Chapter 11

Hearing the excitement in her assistant's voice,Marissa cast a quick< glance toward the hospital entrance. Marc was still standing there, as if waiting for someone. She lowered her gaze, her voice measured and even. "Has the fee increased?"

Dr. Moore was known for charging a high price for anyone actively seeking him out. For particularly tricky cases, he might even waive the surgery fee and just bill for the medicine.

Creating new pharmaceuticals demanded immense financial backing, so Marissa could understand why her assistant sounded so thriled. But she couldn't shake the thought from a few hours earlier, when she had met Theodore. He didn't know her real identity then,and now he was promising not to reveal it. That claim made her pause, curious and cautious about what it really meant.

The assistant, Garry Cullen, could barely contain his excitement "Yes, Marissa! The fee has gone up five times over! The Brooks family is extremely generous.Should we accept it? Benny said that if you agree, we can send your things over immediately."

Garry and his brother Benny Cullen, both her assistants, were individuals she trusted completely.Since she spent so much time at the Fletchers' house,she kept a portion of her belongings at their small clinic for safety.

Garry,noticing her long silence, spoke up with a hint of admiration in his voice. "Marissa, the Brooks family went out of their way to track us down, even with all the security Benny has in place. Honestly, he deserves a cut of the blamne for that." He then asked bluntly, "Are you not going to take this offer?"

It was unusual for her to stay silent for so long.

"Fine, I'll refuse it then," Garry continued, ready to end the call. "Don't worry. They won't find out your real identity!"

Benny and Garry had worked for Marissa for quite some time. She knew she could trust them completely.After all, they owed their lives to her.

"No need," Marissa replied, her curiosity piqued by Theodore, the man meant to be her husband.

Garry let out a relieved breath. "Okay then," he said,wiping a bead of sweat from his forehead. He had bet with the team that she would accept the deal.

Marissa's lips parted slightly as a thought came to her."Stick to the original fee."

Garry, switching to a backup phone, quickly stopped the previous email and asked in surprise, "What? Why?We could really use the extra money"

Marissa simply pinched the bridge of her nose and did not utter a single word.

Garry's patience began to wear thin as he tried to reason with her. "Marissa, please explain. Why are you insisting on the original fee? They're the Brooks family;money isn't an issue for them. And besides, the rare herb you're looking for is appearing on the black market. Whoever bids highest will get it. The more funds we have, the better we'll be prepared. Marissa,what are you thinking? Please, tell me."

"Alright," Marissa responded lightly. "Let's go with your suggestion."

"Fivetimes the usual fee?" Garry asked to confirm

"Yes," she answered succinctly.

Garry continued, "Oh, and by the way, another batch of your fiancé's medication has been developed. Do you want to pick it up, or should I have it delivered? Dr.Stewart says this new batch is far more effective than the last, thanks to your earlier advice. Unlike Dr.Wallace, who insisted on his own methods and wasted a bunch of valuable herbs, this time it's spot on. I even noticed the price of those herbs had gone up because

of our frequent purchases. These merchants are really cunning! So... should I bring medication to you?"

"That won't be necessary," Marissa replied, her expression turning sharp as the memory of Bryson's antics at the banquet crossed her mind. "Keep this batch off the market for now. Just store it safely. If Dr.Stewart has any questions, he can ask me directly."

"And if Dr. Wallace asks?"

"Ignore him," she replied firmly.

"Copy that." Garry nodded.

Meanwhile, at the hospital entrance, Marc met up with Theodore. The two had discussed things earlier, and Theodore understood Marc's intentions.

"Dr. Moore has replied. The surgery is set for tonight.He'll visit this afternoon to assess your father's condition and prepare what's needed1" Theodore assured him.

Marc gave a small nod, looking relieved.

Marissa,without any direct contact info for the Curtis family, waited in the hospital lobby after hanging up.She noticed Marc and Theodore heading toward the VIP elevator and called out,"Marc."

Theodore glanced back at her even before Marc did.

"Miss Curtis," he said, his intense gaze fixed on her delicate features, as though trying to read her thoughts

"Mr. Brooks," she greeted, moving toward them. Before Marc could question her, she quickly clarified why she was still there

"Sorry, Rissa. We actually had a banquet planned tonight to welcome you back, but unfortunately, we've had to cancel it." Marc sighed