Chapter 12

Jolene's lips curled into a smile as she shot a grateful glance at Steven. Turning to the mother and son, she said, "Mr. Gibbs, I have a health remedy that might help. I'm not sure how effective it is, but would you like to try it?" "Yes!" Henry exclaimed, his determination unwavering. Susan let out a deep sigh, assuming it was yet another fruitless remedy after witnessing countless unsuccessful attempts. "Let's exchange contact details, and I'll send it to you later," Jolene said, taking out her phone. Henry swiftly added her number, saving her contact as "Gorgeous". Jolene typed out an extensive list of ingredients and detailed instructions for the remedy before sending the message, making sure to emphasize some crucial precautions. Henry treasured her advice like a precious gem, and if not for Susan's intervention, he might have eagerly handed Jolene a million dollars on the spot. "Thank you! If this works, I'll be sure to show you my appreciation," Henry vowed. "This is just something I read in a book. I can't promise it'll work, so give it a try first," Jolene replied, her desire to help Henry tempered by the need to avoid causing more trouble for Steven. She couldn't understand why the doctors in Arcadia couldn't cure such a simple ailment. Henry nodded eagerly, clutching his phone as he left. His face was lit up with newfound hope. Once outside, Susan gave him a hard smack on the head. "You fool! Are you really trusting something she just read in a book? Don't blame me if you end up in the hospital for taking the wrong medicine!" She didn't believe for a second that Jolene had any real skills. The fact that she saved her son the last time was pure luck. "I don't care if it kills me! Mom, just let me have some hope," Henry muttered. Deep down, he didn't believe Jolene could cure him either, but he needed something to hold on to. … Back in the living room, Steven's deep, inscrutable gaze seemed to dissect Jolene with each pass as if he could strip her bare with just a look. Feeling the weight of his gaze, Jolene hurried to explain, "That remedy takes time to work and requires prolonged use. I didn't reveal too much information, and you did agree to let me treat him." The two words he had traced in her palm earlier were "It's fine". By the time Henry recovered, Steven would already be standing. At that point, with their divorce, the need for secrecy would dissipate. "I'm just curious. How can you even treat something like that?" Steven asked calmly. Jolene clutched the hem of her skirt nervously, her hesitant demeanor further piquing Steven's curiosity. He maneuvered his wheelchair closer to her, narrowing the distance between them. Blushing, Jolene took a few steps back. "Mr. Welsh, there's no need to worry. I added some kidney-nourishing ingredients to the medicine you've been consuming these past couple of days. I understand that men care about that sort of thing..." She added, "So, don't let what Henry said bother you. The car accident didn't affect you much. Just let the medicine restore your vitality, and you'll be fine after a period of recuperation." Steven couldn't help but laugh in exasperation. "So, there was an issue with the medicine I've been taking!" he thought. With a swift and commanding move, he reached out and grabbed Jolene's wrist before pulling her closer. Steven gritted his teeth as he asked, "Do you often hear men talk about this kind of thing? And who taught you to add those ingredients to my medicine? Do you even know what a man with surging vitality might do?" He had blamed his unexpected desires on the outrageous things Vance had said, thinking they had triggered him at the wrong time and place. Internally, he had been scolding himself for losing control after the car accident, but now, he realized it was because of the herbs she had added. He couldn't believe she had the audacity to treat his supposed "weakness" without even telling him. Forced into close proximity, Jolene found her chest heaving and cheeks flushing under his scrutiny. "I... I'm a doctor! This is all very normal to me!" she stammered as she pried his fingers off her wrist. Unable to meet his penetrating gaze, she hastily added, "Anyway, I'll be in the kitchen preparing the medicine." Her steps were rushed and disordered as she fled the room. Steven took a deep breath, trying to rein in his temper. He couldn't understand why he was getting so worked up over a young woman who didn't understand the ways of the world. Nonetheless, her words left him feeling uncomfortable, and he wondered who else she had done these "normal" things for. In the kitchen, Jolene waited until her breathing steadied before placing the herbs into the pot. After a moment's hesitation, she added an extra handful of herbs. She pulled up a chair, resting her chin on her hands as she watched the simmering brew. She thought to herself that Steven was just overly proud and that his reaction was because he felt embarrassed. Gabriel had once told her that men often reacted with anger when dealing with personal health issues, and as a doctor, she needed to be understanding. Her phone buzzed in her pocket, and Jolene took it out to see a flurry of messages in her class group chat. Someone had tagged her, asking if she would be attending the gathering. "The gathering will be at Coral Palace, and I'll cover all the costs. I expect everyone to be there." Ethan Cromwell had tagged the whole group. "The Coral Palace! That's the most exclusive venue in Arcadia. Ethan, your generosity is unmatched! Jolene, you'll be joining us, won't you?" "Ethan's family is rich and powerful. He'll take over his family business as soon as he graduates. Meanwhile, we'll embark on our job hunt. I envy him!" Skimming the conversation, Jolene contemplated turning off her screen when her university roommate, Molly Yates, sent her a private message, "Jolene, this is a rare get-together. Once the semester ends, we'll all be going our separate ways. You wouldn't want to be a buzzkill, would you?" After a moment's hesitation, Jolene replied, "I'll be there." Setting her phone aside, she stared intently at the simmering pot for a full hour before finally pouring it into a bowl. Seated on the balcony, Steven was engrossed in a book as he bathed in the sun. His downcast eyes made him look both handsome and irresistibly alluring. "Your medicine's ready," Jolene announced as she walked over to Steven's side, holding the cup that was filled with the medicinal brew. The faint bitter smell lingered in the air. Steven glanced at her, then closed his book. "Did you add more herbs this time?" "I did," Jolene admitted, her head bowed like a child caught doing something wrong. A sudden chuckle escaped Steven's lips. Taking the cup with his slender fingers, he downed the contents in one swift motion. "I apologize for earlier," he said. As a member of the Welsh family, he wasn't too proud to admit his mistakes. If the doctor said he had a weakness, then so be it. Jolene watched him for a moment, a small smile playing on her lips. "Mr. Welsh, you're the most cooperative patient I've ever had. As a reward, I'd like you to help me donate this to the Nova Foundation." She placed a check for 500 grand in his hand. Despite the late spring season, the air still carried a slight chill. Jolene was dressed in a cozy white sweater, her dark hair cascading over her shoulders. Her bright eyes were fixed on him. "I know it's you, Mr. Welsh," she said softly. He was the beacon of light in her life, the founder of the Nova Foundation, and the reason she was able to continue her education. She had asked Rita all about it while she was preparing the medicine. "So, do you plan to repay that kindness?" Steven asked, the words rolling off his tongue with a touch of amusement. Perhaps the medicine was taking effect, or maybe the warmth radiating from her clear gaze had sparked something within him—a blend of heartfelt affection and a man's concealed desires. "Of course, I'll make sure you can stand again," Jolene vowed earnestly, oblivious to the subtle undertones of his question. Steven nodded slightly, his lips curving into a slight smile. "Speaking of which, as your patient, I couldn't help but notice you gave Henry your contact information. Don't you think that's a bit unfair?" "Oh." Jolene quickly pulled out her phone to exchange contact details with him. "I'll be out for a class reunion in a few days. Feel free to contact me anytime, Mr. Welsh." Steven couldn't help but notice her numerous unread messages and was surprised by her apparent popularity. "Alright," he said, adding her number. Curiosity stirred within him as he wondered what she had him saved as.