Filed to story: Seventeen Heartbreaks: When Love Has No Voice
Florrie stepped forward, her voice calm but quick, trying to divert the storm.
“Mrs. White, I was there the whole time. Miss Nixon complained about feeling unwell and asked to see Calvert. All he did was conduct a brief examination-I saw it myself. This could be an allergic reaction to something she ate. It has nothing to do with us.”
Gracelyn’s gaze snapped toward Florrie, her expression cold.
“Why are you so eager to defend yourselves? Did I say you or Calvert caused this?” Her tone softened only slightly, but the underlying steel remained.
“What I am saying is this: Calvert is a doctor. He examined Leila earlier. Why hadn’t he noticed something like this? How could it have been missed?”
Gracelyn turned back to Calvert, her irritation barely masked.
“Well? Are you just going to stand there, or are you going to find out what’s wrong with her?”
Calvert snapped to attention, eager to appease Gracelyn.
“Yes, Mrs. White. I’ll examine her immediately,” he said, his voice hurried. He approached Leila carefully, his hands trembling as he began a thorough examination.
Calvert’s gaze lingered on the dense red rashes spreading across Leila’s face, a wave of revulsion threatening to overcome him. He swallowed hard, forcing down his disgust. He knew the truth: the medicine he had prepared was only a temporary measure, and with the antidote, the symptoms would subside soon enough.
Steeling himself, Calvert began the examination, his fingers steady but his stomach churning. He needed to maintain his composure if he hoped to pacify Gracelyn and avoid further scrutiny.
After what felt like an eternity, Calvert straightened and addressed Gracelyn with a carefully neutral tone.
“Mrs. White, I’ve identified the issue. The medicine I previously prepared for Leila seems to have contained a trace allergen. The amount was so minute that it took time for her body to react to it. This kind of reaction can vary depending on the individual’s physical condition, so predicting the exact timing was impossible. However, it’s not a serious problem. With the proper medication, she’ll recover fully.”
Leila, who had been holding her breath throughout the ordeal, finally exhaled in relief.
Gracelyn’s face softened a bit when she heard Calvert’s explanation. But when she looked at him, there was still a trace of wariness and mistrust in her eyes.
Clearly, Gracelyn still suspected that Leila’s sudden facial issue was linked to Calvert. Why else would such a thing happen at this time? Gracelyn suggested, “Since Leila’s condition is so delicate, changing the doctor seems like a wise choice. Dr. Watson, you’ve been dedicated, but you should focus on your responsibilities at the hospital. Unless it’s something critical, there’s no need for you to come here.”
Calvert’s expression changed immediately upon hearing her words. What did this old witch mean? Was she dismissing him? What would he do without this income? Even though he was employed at the hospital, the pay there didn’t match what he earned from the White family.
Over time, Calvert had become accustomed to a lifestyle of lavish spending. He struggled to adjust to the sudden drop in his earnings. Moreover, he had already won Leila’s affection. How could he just walk away?
Calvert quickly gave Florrie several urgent looks.
Florrie gritted her teeth and stepped forward.
“Mrs. White, there’s something important I need to discuss with you.”
“What is it? I’m really not up for talking.” Gracelyn dismissed her with a wave of her hand.
But Florrie insisted, “It’s important. It’s about your grandson. I have gathered some information on the matter you asked me to look into a while ago.”
Gracelyn’s countenance changed subtly, and she murmured a soft, “Okay.”
Leaning closer, Florrie whispered something to Gracelyn.
Because of the distance, Leila couldn’t make out what Florrie said. She only noticed that Gracelyn’s eyes shifted between her and Calvert, as if Gracelyn was pondering something deeply.
This gaze sent a shiver through Leila, sharpening her senses. What could Florrie have possibly told Gracelyn?
After their conversation, there was a noticeable change in Gracelyn’s attitude toward Calvert. She said with a warm smile, “Calvert, please disregard my earlier remarks. You’ve been with the White family for many years, and honestly, I’m not ready to let you go.”
“You go. Over the years, my husband and I have relied on you to keep our health in check. I was just worried that with the added responsibility of looking after Leila’s health, you might be stretching yourself too thin. I thought you deserved some well-earned rest.”
