way because she has lost her memory. When she recovers, she will treat you as well as she did last time.”
“Yup.” William nodded and said, “You're right. I'm sure she will...”
“However, we would still have to account to Mr. Lindberg,” Robin said awkwardly. “Earlier on, Sean kept asking me about Francesco's whereabouts, but I've followed your instructions and tried to avoid the
topic. I could feel that he is starting to get suspicious. After all, given your relationship with Mr. Lindberg, there's no need for us to avoid discussing it. Will they think that we are harboring ulterior motives?”
“I don't think so, since there's no conflict of interest between us,” William replied with a smile. “Most likely, they are trying to find Francesca to treat Danrique, but they are unaware that Dr. Felch is actually Francesca. Besides, given that Francesca is already treating Danrique, his condition is not going to worsen. As such, it's unlikely that any conflict would arise between us because of this.”
“That makes sense.” Robin nodded before continuing, “Then, if Sean asks me about it again, I'll just tell him that Dr. Felch has exceptional medical skills, and with her treating Mr. Lindberg, there's nothing they have to worry about.”
“Yup.” William nodded. “Francesca has always liked keeping a low profile. She doesn't like people finding out her true identity. As such, when she was getting rid of the poison for me previously, she had already made me promise not to divulge her secret.”
“Yeah. After all, the lives of many big shots are in her hands. Sometimes, when the enemies of those important people have no means of laying their hands on them, they might target Dr. Felch instead, such as the cruise ship incident...”
Robin had a serious look on his face as he spoke.
“Those people were coming after me in the first place. They thought that if they killed Francesca, no one would be able to treat me, and I would be wheelchair bound for the rest of my life. If that happened, I wouldn't be able to succeed to the throne.”
At that thought, William's gaze turned cold. “Since young, I've stayed a low profile and tried my best to put up with them. However, they are still not willing to let me off.”
“Perhaps, it's like what Madam said, problems won't go away just because we keep trying to avoid them. One would only be able to protect themselves and their family if they are strong enough to do so,” Robin reminded softly.
“That's right.” William nodded firmly. “I need to become stronger, so that I can protect Francesca. I will let those people know that I'm not someone they can easily take advantage of!”
“Hence, getting Mr. Lindberg on our side is our best choice...” Robin steered back to the earlier topic. “We must never offend him.”
“I know. I will give him an explanation personally tomorrow,” William nodded before turning to look at the door and said, “I wonder when Francesca would remember me...”
After Francesca returned to her room and was about to rest, Kerrie showed up, looking for her. “Dr. Felch, Mr. Lindberg's fever has already reached a hundred and one.”
“Get my medical kit ready.”
Francesca arrived at Danrique's room at once. After taking his temperature, she fed him some medicine...
After a series of procedures, Francesca asked Sean in a straightforward manner, “What chemicals did you guys feed the snake with? It's causing the poison to act unpredictably.”
“I can't explain it clearly to you right now. I can show you the formula when we get back.” With a solemn expression on his face, Sean asked, “What's his condition now? It is very serious?”
Chapter 1804
q“It's more complicated than I thought.” Noticing how pale Danrique looked, a crease appeared between Francesca's brows. “I've underestimated the poison. It keeps mutating in the body.”
“What? How did that happen?” Sean was shocked to hear that, and the color drained from his face. “What should we do then?”
“We have to go back as soon as possible,” Francesca replied decisively. “Do you still have the snake that bit him?”
“Yup.” Sean nodded and continued, “We've locked it up in the lab.”
“Lab?” Francesca's expression changed drastically when she heard that. “Are you experimenting on animals?”
“Regarding this matter, it's difficult for me to explain it to you right now,” Sean replied vaguely, clearly trying to avoid answering. “Besides, I can't let you in on the details, so please don't ask any further.”
“Fine. I don't wish to waste time talking as well,” Francesca replied coldly. “Anyway, we should go back as soon as possible. Otherwise, his condition would continue to worsen. By then, not even the gods would be able to save him, not to mention me.”
