Chapter 36

When Kathie mentioned Raymond's name, everyone in the room turned to look at her. Wayne grabbed her face and demanded, "How do you know we're his guys?"

Realizingshe had guessed right. Kathie felt a bit relieved. She shook off Wayne's hand and said seriously, "I saved Raymond's life. You can't hurt me."

Everyone burst into laughter at her words. Wayne slapped her face. "Kathie, you must be kidding. Raymond ordered us to grab you and said we could do whatever we wanted with you. Think before you lie."

The others joined in the mockery, grabbing her shoulders and pinning her to the table. "Sign the papers nicely, and we might let you leave alive.Otherwise,we can do a lot of nasty things to you that you won't like."

Kathie was furíous. "I'm not lying. I'll sign the papers, but first, let Raymond come see me."

Wayne slapped her again. "You think you can just demand to see Raymond? Who do you think you are?"

Blood trickled from the corner of Kathie's mouth as she glared at the man in front of her. "Raymond had a stroke and was saved just a few days ago.Is this how you treat his savior?"

Wayne frowned and exchanged glances with his guys. "You seem to know a lot. Are you the miracle doctor?"

Kathie nodded confidently. "Yes, I am. If you don't believe me, call him."

Wayne hesitated, not wanting to harm his boss's savior.

A subordinate reminded him, "Don't be fooled by this woman. I heard the healer is a skillful doctor. She's just trying to trick us into letting her go."

"I agree. I don't think she is young enough to have such advanced medical skills. She looks more like a con artist," another added.

Kathie snapped, "That just shows how ignorant you are. A true doctor like me is right here, and you don't even recognize it."

Wayne, enraged, slapped her again. "You dare insult us?Looks like you need a lesson. Hold her down while I teach her some manners."

As the men approached with ill intent. Kathie grabbed a pen from the table and swiftly jabbed it into one of Wayne's pressure points,immobilizing him.

The others moved to intervene, but Kathie shouted, "Stay back! Look closely. I've hit a pressure point, and he can't move. Only someone skilled in acupuncture could do this. I am the healer. Call Raymond now."

Wayne, unable to move, signaled with his eyes. "You idiots, call Raymond and verify this."

His subordinates quickly dialed the number, and Raymond's voice came through, "Is everything done?"

"Boss, this woman wants to talk to you."

"I don't have tíme for her. Just tell her to sign the papers, and we won't kill her."

Kathie,fearing Raymond would hang up, quickly identified herself. "Raymond, I'm the healer Clayton has been looking for."

Raymond paused, then asked, "Are you really the one who saved me?"

"I used acupuncture to bring you back from the brink of death.Without me, you'd be in a vegetative state. You wouldn't treat your savior like this, would you?" Kathie said.

Raymond's voice softened. "TIl be there right away. Take good care of the healer."

His subordinates, now respectful, brought a chair for Kathie. "We didn't recognize you. Please forgive us."

Wayne,still immobilized, apologized, "It's all my fault. Do whatever you want to me, but please spare my life."

His subordinates pleaded as well. "Yes, please spare Wayne."

Kathie tapped Wayne's neck twice, and he regained movement, collapsing at her feet.

He had slapped Kathie twice, and he knew Raymond would punish him severely.

Wayne begged,"It's all my fault. I'll punish myself until you're satisfied."

He then began slapping himself hard, the sound echoing in the room.

His subordinates tried to help. "Please forgive him. We were just following orders."

Kathie realized the real culprit was the one who gave the orders. "Fine,I'll forgive you this time. But if I see you bullying women again. I'll make sure you're bedridden for life."

"Never again. Thank you," Wayne said hurriedly.

Raymond arrived shortly after, surprised to see the young and beautiful Kathie. He couldn't believe she was the legendary doctor.

Kathie examined him and massaged a few pressure points, making him feel much better. Raymond, deeply grateful, apologized along with his subordinates. "We were wrong today. You saved my life. If you ever need anything,just ask."

"That's not necessary. Just don't trouble me in the future," Kathie replied,doing her job for the money.

Raymond promised, "Of course. I guarantee no one in Eldoria will bother you again."

Kathie asked, "Was it Melissa who ordered you to capture me?"

Raymond's face darkened. "Yes, it was Melissa. I'll deal with her for almost harming my savior."

Kathie noticed the religious pendant around his neck and had an idea.She looked at him seriously, her expression growing more grave, making Raymond uneasy.

As a doctor, she must have seen something.

"What's wrong with me?" Raymond asked.

Kathie said seriously, "Mr. Barnes, at your age, you shouldn't have had a stroke. As a healer. I checked you thoroughly and found signs of a curse."

"A curse? What do you mean?"

"When's your birthday?"

Raymond told her without hesitation.

Kathie suddenly realized. "That explains it. Your birthday clashes with Melissa's. Her fate brings misfortune to those close to her, which is why you had a stroke. If you don't cut ties with her, your life will be in danger."

Raymond's face changed. No wonder things always went wrong for him. It was because of Melissa. In their line of work, they believed in such things. His pendant showed his belief.

Kathie wanted him to avoid Melissa. Without her protector, Melissa would be nothing in Eldoria. Since Melissa wanted to ruin her, Kathie would ruin Melissa first.

"You're right. I know what to do," Raymond replied.