Inside, Calvert scoffed, wishing he could curse this old lady, but outwardly, he looked flattered.
“I feel honored. It’s no problem at all.”
Gracelyn put on that kind smile.
“In that case, could you please relay a message for me to Mr. Collins in the front hall? His condition has gotten better, and it’s time for him to head home. We can talk about any return of favors later.”
Calvert gave a nod and then excused himself from the room.
Leila let out a sigh of relief mixed with a hint of sadness. It was great that Landon’s injury had healed, and he could now leave this dangerous place. Her only concern was whether Landon knew she was here. Oh well. As long as Landon could leave safely, that was the most important thing.
Upon entering the hall, Calvert found Landon still there. A dark expression briefly crossed his face. This man was undeniably handsome, like someone straight out of a movie. It would be hard to say Leila wouldn’t be captivated upon seeing him. But that was irrelevant now. They would probably never cross paths again in this lifetime.
With this thought, a slight smile played on Calvert’s lips, though his eyes stayed cold.
“Mr. Collins,” he called out, moving forward and offering his hand to Landon.
Landon rose slowly and then reached out his hand. It was a habit of his. No matter where he was, he usually maintained a position of authority and rarely stood up to greet anyone. This time, he stood solely out of respect for Gracelyn, who had saved him.
Calvert internally cursed Landon’s arrogance but kept a pleasant expression.
“Mrs. White wanted me to tell you that since you’ve recovered, it would be best for you to leave soon. Remaining here any longer would just be a waste of your time and our resources.”
Calvert’s condescending tone wasn’t lost on Landon. He looked at Calvert, slightly puzzled. It seemed as though Calvert was suggesting Landon was purposefully overstaying his welcome to enjoy the luxury in the White family’s house.
A flicker of annoyance showed briefly in Landon’s eyes, but he kept his composure.
“Are those Mrs. White’s words, or yours?” he asked with a fake smile.
Calvert raised an eyebrow.
“Does it matter?”
Landon shook his head, not out of arrogance, but his demeanor grew more commanding, especially as he stood taller than Calvert.
Standing before Landon, Calvert felt an overwhelming pressure under Landon’s daunting gaze.
Landon’s voice, carrying a hint of mockery, reached Calvert’s ears.
“It really doesn’t matter. However, one thing is sure. Unless Gracelyn sent you, you have no right to say this to me. Outside of here, you wouldn’t even have the privilege to meet me.”
“You!” Visibly enraged, Calvert snapped back.
“Who do you think you are? Just an orphan with no roots. At least I am the resident doctor here. Believe it or not, I can make it difficult for you to stay in Burmoos.”
If it weren’t for wanting to avoid unnecessary trouble, Landon wouldn’t have tolerated such an affront from Calvert.
But there was a more important reason. Landon found it pointless to spend his time on someone like Calvert.
After giving Calvert a deep look, Landon walked away.
As Landon’s figure disappeared through the doorway, Calvert’s anger boiled over, and he spat in his direction.
“Who do you think you are? Just because you have a face that appeals to women? That’s all you have. Leila picked me over you. She doesn’t even care to see you.”
It was only after saying this that Calvert felt his confidence return. His ego had been previously crushed by Landon’s commanding aura. He felt as though he had reclaimed his pride.
However, Landon didn’t catch any of Calvert’s mutterings. Had he heard that final remark, he certainly wouldn’t have chosen to leave. By the time Landon made his way back to the Kensington family residence, it was quite late.
Catching sight of the familiar Kensington family villa caused him a brief moment of disorientation. However, it was short-lived. The thought that Leila was waiting for him at home brightened his mood, making his steps feel lighter.
He hadn’t reached out to Leila right after being released, partly due to not having a phone and partly because he wanted to surprise her. The butler, tending to the flowers outside, stopped in his tracks. He rubbed his eyes in disbelief as he saw Landon approaching.
Traded Places With Leila…
“Mr. Kensington?” the butler blurted out, his voice trembling as he stepped forward. His eyes shimmered with unshed tears, and his hands shook slightly at his sides.