“But why didn't you mention this earlier?” Sean was starting to panic. “If we had known it earlier...”
“We shouldn't be discussing hypothetical scenarios now,” Francesca replied, feeling a flicker of irritation. “I'm a doctor, not God. I can't predict everything. Even though I know that the poison is from a biochemically refined animal. I wouldn't know that it would start mutating. That's beyond the expertise of a medical doctor.”
After hearing what the woman said, Sean knew that he couldn't blame her as there was nothing she could have done as well. However, he was currently in a difficult position. “There's a very important
function tomorrow evening where Mr. Lindberg and His Highness are supposed to attend together. As such, I'm afraid that Mr. Lindberg wouldn't agree to going back now.”
“Is his life more important or is attending that f*cking function more important?” Francesca was so furious that she started cursing. “We have to go back now! Immediately! Prepare the car right away and go back to the mountain. I will need to analyze the composition of the snake's blood and develop the antidote after that. All these take time. We can't afford to delay any further.”
“But...”
Sean was in a fluster and did not know what to do.
“We'll go back tomorrow night.”
Suddenly, a weak voice rang out...
Sean turned around and quickly rushed over when he realized that it was Danrique who was speaking. “Mr. Lindberg, you're awake?”
“You've heard everything?” Francesca looked at the man and asked, frowning, “Do you know how serious this is?”
“I know...” Danrique replied, opening his eyes slowly. “One day wouldn't make too much of a difference. I'm not going to die because of that.”
“You...”
“Even if something bad really happens to me, it would be your fault for not performing your duty as a doctor well,” Danrique added before the woman could reply.
Burning with anger, Francesca hurled the towel which she was holding at Danrique and scolded, “You *sshole! Don't blame me if you die!”
When the towel landed on Danrique's face, everyone in the room was shocked. With their eyes widened in disbelief, all of them fixed their gazes on Francesca.
This woman not only dared to talk back at Mr. Lindberg, she had even... attacked him?
“Mr. Lindberg...”
Sean froze in horror before he quickly rushed up to the man and removed the towel on his face.
With a grim expression on his face, Danrique gritted his teeth and bellowed, “Throw this woman...”
“It's best that you throw me out right now.” Francesca interrupted arrogantly before continuing, “If I leave, you won't survive past the next three days. It's up to you whether you believe it or not.”
“You...”
A fresh swell of rage rose in Danrique. He sat up at once and grabbed the gun next to his pillow with the intention to kill.
“Mr. Lindberg, please calm down! Calm down!” Sean stopped him at once and said while panicking, “It won't do you any good killing her! We need her to save your life! So please, calm down!”
“At least there's someone here who has a clear mind.”
Before Francesca turned to leave, she shot a cold glare at the men and said resolutely, “If you're not willing to go back now, don't call me tonight. Even if you are dying you shouldn't call me too. You can just suffer all you want!”
“Ummm...”
“You're such a bit*h!”
Extremely furious, Danrique's hand shook while he held the gun. He wanted to kill her so badly at that moment.
Francesca walked away proudly without a backward glance while scolding, “Such a stupid man! Serves you right to die!”
Chapter 1805
qBeads of cold sweat had already accumulated on Sean's forehead. He could hardly believe how presumptuous the woman was, just because of her unparalleled medical skills...
He wondered if she had actually considered the possibility of Danrique taking revenge on her after he recovered.
After all, Danrique was well-known for being a cruel and ruthless man who would not hesitate to kill another person.
Sean snuck a glance at Danrique, and an ominous feeling arose in his heart. It was obvious that Danrique was fuming mad. In fact, he was so angry that his face had already turned purple!
“Mr. Lindberg, please calm down,” Kerrie said cautiously.
“Try and get some medicine from Dr. Felch that can help to temporarily suppress Mr. Lindberg's fever...” Sean instructed the nurse.
“Understood,” Kerrie replied before she ran to look Francesca.
