Chapter 545 Benedict Tests Jake
"Sofia, I promise your dad will find you the best mom ever."
Brooklyn couldn't help but laugh at Sofia's innocent words. She gently patted the little girl's head, smoothing her soft hair.
Sofia sighed in disappointment. "But I think you are the best. I don't like anyone else. I only like you."
Benedict laughed heartily. "Looks like Sofia is quite attached to you, Brooklyn. How about you consider becoming her godmother?"
Brooklyn's lips twitched. She hadn't thought about that before.
Sofia shook her head. "No, I don't want a godmother. Even if Brooklyn can't be my mom, I'll still like her."
Brooklyn's heart warmed at Sofia's words, feeling a gentle, spring-like breeze. "I like you too, Sofia. I promise to make you better so you can be healthy and happy, okay?"
Sofia finally seemed comforted, her fingers clinging to Brooklyn's hand. "Brooklyn, will I get better? Everyone says my illness can't be cured. I'm so scared."
The little girl, who had been so innocent and cheerful just moments ago, now looked somber.
At an age when she should be playing and having fun, she was bearing pain and illness that made her seem much older than her years.
The fleeting sadness and despair in her eyes pierced the hearts of everyone in the room.
Brooklyn cupped Sofia's face in her hands, her gentle smile and kind eyes offering immense encouragement. "Who told you that nonsense? They're wrong. I'm telling you now, you will get better, and you'll be healthier and smarter than all the other kids."
Sofia trusted her words, nodding obediently. "Okay!"
"Sofia! Sofia!"
A frantic voice from outside suddenly broke the warm atmosphere in the room.
Peregrine burst through the door, his nerves instantly relaxing when he saw his daughter awake.
His eyes, behind his glasses, reddened with emotion, and tears threatened to spill.
Peregrine rushed to the bedside, his eyes fixed on Sofia's clear, innocent eyes.
He was soon crying uncontrollably. "Sofia, my sweet girl, you're finally awake!"
He wrapped Sofia in his arms, his tears soaking her hospital gown, his shoulders shaking with sobs that took a long time to subside.
Brooklyn and Arabella exchanged a glance, both women discreetly wiping their noses.
They all knew Peregrine had waited too long for this day. He had found a lifeline.
Sofia was his only hope.
Once Peregrine had calmed down, Brooklyn told him, "Mr. Holloway, Sofia has just woken up, and her condition is unstable. We need to proceed with further treatment. Please try to stay calm; we'll need your cooperation during her recovery."
Peregrine released Sofia, wiping his tears with the back of his hand, his face flushed with emotion. He looked at Benedict and then at Brooklyn.
With a sudden thud, Peregrine dropped to his knees in front of them. "Professor Harrington, Dr. Mitchell, you saved Sofia's life. I, Peregrine, have no way to repay you. Please accept my gratitude!"
Benedict frowned.
Brooklyn quickly reached out to help him up. "Mr. Holloway, please get up. A doctor must save lives. You don't need to do this."
"No, you don't understand. I've taken my daughter to countless hospitals, and everyone said she was beyond saving. You gave us this miracle!"
Brooklyn pulled Peregrine's arm. "Mr. Holloway, please get up. You're making me uncomfortable."
Benedict chuckled, stroking his chin. "I don't mind."
Brooklyn's eyes narrowed, her voice turning stern. "Professor! This is not a joke."
Benedict grumbled, "Alright, alright. I'm tired. I'm going to find a place to nap."
With an exaggerated yawn, Benedict shuffled out of the room.
After checking Sofia's temperature and ensuring she was stable, the others gradually left the hospital.
Arabella exhaled. "Dr. Mitchell, what's the deal with your mentor? He seems like some kind of sage from another world."
Brooklyn put away her stethoscope. "I met him at Averlake University. He was my mentor when I studied internal medicine. He's quite the character."
Arabella thought for a moment, then something clicked. "Wait a minute! Your college mentor? Haven't you two seen each other for years? And with your accident and changed appearance, how did he recognize you?"
Brooklyn tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. "He saw it on the news. Thanks to Sebastian, when my identity was revealed, it was all over the media. You must have seen it, right? My mentor found out, too. Besides, with his personality, he wouldn't be surprised to see someone come back from the dead."
Arabella let out a long "oh." "I almost forgot! When Mr. Kingsley made sure the whole world knew to clear your name, it was quite the spectacle. Ah, I'm so envious! I didn't have a billionaire husband or a great mentor in college. I want a mentor like yours!"
"No mentors like him, but there's always the strict ones. Want one of those?"
"No thanks! Having an idol is good enough!"
Jake, walking behind them, shook his head at their conversation.
Women's topics were boring.
Benedict, yawning, peeked out from the break room. "Jake."
Jake turned at the sound, seeing Benedict smiling at him. "Professor Harrington, you called me?"
Benedict nodded, looking around. "It's just us here. Who else would I call?"
Jake, hands in his pockets, nodded coolly. "What can I do for you, Professor Harrington?"
Benedict smacked his lips. "I suddenly feel like smoking. Come with me to the stairwell."
Jake frowned. Most doctors had a distaste for smoking, and Jake was no exception.
Seeing Jake hesitate, Benedict's wrinkled face creased further. "What? Want me to carry you?"
Jake sighed and followed him.
They reached the stairwell and closed the door. Benedict sat on the steps, legs dangling, and happily lit a cigarette. The smell of tobacco filled the air.
Jake instinctively wrinkled his nose.
Benedict took a few puffs, his eyes sharp and cunning as he looked at Jake. "You used to be in Britonia, right?"
Jake nodded. "Yeah, I was in Britonia."
Benedict nodded. "Why'd you leave your job there to become Brooklyn's assistant? Don't tell me you wanted a change of scenery. I stopped believing that thirty years ago."
Jake smiled slightly, not embarrassed. "No."
Benedict blew a smoke ring. "Then it's not surprising. Brooklyn is charming, but not enough to make you give up a good job to be an assistant. So, what's your real motive?"
Jake chuckled, arms crossed, looking down at Benedict. "You seem to know a lot. Why ask me?"
Benedict took another drag, muttering, "Sebastian's cigarettes are the best." Then he looked at Jake. "I don't care what your motives are, but don't mess with Brooklyn or Sebastian."
Jake laughed. "Professor Harrington, you think I'm here to harm them?"
"Of course! Why else would you be here? I'm old, but not senile." Benedict's eyes flashed with a sharp, intimidating light.
Then he closed his eyes again.
"No, I can't tell you the reason now, but don't worry. Dr. Mitchell is a good person. I won't harm her."
"And Sebastian? What are your plans for him?" Benedict's eyes were as sharp as a hawk's.
Jake shrugged. "Him? Professor Harrington, I have patients to see. Enjoy your smoke."
Benedict finished his cigarette, leaning lazily against the railing. "Just remember, if you harm Sebastian, you'll regret it."
Jake smirked. "Professor Harrington, I've heard of people getting drunk from alcohol, but from smoking? Don't talk nonsense."
"I'm perfectly sober."
Jake's lips curled. "You seem very concerned about Mr. Kingsley."
"Of course! He's Brooklyn's husband, practically my son."
Jake sneered and walked out of the stairwell.
Benedict, holding the burnt-out cigarette, pondered for a long time.
"Time for me to sleep! Sleep!"
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