Isaac stared, genuinely impressed. He'd never seen her wear anything so…delicate. It softened her features, highlighting the subtle beauty he often overlooked in his focus on her strength and intelligence.
"Wow," he breathed, the word escaping his lips before he could stop it.
"You look… incredible."
Primrose's expression remained largely unchanged, but a faint blush crept up her neck, betraying a hint of vulnerability. She glanced down at the dress, seemingly surprised by his compliment.
"It's… comfortable," she said simply, her voice quiet.
She didn't elaborate, didn't offer any explanation for her sudden embrace of a more feminine style. But Isaac sensed that it was more than just comfort she was seeking.
The return to the Ocean Sea Penthouse felt like stepping back into a world of quiet luxury after the whirlwind of shopping. The familiar scent of polished marble and expensive wood greeted them as they entered the lobby.
Primrose had noticed the doorman, a friendlylooking man named Jimmy, earlier and made a point of acknowledging him now.
"Hello Jimmy," she said, her voice polite but reserved.
Jimmy's face lit up with recognition.
"Oh, the American! Ah, hello! Please, need any help?" he asked with a warm smile.
Primrose shook her head gently.
"No, no, no, I have him," she said, playfully pointing at Isaac. A subtle amusement flickered in her eyes as she watched Jimmy's expression shift from helpful anticipation to slightly bewildered observation.
Jimmy's announcement of a package for Primrose broke the comfortable silence.
"Ah, Ms. Ashwood, a package for you," he said, gesturing towards the reception desk.
Primrose nodded her head in acknowledgment and proceeded towards the building's mailroom. As she reached her mailbox and retrieved the box, she noted its surprisingly light weight. A quick assessment confirmed her suspicion these must be the rare herbs she'd ordered from the research lab, essential components for her ongoing experiments.
"Prim! I really think you should join a reality TV show!" Isaac exclaimed, his enthusiasm undeterred by her earlier dismissal.
"Isaac, your family lives in…" Primrose began to retort, ready to reiterate why such an endeavor was entirely unsuitable for her.
But before she could finish her sentence, a frantic shout pierced the air.
"Ahhh! Someone help! Someone just collapsed!" a man yelled, his voice laced with panic.
Primrose's response was immediate and instinctive. The playful banter with Isaac vanished, replaced by a focused intensity. She didn't even bother to finish her sentence, didn't acknowledge Isaac's words. Without a word, she set the box of herbs down gently on a nearby table and pushed her way through the gathering crowd, her movements swift and purposeful.
Her innate ability to assess and react in emergency situations kicked in. She expertly navigated the throng of onlookers, her eyes scanning the scene with clinical precision. Reaching the collapsed individual – an elderly woman lying pale and motionless on the lobby floor – Primrose immediately took charge.
"Everyone back! Give her space!" she commanded, her voice sharp and authoritative, instantly silencing the murmurs and anxieties of the crowd. Elderly women was pale laid on the ground her hair was gray and her skin though was wrinkled it was smooth. Primrose pressed a needle on the elderly woman forehead.
With practiced efficiency, Primrose reached into a small, discreet medical kit she always carried – a habit ingrained from years of selfsufficiency and a deep understanding of human physiology. She swiftly extracted a selection of fine needles, her movements precise and deliberate.
Ignoring the curious and concerned glances of those around her, Primrose began to administer acupuncture, carefully selecting specific pressure points on the elderly woman's body. Her fingers moved with a gentle yet firm touch, expertly manipulating the flow of energy within the woman's system.
A hush fell over the lobby as onlookers watched in silent awe as Primrose worked. Isaac stood slightly back from the crowd, his expression a mixture of admiration and concern. He'd seen her handle stressful situations before, but this was different. This was raw skill, honed by years of experience and an unwavering dedication to helping others.
A palpable tension hung in the air as everyone waited, holding their breath. Then, slowly, almost imperceptibly, the elderly woman's eyelids fluttered open. Her eyes, initially clouded and unfocused, gradually cleared, revealing a glimmer of awareness.
Primrose's expression remained calm and professional as she observed the woman's recovery. She gently assessed her vital signs, confirming that she was stabilizing.
"Here," she said, handing the elderly woman a small packet containing several capsules and a vial of liquid.
"Take this. It will help." She paused briefly before adding.
"And this will help with your headache."
She then produced a small slip of paper and wrote down a series of medical terms and drug names.
"Go to the hospital and tell them to give you these kinds of medicine," Primrose instructed, her voice clear and concise.
The elderly woman blinked, her gaze slowly focusing on Primrose's face. A wave of confusion washed over her features, followed by a surge of relief.
"Oh… oh my," she murmured, her voice weak and shaky.
"What happened? I… I feel so strange."
Primrose offered a reassuring smile.
"You fainted. It seems you were experiencing a sudden drop in blood pressure. The herbs and medication I gave you will help stabilize you."
She helped the woman sit up slowly, ensuring she was comfortable and alert. Jimmy rushed over with a chair, offering the woman a glass of water.
"Are you feeling any better?" Primrose asked gently.
The elderly woman took a tentative sip of water, then nodded slowly.
"Yes, much better now. Thank you, dear. You saved me."
"Oh my gosh dear, you just like my granddaughter Penelope," the elderly woman said. Primrose did not pay to much attention. The other guy who was about two years older then Primrose stepped forward.
"Thank you for saving my nana."
Primrose nodded her head she dislike being touched by others so she didn't touched him. Isaac and Primrose both went back.
The plush comfort of the penthouse felt like a welcome embrace after the adrenalinefueled events in the lobby. Primrose was utterly exhausted, the energy she'd expended in assisting the elderly woman leaving her drained and depleted. She yawned, a long, drawnout sigh escaping her lips, before managing a fleeting, almost imperceptible smile.
The moment Isaac stepped inside, Primrose followed closely behind him, her movements languid and heavy. Overcome by fatigue, she simply collapsed onto the nearest couch, sinking into its cushions with a contented sigh.
"I bought cookies, Prim! Give them to our next door neighbor," Isaac announced cheerfully, oblivious to her state of exhaustion.
Primrose grumbled softly but didn't argue. The thought of socializing was overwhelming at this point.