In the dimly-lit room, Danrique was lying on the bed with one hand on his forehead, feeling extremely frustrated. Due to his high fever, the man was looking pale and his entire body was heating up...
Sean handed him a glass of water but Danrique knocked it to the ground. “Get lost!”
Sean cleaned up the broken glass quietly, not daring to make a sound, for fear of triggering the man.
Meanwhile, in the next room, Kerrie was pleading with Francesca earnestly. “Dr. Felch, I beg you to think of a way to help Mr. Lindberg. He is in so much agony because of his sickness. Besides, he still has to attend tomorrow evening's function...”
“You should be persuading him instead of me.” Francesca was speechless. “He's life is already in danger given how sick he is. Not only is he not cooperating with my treatment, he's still thinking about attending that silly function? It's clear that he's retarded.”
“This...”
“You have no idea what's going on.”
Just then, an angry voice sounded.
Francesca turned to look and saw that it was Gordon. A crease appeared between her brows as she growled, “How did you come in?”
“Sorry. The door isn't locked, and I happened to hear your conversation so I let myself in,” Gordon apologized politely before saying indignantly, “Mr. Lindberg had spent three years trying to establish a firm foothold in the European market. After much effort, he has finally accomplished that, but our rivals kept trying to destroy us. Tomorrow is the day where he would be facing his rival head-on. If he doesn't show up, it would mean that he has chosen to back out. If that happened, our three years' worth of hard work would go down the drain. Besides, there are also business partners whom Mr. Lindberg has to answer to. Countless people depend on him for a living. As such, he can't quit. The only way for him is to march forward fearlessly. Do you understand?”
“Nope, I don't understand.” Francesca was simply not interested in violence, dirty plays and snatching territories. “I only know that we only get to live once!”
“You...”
“That's enough,” Francesca interrupted the man as she was getting annoyed by his incessant rambling. “I'll have to do my job since you've already paid me. I will do what I'm supposed to do. Let me see if I can give you something that can last him until tomorrow night.”
“You'd better do it,” Gordon warned sternly. “If anything bad happens to Mr. Lindberg, you'll be dead!”
“Are you threatening me now?”
Francesca stared at the man coldly, narrowing her eyes.
Gordon let out a snort before he stomped away. He did not have Sean's patience and would not attempt to reason with the doctor...
If anything bad happened to Mr. Lindberg, he would not hesitate to kill.
Francesca was nearly suffocating on her fury. If not for her duty as a doctor, she would definitely have flared up and walked away...
“Dr. Felch, please don't be angry. Mr. Gordon can be very blunt sometimes,” Kerrie quickly said, trying to defuse the situation. “However, what he said was true. If something bad happens to Mr. Lindberg, not only you, even people like me wouldn't be able to leave M Nation alive.”
“Why?” Francesca blurted out but realized the answer to her own question just seconds later. “Oh, if something happens to him, his rival wouldn't let his people live.”
“Yup, yup. That's right...” Kerrie nodded vigorously.
“What kind of person is Danrique exactly? Why would he come to M Nation to snatch other people's territories?” Francesca asked, puzzled.
“We are from Erihal. Mr. Lindberg said that Erihal's market is too small. As such, he had started to work on the European market three years back... I'm not sure of the details, but I know that Mr. Lindberg is a proper business man while on the other hand, that Pastor is an evil man.”
Chapter 1806
q“Haha...” Francesca let out a mocking laughter before saying, “Isn't it natural in the business arena for the strong to dominate the weak? No one is really good or bad, isn't it?”
“Ummm...”
“All right, you may leave now.” Francesca did not wish to continue the conversation any further. “I don't care if he is a saint or a devil. As long as I'm paid, I have to do my job to save him.”
“OK then. I'll wait outside. Please feel free to let me know if you need anything.”
“Sure.”
Even though Francesca was feeling annoyed, as a doctor, she owed a duty of care to her patient. As such, she started to analyze Danrique's condition, trying to come up with a suitable prescription for him.
