Natalie raised an eyebrow at Connie's words. Marcus had actually let someone as questionable as Jessy treat Charles. What was he thinking?

"Ms. Walker, I've looked into Jessy's background. She's performed a few heart surgeries, but none of them were particularly complex. However, her mentor is Professor Milan from Emberfield," Connie added.

Professor Milan was a renowned cardiology expert with a global reputation. He had successfully treated several patients deemed incurable by the medical community. His groundbreaking papers on heart diseases had earned him a place as one of the top cardiologists in the world.

The only person who could rival him was Natalie, who was known internationally by her alias, Dr. Elim.

Professor Milan had once tried to contact Connie to arrange a meeting with Natalie, but she had declined. Natalie preferred contributing to her own country over catering to w

Jessy was eager to impress Marcus, but when Natalie suddenly appeared, a wave of intense unease washed over her.

"I can handle it," Natalie replied coolly. With a firm pull, she swiftly moved Jessy aside. As she looked up, her gaze locked with Marcus's deep, obsidian eyes.

Marcus's eyes were striking—dark, deep, and commanding. The subtle downward curve of his eyes exuded an aura of authority that was almost tangible.

His tailored suit highlighted his tall, perfect frame, and his handsome face looked like it belonged to a model. He exuded an enigmatic presence, one that could easily pull anyone into his orbit with just a glance.

Although Natalie had seen Marcus's photos before, seeing him in person left her momentarily stunned by his allure.

"You can't perform heart compressions on Mr. Holden Senior right now," Natalie said coldly. Without hesitation, she pulled out a box of medicat

Marcus frowned as he watched Connie walking farther away. Frustrated, he shoved his phone into his pocket. If Dr. Elim truly refused to treat Charles again, he would have no choice but to go with Plan B, which is to find another surgeon for his grandfather's operation.

Dr. Elim had only mentioned conservative treatment with herbal medicine and acupuncture. She didn't specify what kind of herbs or how the acupuncture should be done. If they were to change doctors, that conservative treatment plan would clearly no longer be an option.

"Marcus." Cassie suddenly appeared and stopped him. Earlier, Marcus had hurried out to meet her.

"I heard your grandfather wants to leave and go back to Amberton. Is it true that Grandma Grace is taking over his care there?" she asked.

Although Cassie was in her forties, she looked stunning. Her flawless, fair skin, meticulous makeup, and perfectly tailored designer outfit exuded an aura of sophistication and elegance that came with wealth.

Her soothing voice and graceful demeanor only added to her refined presence. She was always kind and gentle with Marcus, and he had always respected her.

"Yes, Grandpa just called Ethan and said he doesn't want to stay here. He also refuses to let anyone else take over his treatment," Marcus replied. "Aunt Cassie, you've just returned from Westville Church. You must be tired from the long journey. Why don't you rest at the hotel? I'll take care of things here with Grandpa."

"No need," Cassie smiled gently. "Let's go see your grandfather together. He's getting old, so it's normal for him to act stubbornly. You've done so much for him over the years. It must have been hard."

"It wasn't hard. It's my duty," Marcus said.

He told Cassie about Charles' health. When she learned that Dr. Elim had left and refused to treat Charles, a deep frown formed on her delicate face.

"If that's the case, what do you think about the doctor that Mrs. Bundit brought in? Her credentials seem good. Maybe we could give her a try?" Cassie suggested.

Marcus had already had Ethan investigate Jessy thoroughly. Aside from her impersonation of Dr. Elim, everything about her seemed legitimate. However, the fact that she had pretended to be someone else showed a lack of integrity. Marcus didn't want to deal with someone like that.

Seeing Marcus frown without saying anything, Cassie knew he wasn't keen on giving Jessy a chance.

"Marcus, I know Jessy made a mistake by pretending to be Dr. Elim, but right now, we don't have any other options, do we?"

Cassie continued calmly, "I think Dr. Elim is too proud. You've offended her before. If she's still upset, she might not give her best for Grandpa's treatment, or worse—she could sabotage it. If something happens to him, we'll regret it."

Cassie's words held some weight. After a long pause, Marcus sighed.

"Aunt Cassie, I'll look for a few more doctors," Marcus replied. 

