Chapter 15 She's an Impostor

Connie went to buy the gift, while Natalie stayed at Quinton Hospital to continue treating Charles. For the time being, she kept her elderly disguise. Behind the hospital was a pair of semi-detached villas. Natalie preferred quiet, so whenever she came to treat patients, she and Connie stayed in one villa. The other villa belonged to Peter and his wife, Rita Olson. Rita was a classic homemaker who was kind, nurturing and family-oriented. She and Peter had raised two children who were well-employed, responsible, and loving. They regularly sent money home, brought gifts, and often visited to spend time with their parents. This gave Rita a peaceful, fulfilling life. She spent her days baking, arranging flowers, and enjoying her hobbies. Rita was curious about the occasional guests who stayed in the neighboring villa. The visitors were always different, but they all had one thing in common and requested complete privacy. She often wanted to visit, but Peter always warned her not to disturb them. That afternoon, Natalie came over to the villa and began entering the door keycode. From the second-floor balcony, Rita called out cheerfully, "Hello there, ma'am! I'm Rita, the lady of the house next door." Natalie paused and looked up. She gave a polite nod and replied, "Hello." Without another word, she stepped inside and closed the door behind her. Rita frowned slightly at the cool response. "How cold," she muttered as she headed back downstairs to prepare dinner. It was family day, and her children were coming over, so she had a lot to cook. Inside the villa, Natalie went to the third floor, entered the hidden room, and removed her disguise. After changing into her usual attire, she checked her phone. Another message from the same unknown number had arrived. "Ms. Walker, stop using my grandfather to get close to me. I will never fall for a shallow woman like you, and you'll never succeed in marrying into my family." Natalie frowned. Seriously? She had asked Connie to send Penny Porcine to the other party. After the counterattack, she successfully defended herself and didn't bother with it anymore. But how, in just the time she spent talking to Marcus about Charles' condition, had this lunatic started pestering her all over again? Unwilling to waste time on pointless drama, Natalie blocked the number and moved on. She opened her video call app and contacted Grace. Grace answered quickly, her expression warm and cheerful. "Nattie, how's your stay at Marcus' place? Are you comfortable there?" she asked with a smile, unaware of Charles' treatment in Balford. "I'm doing fine, Grandma," Natalie replied softly. "Don't worry about me. I'm working hard during my internship, and when I get my first paycheck, I'll buy you mini fruit tarts." Her gaze softened as she looked at Grace. Grace was her only family, the one person she truly cared about. Though Grace appeared in good spirits, Natalie couldn't ignore the signs of her declining health. She had been searching tirelessly for rare medicinal herbs that might restore Grace's strength and even extend her life by several more years. "Don't push yourself so hard, Nattie," Grace said gently. "You have shares in the business, and the dividends are more than enough. You don't need to work so much." Natalie smiled. Despite what others thought, Grace understood everything perfectly. "I know, Grandma, but I want to earn my own money and spend it on you," she replied. "Alright, I'll listen to Ms. Foster. Take care of yourself. Come back and visit once your internship ends," Grace said. "I will. It's just three months. Can you wait for me?" "I'll wait," Grace promised with a laugh. They talked a little longer before ending the call. Natalie then turned to her iPad to handle emails but was interrupted by a message from Connie. Connie: "Ms. Walker, Rita just went to Mr. Holden. She's claiming you're not the real Dr. Elim and brought someone she says is." Natalie: "Where's Peter?" Connie: "The director left earlier after taking a call. Rita arrived suddenly with the so-called Dr. Elim." Natalie's expression darkened. Just earlier, Rita had greeted her warmly. How had things changed so quickly? Natalie: "Do Marcus and Charles believe her?" Connie: "You'd better come see for yourself." Natalie didn't waste any time. She put on her disguise once again and left the villa. She glanced briefly at Peter's home as she passed, her expression calm but her mind racing. Peter had always ensured his family respected the villa's privacy. Yet Rita had gone against his wishes, openly challenging her. … As Natalie approached Charles' VIP suite, she noticed Rita standing confidently inside beside a striking young woman dressed in a sharp black dress and high heels. Marcus sat calmly on the couch, his expression unreadable. Charles was seated on the bed, scrolling through his phone, while Connie and Ethan stood to one side, observing quietly. Natalie stepped into the room, her white lab coat, mask, and glasses concealing her identity as usual. She walked forward, her tone steady but carrying a hint of coldness as she addressed the group. "I hear someone has accused me of being a fake Dr. Elim. Is that correct?" Rita turned to her, her expression firm. "That's right. You're an impostor. This lady here is the real Dr. Elim!"