Chapter 81

Kathie rubbed her sore arm. "I've always said you should focus on medicine rather than gossip. Trust what your eyes see, not what your ears hear."

Henry paused, reflecting on his previous attitude toward her based on mere rumors. A pang of guilt washed over him.

"I owe you an apology for my past behavior."

"Consider it accepted," Kathie replied casually, waving her hand.She'd never dwelled on such matters and certainly didn't hold it against him.

Henry felt uncomfortable-compared to her magnanimity, his own mindset seemed petty.

His gaze fell on the acupuncture needles in the patient's body, triggering a realization.

"I've heard that Miracle Doctor uses these exact needle techniques to save patients-techniques that only she knows. How did you learn them? Are you actually the Miracle Doctor?" he asked.

"I'm hardly the Miracle Doctor," Kathie replied. "I simply learned a few techniques from my mentor. Please keep this between us to avoid misunderstandings. And since this success will boost your hospital's reputation, let's say you performed the surgery."

"That's completely unacceptable. I don't take credit for others' work."

Kathie smiled warmly. "When it comes to saving lives, does it really matter whose name is attached?"

Without waiting for his response, she left to share the good news with the family.

Henry watched her go, marveling at how easily she gave away recognition that others would fight desperately to claim.

Who was she, really? He found her increasingly enigmatic.

The patient's life was savedI and he was sent to the intensive care unit for observation. The family was extremely grateful to Henry and regarded him as their savior.

Henry didn't explain further. He knew he owed this debt of gratitude to Kathie, and he would repay it to her.

At the Berkeley Group headquarters, Jonathan was preparing to leave for the hotel when Ben rushed into the office, visibly distressed.

"Mr. Berkeley, we have a situation. The Roberts couple didn't go to our arranged hotel after landing-they went directly to Silverbrookinstead."

Jonathan raised an eyebrow. "What business do they have in Silverbrook?"

"Mr. Roberts' secretary says they're suspending our partnership," Ben explained anxiously. "They're evaluating a project in Silverbrook, and if satisfied, they plan to collaborate with the Campbell Family instead."

Jonathan's expression hardened. This was a major client he'd spent over six months securing. "Did they explain why?"

"According to the secretary, Flynn Campbell, the Campbell Group's CEO,offered them a rate one percentage point lower than ours, while guaranteeing superior quality. Mr. Roberts is apparently quite impressed."

Jonathan frowned. "The Campbell Family isn't stupid. The price I offered was already the lowest in the country-cutting it by another point would eliminate any profit."

"The Campbells aren't after immediate profits," Ben said urgently. "They're

looking at long-term partnerships. Mr. Roberts represents foreign investors-if he switches to the Campbell Family, it could trigger a domino effect with other clients."

"Someone's deliberately sabotaging me," Jonathan said coldly.

"Exactly. And the Campbell Family somehow knows our bottom-line pricing, which is why they dared to undercut us. This is extremely concerning."

"Clearlythe work of whoever wants me gone," Jonathan mused.

"What's our next move?" Ben asked anxiously. If this situation wasn't handled properly, Jonathan's position as CEO could be at risk.

After a moment's thought, Jonathan decided, "Prepare for an immediate trip to Silverbrook. I must stop them from collaborating before they meet."

Austin's reluctance to face him suggested some lingering guilt-Jonathan was determined to salvage the partnership by any means necessary.

Ben nodded, then glanced worriedly at Jonathan's leg. "But-sir, your leg requiresdaily treatment."

"Simple solution-I'll bring Dr. Cavendish with us."

As he finished speaking, he had already dialed Henry's number.Henry was the head of the research project, so getting leave approved through him would suffice.

After listening to the explanation, Henry felt a headache coming on. "Give her a few days off? Couldn't you find a local doctor instead?"

Jonathan responded impatiently, "This is urgent. I don't have time to look for another doctor. She knows my condition best. I'm already on my way.so just have her come out."

"Fine. I'll go get her and give her some instructions." Henry replied.

Henry found himself puzzled by his own reaction-why did the news of Kathie's departure make him feel so uncomfortable?

The project wouldn't fall apart without her, but he had to admit that whenever Kathie was present, every experiment seemed to run more smoothly. It was only at this moment that he realized he had actually grown dependent on Kathie.

When Kathie received the unexpected summons, she was baffled."He wants me to go on a business trip with him? What's this about?"

"I'm not entirely sure," Henry admitted. "He seemed quite urgent about it.He should be arriving any minute. Just keep up with the project updates I'Il send to the group chat."

Kathie nodded. "Okay."

Minutes later, Jonathan's car pulled up. Seeing his grave expression, Kathie immediately sensed something serious had occurred.

"Where are we going, and for how long?"

"About three days," Jonathan replied.

"Three days?" Kathie exclaimed. "That's impossible! What about my children? They've never been separated from me since birth."

"Ben will stay behind to look after them, along with the household staff.They'll be fine," Jonathan assured her.

Kathie shook her head firmly. "That's not the point. They're not accustomed to my absence, and I'd be worried the entire time.If you need a doctor, someone of your stature can easily find one- there's no reason it has to be me."

"Name your price," Jonathan offered.

"This isn't about money. My children need me-I'm not going."

As Jonathan frowned. Ben stepped in to explain, "Dr. Cavendish,Mr.Berkeley's largest business partner is being poached through underhanded means. If we can't salvage this relationship, Mr. Berkeley's position will be jeopardized, potentially triggering a major crisis for the entire Berkeley Group. The family would likely force him to relinquish control. You understand his medical situation best-interrupting his treatment could have serious consequences. Please, after all he's done for you, consider helping him this once."

Understanding the gravity of the situation, and seeing Jonathan's uncharacteristicallydejected demeanor, Kathie felt her resistance wavering.

Ben pressed on, "I swear on my life to take excellent cáre of your three little ones until you return."

Faced with such an earnest plea, Kathie couldn't refuse.

"Alright then. I'm entrusting my children to you. Call me on video when they return from school so I can explain the situation to them."

"Thank you, Dr. Cavendish," Ben said gratefully.

Jonathan looked at her with profound appreciation. In his current condition, he needed assistance with daily activities. While Ben could help,he wasn't a medical professional-Jonathan needed someone with expertise he could trust, and that person was Kathie.

Kathie smiled. "We're helping each other here."

After Ben exited the car at a corner, arranging for two bodyguards to escort them, they continued their journey.

With a playful smile. Kathie asked. "Does your name your price' offer still stand?"

Jonathan couldn't help but laugh. "You're still as money-minded as ever."