He didn't immediately agree or refuse. A world-class expert like Dr. Elim would be hard to find, but there were plenty of doctors like Jessy he could find.

"Alright, I'll also keep an eye out and try to bring in a few more doctors for consultation," Cassie said.

"Good," Marcus agreed. Cassie and Marcus continued their conversation as they walked back to the VIP suite.

Cassie, who was in her forties and never got married, was a devout Christian. She had once declared that she would never marry and instead dedicated her life to the church.

When Jessy saw Cassie, she respectfully addressed her as "Ms. Holden" without any other formalities.

"Mr. Holden, I've performed several successful heart surgeries. My mentor, who is a well-known heart specialist abroad, has been fully briefed on Mr. Holden Senior's condition. 

"He's willing to come to Dithoria to assist with the surgery," Jessy said, her fingers nervously twisting together as she carefully watched Marcus's expression. 

She was here because Cassie had called her, and Cassie would vouch for her. The key was Marcus's attitude.

"I have experience with several successful heart surgeries. I've thoroughly studied Mr. Holden Senior's case before coming here. I'm confident. Mr. Holden, please give me a chance," Jessy added.

Marcus gave her a quick glance. Jessy, standing in front of him, wore a figure-hugging office skirt and four-inch heels. As Charles had mentioned, she didn't look like a doctor at all.

"I'll make the decision. Let's keep Dr. Maine for now. As for the rest, we'll wait until Dr. Maine's mentor arrives to discuss it further. Marcus, what do you think?" Cassie asked gently.

Marcus thought for a moment, then nodded slightly. "Alright, let's go with this plan for now."

"Thank you, Mr. Holden. I'll do my best to treat Mr. Holden Senior," Jessy said eagerly. As long as she was allowed to stay, she would have more opportunities to approach Marcus.

Cassie had told her that while Marcus had a fiancee, their relationship was far from good. He didn't even like her. With Cassie's support, Jessy believed she could win Marcus over and become the future Mrs. Holden.

Marcus gave Jessy a cold glance before turning to find Charles. At that moment, Charles had already left Quinton Hospital with Ethan. He had asked Ethan to take him to the biggest shopping mall in Balford.

"Ethan, what kind of gifts does Nattie like?" Charles asked, casually browsing the shops. "We just invited her to stay at the villa, and now she's alone there. Even with the butler and maids, I know she'll feel lonely. I should buy her something to show I care."

"Mr. Holden Senior, is that girl over there, Ms. Walker?" Ethan asked, pointing toward a figure in the distance.

Natalie was wearing a black jacket, black sweatpants, and white sneakers and carrying a backpack. Ethan wasn't entirely sure if it was her.

"Where is she?"

Charles followed Ethan's gesture and spotted Natalie in the distance. "It really is Natalie!"

"Nattie, Nattie—" Charles called out. 

Thinking she had misheard, Natalie turned around and was surprised to see Charles grinning excitedly. She was speechless at how everything could be so coincidental. She had planned to avoid the Holden family and secretly treat Charles after he returned to Amberton.

Now that she had been spotted, there was no point in hiding. Natalie waved at Charles and started walking toward them. As she got closer, her phone rang. It was Connie calling.

Natalie lowered her head and answered the call, "Hello, Connie."

Connie's voice came through in a hushed tone. "Mr. Holden and his aunt have agreed to let Jessy treat Mr. Holden Senior, Mr. Walker."


Natalie raised an eyebrow at Connie's words. Marcus had actually let someone as questionable as Jessy treat Charles. What was he thinking?

"Ms. Walker, I've looked into Jessy's background. She's performed a few heart surgeries, but none of them were particularly complex. However, her mentor is Professor Milan from Emberfield," Connie added.

Professor Milan was a renowned cardiology expert with a global reputation. He had successfully treated several patients deemed incurable by the medical community. His groundbreaking papers on heart diseases had earned him a place as one of the top cardiologists in the world.

The only person who could rival him was Natalie, who was known internationally by her alias, Dr. Elim.

Professor Milan had once tried to contact Connie to arrange a meeting with Natalie, but she had declined. Natalie preferred contributing to her own country over catering to wealthy international clients.

"Ms. Walker, if Professor Milan comes to Dithoria, will Mr. Holden Se

Chapter 21 Charles' Sudden Crisis