About an hour later, she passed the new prescription to Kerrie and asked her to prepare the medicine before heading over to Danrique's room.
Meanwhile, both Sean and Gordon were watching over Danrique.
The man had a dim expression on his face and had slipped out of consciousness once again.
Gordon was having a discussion with Sean on whether they should get Helen over to take a look at Danrique as he did not trust Francesca's abilities. Besides, he was also put off by the woman's arrogant attitude.
However, Sean was of the opinion that other doctors would not be able to handle Danrique's condition. Besides, Francesca was personally appointed by Danrique himself. As such, she should be able to find a cure for the poison...
After all, Danrique himself also knew a thing or two about poisons.
Just when the two men were in the midst of their discussion, Francesca walked in.
“You... Why didn't you knock?” Gordon asked, frowning.
“Since I'm the doctor, this room is where I work. Do I have to knock before entering my own office?” Francesca said, sounding completely justified. “On the other hand, it's such a disgrace for grown men like you two to be gossiping about others behind their backs.”
“Please don't misunderstand,” Sean explained at once. “We're just discussing Mr. Lindberg's condition...”
“All right, that's enough,” Francesca interrupted the man impatiently and said, “Prepare a hot towel.”
“Sure.” Sean acted on her instructions at once.
Francesca walked toward the bed and felt Danrique's forehead. She realized that the man's fever had not subsided, and he was literally burning...
Even though the two maids beside Danrique were helping to place ice packs on him, it was completely useless.
“Step aside,” Francesca instructed, not wanting them to get in the way.
As such, the maids quickly retreated to one side of the room.
Francesca lifted Danrique's blanket and started applying acupuncture on him.
Gordon, who was watching by the side, was feeling uneasy about what the woman was doing. However, even though he did not agree with that method of treatment, there was no other better option.
“Open the windows,” Francesca instructed while administering the treatment.
The maids looked toward Sean and only proceeded to open the windows after getting a nod of approval from the man.
After completing the treatment, dark red blood started oozing out from the tissues surrounding Danrique's wound.
Francesca took over the hot towel which Sean had prepared and started wiping the blood off Danrique...
A while later, Kerrie brought over the herbal concoction that she had prepared according to Francesca's prescription.
After the medicine cooled, Francesca fed it to Danrique personally.
However, just like before, Danrique was unable to swallow, and the medicine flowed out of his mouth...
Just when everyone was panicking, Francesca removed her mask and took a big gulp of the medicine before feeding it to Danrique with her mouth.
It had shocked everyone when she did that the previous time. However, this time, no one reacted as they were already used to it.
Sean could vaguely see half of Francesca's face and suddenly found her rather familiar...
Previously, when she took off her mask to feed Danrique, they were all standing behind her, and she had put on her mask immediately after she finished feeding him the medicine. Besides, the lighting of the room was dim. As such, it was natural that no one was able to see the doctor's face clearly.
However, as Sean was currently standing across the woman, he could see a bit of her face...
But the lighting in the room was still dark, and Francesca's mouth was filled with medicine. As such, it was impossible to make out her features or deduce anything from that...
Besides, all Sean could think about at that moment was Danrique. As such, he did not give too much thought to it.
After she finished feeding Danrique, Francesca pulled up her mask and touched the man's forehead again before telling the rest, “All of you can leave. I'll watch over him.”
“All right. We will do the usual. Gordon and I will be in the living room. Just shout for us if you need anything.”
Sean was worried about leaving the woman there alone.
“Yup.” Francesca simply answered before continuing, “Clean up the area and just leave the warm water here. The rest of you may leave now.”
“Sure.”
Chapter 1807
qOne of the maids replied with a yes subconsciously. Taken aback by her own reflex, the maid toss a timid look at Sean.
With a gesture from Sean, the maids quickly prepared everything and brought in some warm water according to Francesca wishes. They then left with a quick bow.
