Chapter 53

Following several days spent with Lillian, another appointment was already waiting.

This would mark the third and final round of treatment.

Fannie stirred awake more than once throughout the procedure.

Still, with Eleanor in disguise, Fannie never guessed her true identity.

As Eleanor prepared to insert the last needle, the room's door swung open, and Nolan entered, his eyes covered by a cloth.

Her hand faltered just a moment, frustration prickling at her nerves.

Of all days, why did he have the luxury to supervise in person now?

At least he had the sense to keep his eyes shielded,or else she would have had to stop right there.

Once she regained her composure, Eleanor inserted the last needle.

A short wait would be necessary before she could remove the needles.

Nolan remained off to the side, saying nothing.

Eleanor expected the silence to linger, but he broke it with an unexpected compliment. "Your abilities as a healer are impressive, Soul Surgeon."

She offered no reply.

Nolan continued, undeterred by her lack of response,"The last doctor who treated my sister believed her case was almost hopeless. In only three weeks,you've managed to help her recover."

Nolan rarely spoke at such length.

Was he trying to uncover something? A frown settled on Eleanor's face, but she kept her silence.

Since his eyes stayed hidden, she figured there was nothing for him to pick up on as long as she stayed quiet.

Surprisingly, Nolan shifted just enough to face her directly, even with the cloth over his eyes. "Soul Surgeon, are you familiar with clinical medicine at Northbridge University?"

Eleanor's hand trembled for a moment. "I know a little about it."

Clearly, this bothersome man would not give up until she replied.

Everyone knew Northbridge University ranked as the nation's top school. Acting clueless would only invite suspicion.

Sure enough, after she answered, Nolan edged closer.

Although a black cloth still covered his eyes, the faint lift of his lips showed he was in good spirits.

Standing so near, Eleanor could once again catch that familiar crisp scent of his.

"I happen to know someone who had a degree in the clinical medicine from Northbridge University. She'd be thrilled if she heard you were interested in it."

Could he be talking about her?

Was he growing suspicious?

No,she needed to cut this conversation short.

Luckily, the session wrapped up just then, giving her an excuse to steer away from the topic.

"The treatment is finished, and your sister has made a full recovery. There will be no need for us to meet again." Eleanor delivered the words quickly, gathered her tools without delay, and intended to leave the room,

Yet, Nolan blocked her way without a hint of panic."What's the hurry? I wanted to discuss Fannie's aftercare."

Staring at his striking features, Eleanor fought back a wave of irritation.

"I'l send all the instructions to the number that reached out before." She tried to slip past him.

Nolan appeared to sense what she was about to do and stepped in just enough to block her way again."I'm sorry, I suppose I'm a bit restless. I want to hear about my sister's condition directly from you."

Even with the cloth over his eyes, it felt as though his gaze pinned her in place.

A sense of impatience crept up on Eleanor.

She nearly blurted out a demand to know what he really wanted.

Her better judgment stopped her just in time.

Exposing herself now would bring nothing but headaches.

With her jaw set and her voice steady, she said, "Mr. Stewart, I'd appreciate it if you respected my boundaries. I trust your staff has already explained my terms."

Her meaning was obvious. She wanted him to stop digging into who she really was.

A trace of amusement flickered across Nolan's face as he lifted his brows. He could see that Eleanor still stayed sharp.

After a moment, he finally moved aside, letting her through.

Relief swept over Eleanor.

She reached for the door, only for Nolan's low voice to echo behind her.

Soft as it was, the sound struck her like a jolt."Eleanor."

Her entire body went rigid.

Every muscle froze.

Was this a confession of what he knew? Or was he just fishing for a reaction?

She couldn't let anything slip.

Without turning or giving any sign, Eleanor pulled the door open and slipped out, never once looking back.

Nolan removed the black cloth from his eyes, a pleased smile settling on his lips as he watched her leave.

There was no doubt in his mind now. It truly was Eleanor.