Chapter 13 Charles Believes Dr. Elim Is Young

After checking Charles' pulse, Natalie called Marcus over and spoke to him in a low voice about Charles' condition. Charles' heart wasn't in critical condition, but there was a small tumor. Though currently benign, it had the potential to grow or spread. "There are two options," Natalie explained. "One is surgery to remove the tumor and have it tested to confirm whether it's benign or malignant. The second is a more conservative approach, combining herbal medicine and acupuncture." Natalie paused briefly, then added," Conservative treatment will take longer, while surgery offers quicker results." Marcus frowned slightly, his handsome features tense with thought. After a moment, he asked, "Dr. Elim, with herbal medicine and acupuncture, can the tumor be completely eliminated?" "Yes," Natalie replied with a nod. "But the process takes time, about three months. During this period, I will ensure Mr. Holden Senior's heart is stable, but he must cooperate by keeping his emotions in check." Natalie's tone grew more serious as she continued, "Family support is also crucial. Progress won't be immediate, and some side effects during the treatment are normal. After acupuncture, there may be pain, and the family will need to keep him calm." "I'll discuss this with my grandfather," Marcus said, his voice steady. "Good. Please let me know as soon as you've made a decision." Natalie handed Marcus the test result and left the VIP suite with Connie. Marcus stayed behind, flipping through the reports. Most of the findings were ones he had already seen. Hospitals had initially reassured them that Charles' condition wasn't serious, only to backtrack after deeper examinations. No one dared to take on such a risky case. As Natalie had mentioned, the tumor's location was dangerously delicate. Few surgeons would even consider attempting the operation, except for someone like the internationally renowned Dr. Elim. Before meeting her, Marcus had been cautiously optimistic. But seeing that the doctor was an older woman, roughly his grandfather's age, doubts began to creep in. Could she handle such a lengthy, high-stakes surgery? And the reading glasses? What if her hand slipped during the operation? The potential consequences were too dire to imagine. Still, if he couldn't trust Dr. Elim, who else could he trust with this surgery? "Marc, come here," Charles called out, snapping him from his thoughts. Marcus walked over, his expression clouded with worry. "Grandpa, what is it?" "You look like the sky's falling. What's going on? Am I dying?" Charles asked with a chuckle. "Of course not, Grandpa. Don't say things like that." "Well then, tell me. What did that old lady doctor say to you?" Mascus hesitated but ultimately decided to share the truth. "Then we'll do the surgery!" Charles said matter-of-factly. "That's it? I thought it was something serious," he added with a grin. "That lady might look older, but her eyes are sharp and youthful." Charles gestured and explained, "Her hands are smooth, without a single wrinkle. Definitely not the hands of an old person." "Huh?" Marcus blinked. He hadn't thought to make an observation like Charles. "You might be smart, but sometimes you're as dense as a rock," Charles teased, knocking Marcus lightly on the head. "Next time you see Dr. Elim, pay attention to her hands.' Relaxed and confident, Charles leaned back against the pillows. Someone as reputable as Dr. Elim wouldn't be careless about their public appearance. Charles' comments lingered in Marcus' mind. He had been so focused on his worries that he hadn't considered the bigger picture. Hearing Charles' insight suddenly made everything click. "Alright, we'll go ahead with the surgery," Charles said decisively. "Three months of herbal medicine is too long. I don't have the patience for that." He chuckled. "If Dr. Elim is confident enough to suggest three months of treatment, that tumor must be benign. She just didn't want to say it outright." Marcus nodded. "I understand, Grandpa. I'll speak with Dr. Elim." "Go on, then!" Charles waved him off with a smile. Three months in the hospital didn't suit Charles, especially with Natalie to consider. He'd promised Grace to look after her granddaughter, and leaving for so long would send the wrong message. Picking up his phone, Charles called Natalie. "Hello, Grandpa Charles," Natalie answered warmly after a few rings. "Nattie, have you eaten? How's your internship going? Remember to stay at Hilltop Villa. Okay?" He continued, "I'm really sorry! Something urgent came up, and I had to leave Amberton suddenly. I didn't even get a chance to properly host you!" Charles' voice was gentle and affectionate. "Don't worry, Grandpa Charles, I'm doing well, and I'll head back to Hilltop Villa after work," Natalie replied softly. "Take care of yourself. When you return, I'll make mini fruit tarts for you." "Sounds wonderful! You take care, too. Don't overwork yourself, and if you need money, just let me know," Charles said with a chuckle. "I'm fine, Grandpa Charles, but thank you." "Ms. Walker, someone's here," Connie whispered. Natalie glanced over her shoulder and saw Marcus approaching. Lowering her voice, she quickly ended the call and tucked her phone into her pocket. Thankfully, she hadn't yet changed out of her disguise. Marcus entered, his gaze settling on her with an unreadable intensity. "Mr. Holden, have you reached a decision with your family?" Natalie asked calmly. "I still have some questions that I'd like you to explain further, Dr. Elim," Marcus said, handing over Charles' test results. Natalie reached for the paper, but Marcus didn't release them right away. She looked up, tugging lightly before he let go. In that brief moment, Marcus noticed what Charles had mentioned. Her hands were smooth and delicate, entirely unlike those of an older person. "Mr. Holden, what would you like me to explain?" Natalie asked, her professional tone unwavering. "It's important that everything is clear to the family." "It's about the tumor," Marcus replied, pointing to a specific section of the report. "If surgery is chosen, will the recovery be faster than with herbal medicine and acupuncture?" Natalie nodded. "Let me explain it to you in detail." Picking up a pen, she carefully walked him through the reports. Marcus appeared attentive, but his thoughts were elsewhere. He couldn't stop watching her hands.