While the maids busied themselves, Gordon frowned before leaving silently for the living room and took a seat there.
Sean waited till the maids left to have a private word with Francesca. Before long, he too went into the living room to wait.
Unable to help himself, Gordon made a snide remark. “At this rate, she might as well be half the owner of this place.”
Sean cleared his throat a little in response. “She definitely displays such a manner. It's no wonder the maids and medical staff are terrified of her.”
“In other words, she's been spoiled.” Gordon shook his head, displeased. “You tolerate her too much.”
“How is it my fault?” argued Sean, feeling slightly aggrieved. “She's not even afraid of Mr. Lindberg himself. What makes you think I have any say?”
“Speaking of which...” Gordon's frown deepened. “Mr. Lindberg couldn't have fallen for her, could he? Otherwise, why would he be so tolerant of her?”
“I think it's a bit off as well...” Sean turned his gaze upward as he thought out loud. “Mr. Lindberg truly did show her special patience. Even though he's angry, he would always calm down at the most important moment.”
“When it comes to romantic relationships, Mr. Lindberg is way too naïve...” Gordon could not help but feel worried for Danrique. “This is really dangerous. He could easily be fooled. Once he's recovered, we must bring him out to experience the cruel reality of this world...”
“Let's continue this conversation only after he's recovered.”
Throughout the entire time, Sean stood next to the curtains and kept his neck stretched as he tried to peek inside the room.
After Francesca had took Danrique's temperature and tuck him in, she took a seat on the rug next to the bed and played “Angry Birds” on an iPad.
Even though she had lowered the volume, it could still be heard.
Sean sighed in exasperation. There they were, worrying their heads off while the doctor could not even be bothered.
“She, she...”
“Alright, alright.”
Just as Gordon was about to lose his temper at Francesca, Sean quickly interfered. “Just let her play. He had taken his medications and the injection. It is probably safe to assume that his condition is stable for now.”
“This is preposterous!” Gordon was on the edge of exploding in fury.
“Stay calm,” said Sean, to himself as much as it was to Gordon. “I'll go in and ask about his condition again after half an hour,” reassured Sean.
“Fine...”
Both Sean and Gordon paced around the living room restlessly in subdued anxiousness.
After what felt like forever, half an hour finally passed. Gordon immediately urged Sean to inquire about the situation.
However, the sight that awaited him upon entering the room left him at a loss for words.
Francesca had gotten tired from gaming and had fallen asleep leaning against the bed.
Perhaps because she was cold, she had pulled a part of Danrique's blanket over herself as well.
Meanwhile, Danrique's arm dangled from the bed, coincidentally brushing her cheek.
The atmosphere surrounding the two seemed a little romantic.
Annoyance coursed through Sean's veins. He wanted to scold Francesca for not being professional, but just as he was about to speak, he swallowed his words.
He did not want to wake Danrique.
With a sigh, Sean made his way to the bedside and used a digital thermometer to take Danrique's temperature. Upon noticing Danrique's fever dropped, Sean breathed a sigh of relief.
“How is it?”
Impatient, Gordon went inside to ask.
“Shh!” Sean hushed, reminding Gordon to keep his voice low.
At the sight of Francesca sleeping by the bedside, Gordon's rage suddenly spiked. Aware of Gordon's anger, Sean quickly pulled the former away.
“His fever has dropped.”
“Really? That's good... but, that woman...”
“Forget about it. Just turn a blind eye.”
“But...”
“Patience. We'll discuss about everything else after Mr. Lindberg recovers.”
“Fine.” Gordon finally relented.
Meanwhile, Francesca was dreaming. It was once again regarding a beaming young woman with a young man whose face was blurred.
That time, the two of them were holding hands and running in a field.
As the sun dipped below the horizon, its warm gentle rays reflected the lucky and joyful smiles on their faces...
Chapter 1808
q“Cece...”
Out of the blue, a familiar voice called out.
