Chapter 12

Chapter 12

Stephanie wanted to reveal to Vincent that she was the Miracle Doctor Summer and discuss his current health situation. She planned to offer him detox acupuncture and check the medication he had been taking

Before Vincent could respond, his phone vibrated with an incoming call. He picked up and said, “Miracle Doctor Summer has been spotted in Jacaster, The exact location hasn’t been revealed yet. We can’t let them leave Jacaster again. My mom’s brain tumor needs a mix of old–school and modern medicine. They’ve turned us down before, but this time we find them we’ve got to do whatever it takes, even if it means breaking their legs to bring them

hore.”

Stephanie was rendered speechless. In her previous life, she knew that Vincent had been looking for the renowned Miracle Doctor Summer, but she had always assumed he was doing it for his own sake–to treat his legs–because of Douglas’s influence. She hadn’t wanted to treat Vincent back then, she had no idea it was all for his mother’s illness.

With Vincent’s severe leg condition, she wondered who could have treated it successfully. Looking at Vincent’s stern features, Stephanie no longer dared to admit that she was Miracle Doctor Summer.

After he hung up, Vincent turned to her. “What were you saying?”

A bit on edge, Stephanie blurted out, “Can I stay over tonight?”

Vincent seemed taken aback for a moment.

Seeing the uncertainty in his eyes, Stephanie rushed to further her request, “Just for tonight, okay?”

Vincent softened at her hopeful look and relented. “Alright.”

She practically bounced on her toes, “Great, I’ll just grab a shower and be right back!” Then she zipped out of the room.

Back in the adjacent room, she found a dresser packed with top–shelf beauty products, some fancy pajamas, and nightgowns laid out on the bed. She couldn’t help but smile as she picked up the silk nightgown and headed for the bathroom.

Alter the shower, she had dried her hair and put on the nightdress, her skin also lightly scented with a pleasant smelling body lotion. However, when she went to Vincent’s bedroom, he wasn’t there.

That was when her phone buzzed with a message. Vincent: [Go ahead and sleep. I’m in the study for a video conference.]

Stephanie: [Okay.]

She then searched for Vincent’s usual medication. She discovered two small white bottles in the medicine box, tipping one out and sniffing it–there was a faint bitterness. To know the exact ingredients, she would need to analyze it with proper equipment. Because there were many pills in each bottle, she took one from each bottle for testing and put the small bottles back as they were.

She took the sampled pills back to her own room, then draped on a knit cardigan and grabbed a small black device before heading downstairs.

Everything was set up, and she returned to Vincent’s bedroom.

Stephanie waited until late at night, but Vincent still hadn’t come back. Gradually, her eyelids began fighting to stay open, and soon her eyes shut. About an hour later, the door opened quietly, and Vincent returned to the room in his wheelchair, closing the door gently behind him.

The soft glow of a bedside lamp filled the room as Vincent drew near, observing Stephanie under the covers. Her hair spread out on the pillow, encircling her small face and highlighting her tranquil beauty. Her long and thick lashes and slightly parted lips added to her serene allure.

As Vincent’s gaze trailed downward, he couldn’t help but swallow hard Dressed in a pearl–white nightgown, Stephanie’s tanned skin, delicate collarbone, and the hint of her cleavage were strikingly evident. Vincent turned away, feeling an unexpected heat surge through his body. He took a desp

Chapter 12

breath, feeling tormented by her staying the night.

In a daze, Stephanie opened her eyes to see Vincent by the bed. She propped herself up, saying, “You’re back: come sleep.”

He nodded, unable to take his eyes off her as her nightgown straps slipped down slightly, revealing more of her alluring figure.

“Your strap…” he started.

Quickly looking down, Stephanie adjusted them and asked, “Need a hand getting into bed?”

“No, I’ve got this,” Vincent replied, declining her offer. Perched on the edge of the bed, he braced himself with his hands, methodically lifting his legs onto

the bed one at a time.

Stephanie bit back a chuckle, thinking, ‘He’s perfectly fine, yet he’s acting like he’s hurt. Watching Vincent carefully lie down, she snuggled up next to him, drawing the blanket over them both.

“Goodnight, Honey,” she whispered.

“Good night,” came Vincent’s reply, as he reached out to flick off the wall lamp.

Darkness enveloped the room, sharpening their other senses. Their breathing became the only sound, setting a charged atmosphere. Every now and then, Stephanie could hear Vincent swallow deeply, sending her heart into a flutter, She reached out to touch his arm.

Vincent paused before speaking. “This isn’t something I’m used to.”

“Then, I’ll just sleep over there,” Stephanie suggested, her voice tinged with disappointment.

“No, stay. It’s fine,” Vincent quickly assured her..

Stephanie made a move to turn away, hesitated, then faced him again, keeping a respectful distance. “Just so you know, I’m a sound sleeper.”

“Just sleep,” Vincent said softly.

“Okay.” Stephanie smiled, comforted by Vincent’s familiar, crisp scent.

Eventually, sleep claimed her.

Vincent lay awake, watching her. In the darkness, Stephanie’s scent was even more intoxicating. He turned toward her, gently brushing her hair, when unexpectedly, he felt a weight on his waist.

As he reached out, he brushed against her leg, and his heart skipped a beat. ‘Is this her idea of being a “sound sleeper“?” he wondered.

Then, Stephanie snuggled closer, resting her head against his chest. Vincent inhaled deeply, unsettled yet soothed by her nearness. Her warmth enveloped him as she found a snug position in his arms.

Vincent closed his eyes, breathing in deeply, finding himself drawn to Stephanie’s subtle provocations.

Throughout the night, he reminded himself, “Stay calm. Sex is trivial”

The next morning. Vincent was already gone when Stephanie awoke. She checked her phone to see it was eight in the morning.

A black card and a note awaited har on the bedside table.

The note read: [I’ve arranged for some essential Feel free to buy whatever clothes or accessories you like. Have the butler take you shopping]

12:42 Sat, 25 May

Chapter 12

Stephanie smiled, for she was planning to head out anyway.

She texted Vincent: [Good morning, Honey.

Vincent replied: [The card has no limit. Use it freely.]

Stephanie sent back: [Thanks, honey!] along with a kiss emoji.

77

In his meeting room, Vincent’s sudden smile puzzled his colleagues, a rare break from his usual stern demeanor. Yet, just as quickly, he was back to his serious sell, leaving them to wonder if they’d imagined his brief amusement.

After getting ready, Stephanie went for breakfast, and then left with the butler.

Watching the car drive away. Lydia quickly hid herself and texted, [Mrs. Fletcher stayed the night with Mr. Fletcher.]

In the car, Stephanie saw Lydia’s sneaky move on her phone and eyed it suspiciously.