Chapter 39 Advance Payment
Adeline was totally clueless about what Nathan had just done for her. And why the heck was everyone throwing money at her today? Sure, Alexander paying up made sense 'cause it was for medical stuff, but Charles? She hadn't even started treatment yet. What was his deal?
Did they think she was running some kind of hospital that needed upfront payments?
With that thought, Adeline blurted out, "I haven't even treated you yet; why are you paying the consultation fee?"
Charles just shrugged and said, "It's for the candy from yesterday," while motioning for Patrick to come over.
Patrick, who'd been itching to ask when Adeline would treat Charles, handed over a black card.
Adeline glanced at the card but didn't take it. This was against her rules; she couldn't accept it. Plus, trading a piece of candy for a black card? Way too lopsided. She didn't want to owe anyone anything.
"Nope, let's talk after I cure him," Adeline said, packing up her medical kit and getting ready to bounce.
Patrick, thinking she was about to leave, quickly blocked her way. "Where are you going?"
Adeline looked confused. "What's up?"
Patrick's face turned red. "You haven't treated Mr. Livingston yet."
"He?" Adeline walked over to Charles. "Are you in a rush for me to treat you?"
Charles's voice was smooth, like a cello. "It's up to you."
After a moment of thought, Adeline said, "Then come with me."
Patrick and Xavier exchanged puzzled looks. Where to?
Charles didn't know either, but he was down to follow Adeline's lead. Wherever she said to go, he'd go. So he calmly replied, "Okay."
Seeing Adeline and Charles heading off, Alexander wanted to follow but was stopped by Quentin.
"Mr. Vanderbilt, you're still recovering. You need to rest," Quentin advised.
Alexander looked out the window at Adeline standing by the signpost, lost in thought. If Savannah were still here, she'd be about Adeline's age.
Quentin tried to comfort him. "Mr. Vanderbilt, don't worry. Ms. Vanderbilt will be fine. Our people are on it, and we should have results soon."
Alexander took a deep breath and said firmly, "Send more people to Ravenwood Town. Make it high-profile, and offer rewards for information. I need to find out what's going on."
The wind outside blew through Chrysanthemum Alley.
Xavier had worked here for years but had never really noticed this place.
"Mr. Livingston, walk slowly and watch your step," Patrick couldn't help but remind.
Charles rarely walked on such paths. His fancy shoes looked out of place here, but he carried himself with a noble air, like nothing around him could touch him.
"We're here," Adeline called out.
Charles stood there, quietly taking it all in. He stood tall against the wall, looking like a painting come to life.
"Adeline, is this your friend?" Vanessa Nelson, who had come out to fetch water, immediately noticed Charles in the crowd and exclaimed. "He doesn't look like he's from around here."
Patrick blocked Vanessa's view, and the scar on his face twitched with his muscles, making him look like he had killed a few lives.
"He looks so fierce," Vanessa said nervously. She pulled Adeline aside and whispered, "Adeline, if you're in trouble, just tell me. We have a lot of neighbors here. Even if you're being chased for debts, we can help you out."
"Thanks, Vanessa, but there's no need to worry," Adeline felt warm inside and smiled as she explained. "He's here for treatment."
"Treatment?" Vanessa suddenly understood. "He's here for Summer's massage, right?"
Adeline didn't deny it. "Yep."
Vanessa said, "Then go ahead!"
Charles said nothing, just quietly observing. He looked at them and everything here, and realized a truth that she was indeed very poor.
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