It was as though there was a telepathic connection, Francesca woke up abruptly and raised her head to look at Danrique with her eyes still half-closed. Complicated emotions swirled in her heart.
This beautiful face really does look familiar...
All of a sudden, a strange yet familiar feeling rose to her chest.
“Is Mr. Lindberg awake?”
Gordon's voice broke the romantic atmosphere.
Francesca snapped out of her daze and retracted her gaze before pushing herself off the floor.
“How's Mr. Lindberg?” Gordon asked anxiously. “I thought I heard him speak just now?”
Francesca did not reply immediately. Instead, she placed the back of her hand on Danrique's forehead to assess his temperature. “His fever is gone.”
“That's great.” Both Gordon and Sean felt a weight being lifted off their shoulders.
Francesca then turned her gaze to the clock on the wall, noticing that it was already seven thirty in the morning. “I'll go take a nap. You guys can help him clean his body with warm water, and prepare some broth for him when he awakes.”
“Alright, I'll have someone on it immediately.”
With that being said, Sean quickly went around to give orders.
“Would Mr. Lindberg's fever spike again?” Gordon pressed on.
“That remains unknown.” Francesca yawned. “The virus will come and go. Not to mention, viruses mutate. No one can predict what will happen next.”
“Hey, you...” Before Gordon could say anything else, Francesca had dragged her exhausted body out of the room.
Gordon was utterly furious. “Why are you always so against her?” Seeing Gordon's reaction, Sean asked.
“Just look at her attitude!” snapped Gordon.
“She's telling the truth, and the truth is often ugly.” Out of the two, Sean was obviously more composed and open-minded. “We're so used to the precious doctors beating around the bush that her brutal honesty comes off a bit too strong.”
Sean's reasoning managed to shut Gordon up. After all, it did make sense.
“Alright, enough. Let's take care of Mr. Lindberg first.”
“Okay,” agreed Gordon.
In the meantime, Francesca truly had been worn out. The moment she reached her room, she collapsed onto her bed right away.
Just then, she recalled that she had once again forgotten the necklace.
Guess I'll have to wait till next time.
However, since she had found out that her identity was Francesco, the necklace no longer seemed to hold the same weight as it did before.
But what else have I forgotten?
As the thoughts flowed in her mind, Francesca drifted into a slumber.
Once again, she had a dream. Or rather, she had a nightmare. In the nightmare, a crowd of angry people were after her life.
Suddenly, a huge force fell on the back of her head. After that, she could remember nothing...
The back of her head began to ache in response.
Francesca jolted awake. She gasped for air and kept her eyes fixed on the ceiling. Her heart was still pounding against her ribcage.
She had been having that dream repeatedly for some time now.
And every time she woke up from the dream, there would be a sharp and unbearable pain at the back of her head.
Deep in her soul, she knew that the incident had something to do with her memory loss.
However, she could not place her finger on the reason people wanted to kill her. Wasn't she just a doctor living a peaceful and undisturbed life?
Just as she was lost in thoughts, a knock came from her door. Following suit, the voice of a maid called out. “Dr. Felch, His Highness has invited you for lunch!”
Francesca rolled over to sit up. Eyeing the clock on the wall with narrowed eyes, she realized it was already noon.
“Be there in a minute.”
Just in time. I'd love to find out more about the past.
“Alright, I'll be waiting for you out here,” replied the maid respectfully.
After freshening up and changing into a suitable outfit, Francesca put on a mask and exited the room while yawning.
“This way!” Four maids were waiting outside her door to welcome her.
Francesca tailed behind lazily. Once in a while, she would rub her eyes and yawn, completely out of place in the luxurious atmosphere.
Passing through a long hallway, they reached a grand hall. From afar, Francesca could already see Prince William seated in front of a long table with two people standing behind him, waiting to be of service.
As for the maids, they were busy serving the scrumptious food onto the table.
The mere sight of it all made Francesca drool. Just as she was about to make her way there, a familiar voice sounded from behind her. “What is she doing here?”
