LOGINVessara could tell there was far more to the story than Mr. Sagewood was saying, but she remained silent and waited for him to continue."It's a long story," the old man said with a sigh. "The Quinn family has had terrible luck. Mrs. Quinn was already in poor health, and when she was pregnant, the family was caught in the middle of a brutal power struggle. One of the rival branches bribed her nanny and secretly poisoned her."His expression darkened."The toxins affected both mother and child. The boy was born weak and sickly. The fact that he's survived this long is already a miracle."As Mr. Sagewood recounted the family's history, Vessara's expression gradually darkened."So that's what happened."A pale face surfaced in her mind.No wonder something had felt unusual about him when they first met.Looking back, it wasn't unusual at all.It had been the faint scent of herbal medicine lingering around him—the kind that came from years of treatment and seemed to seep into a person's v
Vessara merely smiled at him."Everyone heard what my sister just said, loud and clear. Don't you think I deserve an explanation before we discuss anything else?"Immediately, questioning gazes from every direction fell upon him, and panic surged back into his heart."W-Well... perhaps there's been some misunderstanding between you sisters. Why don't you sit down and talk it through first...""That's not necessary."Vessara's voice was calm but firm."I'm not returning to the Laurent family. The two of you should spend some time reflecting on everything you've done to me. Think carefully about what happened before I left and everything that's happened since I came back."Her gaze shifted toward Selena."And tell your precious daughter to stop using my name to deceive people. If she wants attention, she can earn it herself."With that, the icy indifference she normally wore settled back onto her features.Turning slightly, she avoided Martin's reaching hand and looked toward Mr. Sagewo
Vessara rose to her feet and turned toward the elderly physician with a faint smile."Master Sagewood. It's good to see you again.""Hmph."The old man folded his arms."And yet you still remembered to come back and visit me."For the first time, the legendary physician looked almost sulky."If this old man isn't worth missing anymore, just say so."A ripple of confusion spread through the hall.The crowd looked back and forth between them, completely unable to understand what was happening.Vessara couldn't help smiling."How could that be? It's just been a long time."Her gaze swept over him before she added, "You look healthier than ever.""That's because I've been keeping myself alive just to see you again."The complaint lacked any real bite.Master Sagewood sighed dramatically before shaking his head."Forget it. I came here for you anyway."His eyes brightened."Well?""Have you changed your mind yet?""When are you finally going to become my disciple?""I'll pass everything I
Selena stared at him, stunned.Several seconds passed before his words finally registered.Master Sagewood's gaze hardened."Do you see the problem?" he asked. "You can't even give me a reason to keep you here."His disappointment was far more devastating than anger."So why are you still standing there?"The room fell silent.Master Sagewood rarely lost his temper in public, but the irritation in his voice was impossible to miss."And one more thing."His eyes swept across the crowd."I will not tolerate people putting words in my mouth."The temperature in the room seemed to drop."If anyone continues spreading rumors about promises I never made, they can consider themselves unwelcome."Without another glance at Selena, he returned to his seat.A nervous hush settled over the hall.Few people dared meet his eyes.Then a voice suddenly rang out from the crowd."But your people were the ones who said you were looking for Selena!"Another quickly joined in."Are you denying it now?""E
Downstairs, the selection process was already underway.Master Sagewood glanced at the people beside him before finally standing and walking out."When will it be the Laurent girl's turn?"Master Sagewood frowned as he asked the question calmly.Every year, aspiring doctors competed for a chance to study under him. If one or two happened to catch his eye, that was one thing.But Vessara Laurent was different.No matter how he looked at it, the girl simply refused to acknowledge this old man.Thinking about it, he felt somewhat embarrassed.He had been stuck at the same bottleneck for years without making any progress. It was perfectly understandable that the young lady wasn't interested.One of the attendants immediately checked the list."Master Sagewood, there are still three people ahead of her. It won't be long."Master Sagewood sighed and nodded."Very well. Then I'll wait a little longer."He hadn't lowered his voice when he spoke.As a result, several members of the Quinn famil
At that exact moment, a familiar voice drifted over.Vessara had arrived.Her brows knitted together almost immediately.Martin really wasn't afraid of choking on his own arrogance.Still, one detail caught her attention.Master Sagewood knew Selena?That alone was surprising.Had Selena somehow become far more capable during the years they had been apart? Or had Master Sagewood's standards collapsed while Vessara wasn't looking?The thought was so absurd that she almost laughed.Before she could dwell on it any further, Claire turned around.The moment she spotted Vessara, her expression changed dramatically."You again?!"The shrill outburst immediately attracted attention from nearby guests.Vessara grimaced."Seriously?" She folded her arms. "You people are allowed to be here, but I can't?"Claire's expression darkened. "Your status is different now."The words dripped with disdain.She stepped closer and looked Vessara up and down."So tell me, what exactly are you doing here?"T







