41Miranda, a young nurse who had been quietly observing from the back, stepped forward, her laughter joining the chorus. "I never thought I'd see the day when Dr. Peregrine would run from a jar of spiders!" she exclaimed between fits of giggles.Darien, leaning against a wall for support, shook his head in amusement. "It seems there are more ways to heal than just medicine. Sometimes, a good laugh is the best cure."Amelia, her heart lighter than it had been in days, nodded in agreement. "You've given us so much more than just healing, sir French. You've brought us together, shown us the power of keeping an open mind, and yes, given us a good laugh."It was nothing, really, miss Fairchild." He said.Amelia, still basking in the glow of her grandfather's miraculous recovery, turned her attention to ensuring Darien's comfort. "I'll have my driver ready to take you home," she said, already moving towards her phone. A few swift touches later, she confirmed, "The car will be ready shortly

43Two days later Darien received a call from Amelia asking for him to come over to their house. Over the phone, Amelia had sounded a little hesitant and apologetic and Darien couldn't decipher why, the only way to find out was to seek Amelia Fairchild out, and so wasting no time, Darien headed over to her house, On getting to the Fairchild's residence, Darien met the imposing figures of various securities at the gate, and dismissed their appearance.“S-sir French…It's so good to see you again.” Camilla exclaimed as soon as she saw Darien, a little smile lighting her face up, Darien smiled in response and gave her a small nod.A knowing smile etched on Camilla's face as she nodded and informed Darien of Amelia's whereabouts. Camilla led Darien into an office den, where he had to wait a few minutes before Amelia's arrival, standing behind her was a man who had uncanny resemblance to Camilla, beside the man stood a woman with a slight scowl on her face.Darien got to his feet to welco

45Darien's expression was stone cold, his anger simmered beneath the surface, his eyes bore into Theodore's with unyielding resolve. "Being outnumbered has never determined the outcome of a true battle. It's not about the number of men standing with you, but the strength within the one who stands."Amelia, watching the confrontation unfold, felt a mixture of fear and awe. This was the second time she saw him like this—so formidable and unafraid. It made her reconsider the simplicity she had attributed to his character.Darien turned his gaze towards the assembled guards, assessing them with a calmness that belied the tension in the air. "You might want to reconsider your approach, Mr. Fairchild. I came here in peace, seeking only what was promised. Yet, you meet me with threats and force."Theodore's smirk wavered, sensing the conviction in Darien's voice. For a moment, doubt flickered in his eyes, but his pride and the need to maintain control in front of his family and the guards s

47Theodore stumbled back, hand flying to his reddened cheek, eyes wide with shock and disbelief. Felicia's mouth hung open, her previous arrogance now replaced by a fear that chilled her to the bone."Show some respect," Flint growled, his voice low and dangerous. "This man, is not who you think he is. He is Commandant French, a hero of the highest order, and you would do well to remember that."But Theodore, ever the fool, found the audacity to retort through gritted teeth, his own fists now clenched in a futile gesture of defiance. "A hero? This... healer? You expect us to believe that?"Felicia, though visibly shaken, tried to stand by her husband's side, her voice quivering as she spoke. "Yes, it's... it's impossible. We refuse to believe such nonsense."Darien, who had been a silent observer to the escalating confrontation, finally stepped forward. His coolness was a stark contrast to the heated exchanges, his demeanor calm and composed."Believe what you will," Darien said, his

49Despite the varying look of disdain, shock and disbelief that was thrown at him, Darien dismissed their looks and trudged forward to where the bratty receptionist stood waiting with malevolent intent,As he walked the short distance, that ironically felt long, he could still hear their derogatory comments.“Must be lost or something, maybe he thinks this is an antique store.”One man scoffed to his companion,"He looks like a deer caught in the headlights, they better keep an eye on him. He probably is here on ulterior motive,” the woman leaned to her companion’s ear, and conspiratorially whispered-yelled for the benefits of all,“They better keep an eye on him. He probably is here to steal, that coat must have compartments to aid in his mission."The few people who had heard her comment, nodded their heads in agreement and looked at Darien’s direction.Darien was unmoved by their remarks, his sole mission was to get the gown that had caught his attention, and as he thought of Lavin