Natalie carefully reviewed everything and forwarded the email to Federrick after some thought.


    Natalie typed, "Mr. Langton, take a look at this patient. This illness doesn''t seem like something a normal person would contract."


    Before long, Federrick replied, "This is Umbrahex. There''s something inside this person''s body. Nat, this kind of condition isn''t something an ordinary person can cure. Just give up!"


    Natalie quickly typed back, "I won''t give up. I''ve already epted this patient, Mr. Langton. Can you not discourage me before I''ve even begun?"


    "Oh? You''ve got some backbone. Well, I''ll be watching you. Keep it up."


    As Natalie looked at the heart emoji at the end of hisst message, she could not help but reply with a long string of dots.


    However, Federrick''s words confirmed her suspicions. This patient wasn''t suffering from amon illness.


    She wasn''t particrly skilled in treating Umbrahex, but since she had taken on the case, she was determined to cure the patient.


    Natalie didn''t continue chatting with Federrick, but she received a document from him five minutester. She opened it to find information about Umbrahex.


    Natalie couldn''t help but smile. He was still the same-stubborn on the outside, soft on the inside.


    She replied, "Thank you, Mr. Langton." Of course, she ended the text with a heart emoji of her own.


    Federrick texted back, "I''m just worried about being embarrassed if you can''t cure the patient properly."


    "Yes, of course, Mr. Langton. Don''t worry. I definitely won''t disgrace you." And another heart emoji for good measure.


    Federrick didn''t reply anymore. Natalie exited the chat and began seriously reading through the information.


    ...


    The driver continued to drive smoothly. They stopped to rest a few times along the way, making for a rtively rxed journey to Amberton.


    Upon arriving, Natalie immediately instructed Noah to navigate them to Scarlet Hill. She had already arranged a meeting with the patient, and someone would be there to wee her.


    Marcus, on the other hand, had grown increasingly silent ever since they entered Amberton.


    She tried speaking to him a few times, but he only managed a forced smile in response.


    "Marcus, are you feeling unwell?" She reached out to touch his forehead. "Are you carsick?"


    He shook his head and grasped her hand in one fluid motion, pressing her palm against his cheek."Nat, I don''t feelfortable getting close to Scarlet Hill. The closer we get, the harder it is for me to breathe."


    His face was a little pale, and his voice carried a faint weakness.


    "Really?" Natalie eyed him skeptically. She ced her fingers on his wrist and found that his pulse was strong, steady, and brimming with vitality.


    "Yes." He smoothly pulled back his wrist and wrapped his arms around her instead. "Nat, I feel awful."


    "Does this help?" Natalie cupped his face and kissed him on the lips.


    After one kiss, she held his face and asked, "Are you still feeling bad? If you still feel unwell, I''ll kiss you a few more times."


    With that, she began peppering his face with quick little kisses. As she kissed him, she teased, "Is that enough, baby?"


    When Marcus heard her call him "baby", his ears turned red.


    "Nat, you-"


    Before he could say another word, she kissed him again. "Shhh, just enjoy it."


    Marcus was rendered speechless. Well, he couldn''t say he didn''t like it.


    She continued for a while before finally smiling and asking, "Are you feeling better now? Still ufortable?"


    He hummed in response. "Not anymore."


    A subtle smile yed at the corners


    of Marcus'' lips. He realized that


    Natalie''s personality was quite different from the way she looked. Butpared to her cold, distant self of the past, he preferred this side of her.


    After all, a rtionship should have the warmth and sweetness of a couple in


    love.


    "Mr. Holden, Ms. Walker, we''re almost at Scarlet Hill." Noah''s voice suddenly came from the front.


    He and the driver had taken turns behind the wheel, and as they neared their destination, the breathtaking view of Scarlet Hill became clearer.


    Scarlet Hill was famous for its abundance of scarlet poppies, both on the mountain itself and within the surrounding viges. It was peak blooming season, and the entire area was covered in a brilliant sea of fiery red blossoms.


    A long avenue lined with towering red maple trees stretches endlessly on both sides. When autumn arrived, their fiery crimson leaves burst into color, forming a dense, vibrant canopy. Sunlight filtered through the branches and foliage, casting dappled patterns onto the road


    below.


    When the wind blew, the leaves fluttered down like a gentle rain of petals, painting


    the street in shades of scarlet and gold.


    Tourists flocked to Scarlet Avenue during this season every year to witness its breathtaking beauty.


    Natalie had arranged to meet the patient at the end of Scarlet Avenue.


    She let go of Marcus and leaned toward the car window, rolling it down to take in the scenery. "This ce is truly stunning."


    In the distance, Scarlet Hill stood covered in a vibrant ze of flowers. The sheer visual impact was striking. It was as if the entire mountain was cloaked in mes.


    At first nce, she was captivated by the view.


    "Marcus, let''s buy a house here! Whenever we have time off, we cane and stay for a while."


    She didn''t turn to look at him as she extended her hand, feeling the breeze caress her fingertips. "The air is filled with the scent of flowers."


    "Alright." Marcus agreed without hesitation. "Once we arrive, we''ll go house hunting."


    "You handle that. I have someone to meet." She turned to him, and her eyes curved into a smile. "I hope that by the time I''m done, you''ll have already secured our love nest."


    "Hm?" Marcus raised an eyebrow before his lips curled up. Love nest, huh? That was something he could definitely take care of.


    "Alright."


    "Then it''s settled." She reached out and pinched his ear. "Make sure to pick a big,fortable bed. We''ll sleep together tonight."


    His ears turned bright red instantly. He wrapped an arm around her waist, drawing


    her closer, and murmured in his deep, maic voice, "Nat, are you sure?"


    "Very sure," she responded without hesitation. "I don''t think I''d be at a disadvantage in bed."


    After all, she was quite aggressive when drunk. If she were that bold while intoxicated, then she would surely be even more formidable when she was sober.


    Marcus chuckled. "Mr. Walker warned me not to cross any lines before we''re married."


    "Oh?" She blinked. "Then, you just have to stay still. After all, my dad only told you not to cross the line. He never said I couldn''t take advantage of you, right? Dear, do I make sense?"


    Marcus'' eyes were filled with amusement. "My girlfriend is always right."


    "Mr. Holden, Ms. Walker, we''ve arrived." Noah''s voice rang out again as the car pulled into a parking lot near Scarlet Avenue.


    "We''re here, so let''s get out." Natalie stepped out of the car, and in the next moment, Marcus followed.


    "Nat, I''ll go with you to meet your contact. I''ll only be at ease once I''ve seen


    them."


    "Alright." She didn''t disagree. She knew Marcus had a bit of a lover''s mindset—


    and he was even clingier than she had expected.


    Thus, she did her best to make him feel secure.