Chapter 158 Attending Your Engagement Party
Once pleasantries were exchanged, Riley found herself silently lingering. With Daniel leading the conversation, she felt it improper to depart, opting to stand by and absorb the dialogue.
Catherine redirected her attention from Riley to Daniel, concern evident in her gaze. "It's a bless that you are in better spirits."
Daniel's smile was grateful as he nodded, turning to Riley and remarked, "I owe it all to Dr. Monroe. Without her, I'd probably still be stuck in bed."
At his words, all eyes shifted towards Riley simultaneously.
Isabella interjected, "Dr. Monroe is indeed a great benefactor for us."
With those few words, Riley found herself thrust into the limelight before Catherine's group. A subtle furrow creased her brow as she modestly smiled and replied, "I wouldn't go as far as calling myself a benefactor. It's simply my duty as a doctor. I'm just glad I could aid Mr. Benedict in his recovery."
Observing her humility, Daniel's admiration for her only deepened.
Noting Daniel's favorable regard for Riley, Catherine's eyes hardened slightly, though her smile remained intact as she remarked with veiled derision, "Who would've thought such a young doctor could possess such skill? Even the esteemed physicians we consulted before fell short, but she managed to heal him."
While the words seemed complimentary out of context, Catherine's tone conveyed an underlying hostility towards Riley. Riley's heart sank, but she remained composed in the face of the subtle attack.
Hollis, discerning the focus of the conversation centered on Riley, felt a tinge of bitterness. Capitalizing on a momentary pause, she let go of Catherine's hand and positioned herself by Daniel's side, whimsically commenting, "Daniel, now that you're back on your feet, you'll be unstoppable, free of any more health woes."
Daniel's attention shifted towards her, playfully quizzing, "Where did you pick that up from?"
Hollis chuckled. "Just what they say. Anyhow, you're too amazing to not stay hale and hearty."
Amused, Daniel nodded, grinning. "I'll gladly accept those good vibes."
As Daniel's gaze returned to Riley, as if seeking to credit her for his recovery, Hollis astutely picked up on his intentions, feigning regret as she pouted, "If only I had found a gem like Dr. Monroe sooner. Daniel, you wouldn't have had to endure so much suffering."
Witnessing her self-criticism, Daniel hastened to reassure her, expressing immense gratitude, "Though I've been bedridden for years, my mind remained sharp. Over time, you've tirelessly sought out many esteemed doctors on my behalf — a feat not overlooked. Your commitment and care haven't gone unnoticed; I appreciate it all."
Hollis's eyes welled with emotion as she spoke. "But none of the physicians I engaged showed the same results..."
Touched by Hollis's compassion, Daniel offered comforting words, smiling warmly. "You're a caring soul. Without the doctors you sourced, my trials would have been even more burdensome."
Isabella swiftly jumped in to console her, "Hollis has poured her heart into this, treating Daniel like her own grandfather. We all pale in comparison."
Recalling Donovan's countless efforts in seeking medical aid over the years, she added, "Donovan has also been exceptionally considerate."
Donovan offered a slight nod. "It's what the younger generation ought to do."
Upon finishing, Isabella glanced at their coordinated attire and jestingly remarked, "Good things come in twos. You and Hollis have been a united front for many years. While you're here celebrating Daniel, next on the agenda could be us marking your engagement celebration."