Chapter 1809
qFrancesca shuddered before turning around.
Danrique was dressed in a white suit. His crisp look could outshine all the princes in fairytales by ten thousand times.
Francesca's heart began to race.
Damn it.
Why must this man be so good looking?
“Mr. Lindberg!” With a smile, William explained, “Dr. Felch helped me with a medical diagnosis last night and is one of my guests, which is why I have invited Dr. Felch for lunch with us!”
“So you can earn double?” Danrique cocked an eyebrow at her.
“Not like it's stopping me from taking care of your illness.” Francesca rolled her eyes in response. “Plus, I just gave him a diagnosis. I have yet to actually start the treatment.”
“Haha.” William chuckled. “Mr. Lindberg is just messing with you. We're good friends. He wouldn't be bothered by this, right Mr. Lindberg?”
“Mmm.” Danrique uttered a half-hearted response before passing from behind Francesca to take a seat beside William.
“This way, Dr. Felch!” Robin instantly stepped forward to greet Francesca.
Francesca took a seat opposite the two men. While arranging the napkins on the table, she kept her gaze on Danrique. “Even though your fever has subsided, your condition is still unstable. After you've finished your business tonight, it is advisable for you to return as soon as possible...”
“Stop nagging.” Danrique cut her off.
“I'm not finished,” asserted Francesca. “You're not to drink, not to take any seafood...”
Before she could finish, Danrique had picked up the wine glass next to him and took a giant gulp.
“Hey, you...” Francesca began to object.
“Shut up!” With annoyance written all over his face, Danrique shot her a glare.
Francesca was rendered speechless. Soon, she found her voice and huffed. “If your fever acts up again, it's none of my business.”
The way the two of them argued was like an old married couple.
Taking in the situation, William felt a bit uneasy. Even so, he maintained a charming smile on his face. “All doctors want the best for their patients. Mr. Lindberg, it would be for your good if you would listen to the advice.”
“Since when have you become so annoying as well?” Danrique gave William a side-eye.
William chuckled lightly before changing the subject. “Dig in, everyone! I had asked the kitchen to prepare a Ferropene feast! Hope you'll enjoy it.”
“Thank you!”
Francesca was lifting up her glass for a sip of juice when she suddenly realized her mask was still on. If she took of her mask, Danrique would see her face.
On the other hand, she would not be able to eat anything with her mask on her face.
Francesca looked around. At the moment, William and Danrique were talking to each other in another language in low tones. Neither of them had noticed her.
As for the other guests, they were occupied with their own conversations as well.
Francesca did a brief evaluation of her situation. As of then, she did not even wash her face. Her hair was short, and she was wearing a unisex outfit, a stark contrast to how she looked when she dressed as a dancer. Perhaps Danrique wouldn't be able to recognize me?
Hence, she pulled the mask down to her chin, lowered her head and began eating.
Throughout the entire time, Sean was standing behind Danrique. At first, his attention was fully on the latter.
As he was handing the phone to Danrique, however, he accidentally scanned the opposite side. It was then when he noticed Francesca acting a little weird.
She had kept her head so low, as if she was afraid someone would see her face.
He had seen her face the night before. It seemed to be absent of any obvious scars, and she definitely was not disfigured as they had hypothesized.
So what is she hiding?
Just as the thought flashed across Sean's mind, Danrique voice suddenly called out. “What are you doing?”
His voice took everyone by surprise, attracting their attention. Everyone then followed his gaze toward Francesca.
In response, Francesca immediately pulled the mask back onto her face. All the while still chewing the steak in her mouth.
Danrique narrowed his eyes, scrutinizing her with an unreadable expression. Odd. She has a really familiar face with her mask off...
“I'm done. Please enjoy the rest of the meal.”
Francesca stood up abruptly and was about to leave.
“Aye, Fran...” Aware that he almost let her real name slipped, William managed to stop himself in time. “Leaving so soon, Dr. Felch?”
