Chapter 24

Through the rearview mirror, Ryan's eyes sparkled with anticipation. "We're almost at the hospital. Dr. Payne will be ready to run a full set of checks on you as soon as we arrive!"

mysterious condition.

"Really? That's incredible news!" Ryan broke into a wide grin, the relief in his voice impossible to miss.

Lewis nudged his glasses up and explained in a careful tone, "Initial results suggest that the toxin levels have dropped. But it's too soon to tell whether this is justa brief respite or a genuine cure."

A gleam of curiosity lit up his eyes. "Whoever stepped in must be a genius. I'd jump at the chance to learn from that doctor."

Intensity flickered in Colton's stare. The simple pill Grace handed him had worked wonders-far outstripping the expensive procedures and endless therapies his doctors had tried for years.

He found himself wondering about her true identity.

With a broad smile, Ryan clapped his hands together."Colton, you just got a miracle! That girl-she's your lucky charm!"

Thoughts of Grace's steady composure crept into Colton's mind, and a faint smile played on his lips. "At the very least, this buys us more time to track down Dr.Q."

Rubbing his palms together, Ryan could hardly contain his excitement. "We'll double the offer! If one billion wasn't enough, then two should do it. Money talks, and she's bound to listen!"

Rubbing his brow, Colton replied in a quiet tone,"Somehow, I doubt money is her main concern."

Despite everything, he found himself intrigued by Grace. She seemed to hold answers he desperately needed.

For once, fate had handed him a surprise he welcomed.

He was certain that another meeting with Grace wasn't far off.

Rather than wait in the endless line of cars, Grace decided to make her way home on her own.

She made a quick stop at a charming old ice cream shop, treating herself to a cone.

Cool vanilla and creamy milk flavors lingered as she wandered along, enjoying every bite.

Noticing the sky turning darker, she quickened her steps,determined not to let Rodger and Julia worry.

Once she reached the porch, Julia appeared, beaming warmly. Swinging the ornate door wide open, she said,"You're just in time. There's something important we

Twisting in his seat, Dominick's concern was plain."How are you holding up,Mr.Pearson?"

Colton shifted his feet with careful attention, surprise flickering across his face. "The heat inside me is gone,and I'm feeling more comfortable now."

Resting his hand against his knee, he added, "What's more...I can actually feel my legs again."

Poisoning had left him numb from the waist down for what felt like ages.

Hearing this, Ryan's hands tightened around the wheel,knuckles turning white.

Having known Colton for years, he understood exactly what that change implied. This was the first time in three years sensation had returned to Colton's legs.

Soon, the black Cayenne pulled up to the main doors of the Pearson Group's exclusive medical center.

Set on the edge of town, this pristine facility gleamed in the afternoon sun, staffed with elite doctors and packed with state-of-the-art technology-all under the Pearson name.

"Mr. Pearson has arrived!" a medical staff member called out as the team hurried to meet him, already prepped for his visit.

Lewis Payne hurried over with long strides. As an internationally renowned medical expert, he'd been recruited by the Pearson family three years prior, solely to oversee Colton's care.

Trailing behind him were six renowned specialists, each looking serious and focused.

"Another flare-up, Mr. Pearson?" Lewis asked, peering over his glasses at Colton's flushed features. "We'll get you started on a complete assessment right away."

Without missing a beat, he coordinated a series of tests for Colton.

About ten minutes later, he reviewed the results, his expression shifting from confusion to surprise. "Mr.Pearson, some of the toxins have disappeared from your system. Did you receive any new treatment recently?"

The revelation stunned Lewis; his entire team had spent years chasing dead ends with Colton's need to talk about together."

Gianna occupied a quiet corner, absorbed in her book and barely making a sound.

With a graceful flourish, Julia produced an invitation adorned with elegant details. "Take a look at what showed up today."

With careful fingers, she opened it. "This is an invitation to a high-profile banquet happening this weekend,exclusively for young women from influential families. The city's most prominent ladies will be attending. I believe it would be a great opportunity for you two to mingle and learn."

Every year, the Holden family found themselves on the guest list for gatherings like this.

Over time, Gianna had become quite familiar with these grand affairs, using them to build close connections with the city's upper crust.

At first, the idea of another elegant banquet brought a spark of excitement to Gianna.

Yet the idea of Grace joining in quickly erased her enthusiasm.

The thought alone was laughable. In her eyes, Grace was nothing more than an outsider, someone who didn't understand the unwritten rules of the social elite.

She felt certain Grace would only make a spectacle of herself.

As for Grace, banquets like these held little appeal,since she saw herself blending into the background,unnoticed.

Still, she understood her mother's reasoning-Julia wanted her to find her place as quickly as possible.

Spotting the hope shining in Julia's eyes, Grace managed a nod. "Okay, I'll go."

"That's wonderful news, Grace! You'll have the chance to meet so many interesting people," Julia exclaimed,her whole face lighting up. "I've already ordered custom gowns from Maison Blanche. They'll be delivered tomorrow."

She clapped with delight. "Wait until you see the one with all the sparkling details!"

Gianna finally set her book aside and spoke up, her voice soft but measured. "If there's anything you're unsure about, you can always ask me."

The warmth in her tone was flawless, but to Grace, it felt distant, like those glimmering displaysin fancy shop windows-impressive, yet far removed from reality.