I smiled and didn't say anything more, simply jotting down the treatment plan and prescription on the prescription pad. The moment I set my pen down, Emma immediately reached out to take it, clutching the paper tightly as if it were her only lifeline. Her eyes trembled caught between fear and overwhelming hope like someone who had finally seen a way out of the darkness that had lasted for years.
The Franco family stood nearby, not daring to relax their attention for even a second. Being able to invite me to examine Emma was already beyond what they'd ever dared hope for let alone having Captain accompany me personally, his attitude clearly one of unwavering protection. Just from the way he looked at me, they understood how important my position was within the Anderson family. One small mistake could easily bring disaster upon themselves.
After a few seconds of hesitation, Mr. and Mrs. Franco exchanged a furtive look, then took out a thick red envelope and respectfully offered it to Captain with both hands.
"Thank you for not minding the danger in coming to our home, and for allowing your wife to examine Emma. This is just a small token of our gratitude, please accept it."
Captain glanced at the envelope, the corner of his lips lifting into a faintly cold smile.
"Give it to her."
Just three words but they sent a chill straight down the Franco couple's spines. They hurriedly turned and presented the envelope to me.
"Doctor Bailey, please accept it."
I froze, instinctively shaking my head, a little embarrassed. "Maybe… we should talk about this after Emma has fully recovered?"
But the gloomy look from Captain left me unable to say another word.
"Just take it," he said calmly. "Pocket money."
I took a deep breath and finally accepted it. When my fingers touched the envelope, I couldn't help being surprised by how thick it was. After returning to the villa, curiosity got the better of me and I opened it only to discover it contained about fifty thousand. The number left me standing there for a few seconds, more than my monthly salary at the hospital. I hesitated, then decided to put it away carefully. With this money, at least when I left, I'd have a bit more security for myself.
"Are you that happy?" Captain's voice sounded behind me.
I nodded without hiding it. Being able to earn money with my own skills, how could I not be happy?
He sat on the sofa with his legs crossed, his gaze darkening rapidly. Just that little money was enough to make me this cheerful, yet back then when he'd handed me a black card, I'd been so indifferent. The thought made the aura around him turn noticeably colder.
I'd just finished putting the envelope away when I sensed the atmosphere in the living room grow heavier. Reflexively, I shrank back, even tucking in my neck.
Just then, Ronan walked in.
"Captain, the car is ready."
"Now." Captain stood up immediately. His tall figure blocked the light in front of me.
I looked up, unable to hide my surprise. "You're going out again? But you're still injured moving around so much isn't good for your wound."
He didn't answer. When he reached the door, he suddenly stopped and turned to Ronan.
"You stay."
Ronan paused for a moment, then nodded. I guessed he understood, this was to protect me.
As soon as the door closed, a very clear sense of unease rose in my chest. Captain's urgency and stubbornness just now… didn't feel like handling an ordinary matter. It felt like something he had to deal with personally.
I turned to Ronan.
"Where did he go?"
Ronan hesitated for a second, then answered, "The old Anderson estate."
My heart tightened.
"The old estate…? Does what happened in Ravenholm have something to do with that side?"
A chill crept up my spine. The Anderson family had always seemed complicated to me, but now it appeared like a velvet-draped castle splendid on the outside, yet possibly hiding a bottomless abyss within.
Ronan quickly lowered his voice. "Sister-in-law, why would you think that far?"
I realized I'd said too much and glanced around, only letting out a quiet breath after confirming no one else was nearby.
"It's just… I noticed he really hates going back to the old estate. For him to suddenly return now, something big must have happened. And recently, the biggest thing… is Ravenholm."
Ronan looked at me, his expression both surprised and complicated.
"Sister-in-law, it's really a waste that you're not a private detective."
I laughed softly and rubbed the bridge of my nose. "So I guessed right?"
He didn't answer directly, just smiled. But my heartbeat quickened in my chest. No denial… meant it really was connected.
I fell silent. In my mind, only one thought remained painfully clear...
The Anderson family might be far more terrifying than anything I had seen so far.