“I didn't have enough rest last night. I'd like to take a nap.”
Conjuring up an excuse, Francesca got ready to leave.
Chapter 1810
q“Dr. Felch,” interrupted Sean as he quickly stood in her path.. “Sorry but we would have to trouble you once again. Please pack your stuff. We'll be departing for somewhere else in an hour.”
“What's going on? Francesca's brows knitted together. “Am I supposed to follow you to the banquet?”
“That's right.” Sean nodded. “Mr. Lindberg's condition is still unstable. We're worried that some complications might happen on our journey there. Therefore, you would need to come with us.”
Francesca got a bit frustrated at the request. But for the sake of money, she agreed begrudgingly. “Noted.”
With that, she turned and left promptly.
Sean shot a glance and Kerrie, along with two female bodyguards, quickly followed behind Francesca.
“Dr. Felch is quite skilled in her medical expertise.” Staring at Francesca's diminishing silhouette, William could not help but advised, “It's not every day we meet a miracle doctor. Shouldn't we be a bit kinder to her?”
“If I hadn't been kind to her, she would have died long ago.” Danrique gritted his teeth at the thought of the woman.
“Uh...”
William recalled the first time Francesca arrived at the palace. Even back then, she was not any different, doing whatever she pleased. At first, people were astounded and tried to get her to change her ways. As time went by, people started getting scared of her and did not have much of a choice but to conform to her desires.
“Your Highness,” began Robin. “I've selected a huge group of people to go with us tonight. Would you like to examine...”
“No need,” interrupted Danrique. “Our safety does not depend on the amount of people going with us.”
“That's correct.” William smiled. “With Mr. Lindberg with us, what is there to fear?”
“Tonight might be a trap. Pastor wouldn't let this opportunity go to waste,” commented Robin worriedly.
“So what if it's a trap?” Sean spoke up in place of Danrique. “We shall go with the flow. In this world, there has yet to be a person that causes trouble when Mr. Lindberg's around.”
“That's true.” Robin nodded fervently.
“Mr. Lindberg, I've heard of something.” After a moment of consideration, William announced gravely. “According to rumors, Pastor has been making his way to Zarain in secret to meet Zachary Nacht from Nacht Group. Word has it that he is planning to recruit Zachary against us. Don't know how true this information is.”
“In Epea and Adrune, Nacht Group is a powerful force. They always carry a sense of pride and keep their business legit and clean. They would not bother stepping down from the pedestal and get involved with Pastor's business. Not to mention that Zachary has just started the business in Zarain not long ago. He would be occupied with developing the business for the time being and would most likely not give Pastor the time of the day.” Danrique noted lightly.
“I heard that the Nachts and the Lindbergs are nemesis and have been fighting each other for decades now. Pastor probably has heard of the news as well, which prompted him to go to Zachary. Would Zachary join forces with him to take out Lindberg Corporation?” William refused to drop the subject.
“Firstly, the Nachts' business and ours are not in competition. They focus mainly on science and technology while our business is on biomedicine. There is no reason for either party to interfere with the other's business. Secondly, even if Zachary were to join forces with Pastor against me, I still won't be afraid. I'll just take it as having another rival. That'll make the story more interesting!”
Danrique was extremely calm regarding the whole issue. Clearly, he did not think much about the rumor.
On the contrary, William was still concerned. While he did not doubt Danrique's power and skills, he was aware that the feud within the Lindberg family eleven years ago had severely diminished their capabilities.
Even in terms of finances and business, the Lindbergs were far from the Nachts.
If Zachary truly were to form an alliance with Pastor, their business would surely get into trouble.
“Don't worry. I'll handle everything.” Knowing what was going on in William's mind, Danrique reassured.
“My apologies, Mr. Lindberg...” Guilt crept into William's heart. “It's not that I don't believe you. It's just that my abilities are limited. Working with you has taken everything I have. If this investment were to go south, I will never be able to financially recover from it.”