Chapter 16 The Arrogant Impostor

Rita's expression was firm as she spoke, her disdainful gaze sweeping over Natalie's elderly appearance. Her attitude made it clear that she believed Natalie was an impostor. "Mr. Holden Senior, Mr. Holden, this here is the real Dr. Elim," Rita declared confidently. The elegant woman standing beside her stepped forward. Her sharp black dress and poised demeanor exuded confidence. For a brief moment, admiration flashed in her eyes as she looked at Marcus, but it disappeared as quickly as it came. "Yes," the woman said firmly. "I am the real Dr. Elim. Mr. Holden, Mr. Holden Senior's condition is critical and requires immediate treatment. Delaying any further would be dangerous." She turned toward Natalie, her tone sharp. "Leaving him in the hands of someone unqualified could be fatal." Her gaze hardened as she continued, "If you claim to be Dr. Elim, prove it." Natalie smirked faintly. Behind the lenses of her glasses, her eyes glinted with sarcasm. "Why should I prove anything?" "If you can't, what gives you the right to treat Mr. Holden Senior?" the woman shot back. Connie, standing off to the side, couldn't hold back any longer. "And what proof do you have that you're Dr. Elim?" "I have plenty," the woman said confidently. She pulled out her phone, opened her email, and showed a thread of messages. "These are emails between Mr. Holden and me," she said, handing the phone to Marcus. "Every detail about Mr. Holden Senior's case is in here." Her voice softened as she added, "My real name is Jessy Maine. I graduated from Dithoria State School of Medicine. I've spent years saving lives as Dr. Elim, but due to time constraints, I can't take on every patient. "When I first saw Mr. Holden Senior's case, I declined because I hadn't reviewed it thoroughly. But after receiving Mr. Holden's repeated requests, I was moved by his sincerity and decided to take it on." Jessy's voice became warmer as she spoke, and her gaze lingered on Marcus with unmistakable admiration. Marcus sat on the couch, his face impassive. His long legs were crossed elegantly as he reviewed the emails. The content, timestamps, and details were all correct. After a moment, Marcus looked up and turned to Natalie. "Dr. Elim, what do you have to say?" Natalie noted that he still addressed her as "Dr. Elim", which meant he hadn't truly doubted her. If he believed in her, there was no need to prove herself. If he didn't, proof wouldn't change his mind. "I'll say this once. I am Dr. Elim. That's all there is to it," Natalie said evenly. She shifted her gaze to Jessy. "You claim to have graduated from Dithoria State School of Medicine? Funny, I don't recall a Jessy Maine among the alumni." Jessy sneered. "An impostor like you wouldn't know anything about my alma mater. You should leave before Mr. Holden loses his patience." She turned to Marcus, her tone growing sweeter. "Mr. Holden, if this impostor can't prove herself, just send her away." Natalie laughed softly, her amusement clear. The idea of being called an impostor was almost too absurd. Before she could respond, Marcus spoke. "Since there are doubts, let's settle this properly. Both of you should provide proof." He glanced briefly at Jessy. "Ms. Maine has already shown some evidence. Dr. Elim, it's your turn." Marcus' gaze lingered on Natalie's hand. Her pale, slender fingers were perfectly manicured, exuding a natural elegance. He couldn't help but imagine how graceful they would look holding a scalpel. Natalie raised an eyebrow, her tone calm but edged with mockery. "So, Mr. Holden, you don't believe me?" At first, she had actually believed that Marcus trusted her. Marcus' expression remained unchanged. "I want to believe you, but Mrs. Bundit brought Ms. Maine here, and she has already presented evidence. Surely you can provide something to prove your identity and put everyone's doubts to rest." Natalie narrowed her eyes slightly, studying Marcus. She couldn't shake the feeling that his request had a deeper motive. Marcus was the sole heir of Holden Group, the wealthiest corporation in Dithoria State. At 16, he entered the family business. By 18, his sharp decisiveness and ruthless strategies had purged internal opposition, elevating Holden Group to the nation's top conglomerate. Rumors described him as cold-hearted, merciless, and entirely self-disciplined. He avoided romantic entanglements and displayed no weaknesses. Anyone who betrayed or challenged him faced inevitable ruin. But Natalie knew the truth. Marcus' weakness was Charles. This man, despite his fearsome reputation, was deeply devoted to his grandfather. If Marcus had truly doubted her, he would have investigated her from the start. The fact that he hadn't meant he had already verified her identity as the real Dr. Elim. And yet, here he was, playing along with Rita and Jessy, demanding proof of her identity. Natalie found it absurd. Dr. Elim was just her professional persona. What truly mattered was her as an individual. "Very well," Natalie said with a faint smile. "It seems Mr. Holden has his doubts." Marcus leaned forward slightly, his voice steady and composed. "This is about my grandfather's life. I must be thorough. I hope you understand." He paused before adding, "Dr. Elim has performed countless renowned surgeries. Either of you could simply recount the details of a few life-saving procedures." Natalie's tone turned cold. "If you're so interested in surgeries, why not watch one in person instead of listening to stories?" She shifted her attention to Jessy. "But before that, let's confirm Ms. Maine's identity." Without hesitation, Natalie took out her phone and dialed the number for the dean of Dithoria State School of Medicine. After a few rings, the call connected, and an excited voice came through. "Dr. Elim! You finally decided to call me," said the dean, Eddie Brooks, his tone brimming with excitement. "I've been waiting ages to hear from you!" "Mr. Brooks," Natalie said evenly, "I have a quick question. Is there a graduate from your medical school named Jessy Maine?"