Seeing Laura hesitate, Natalie decided to push a little harder. "Mrs. Holden, don''t worry. I''ve practically one foot in the grave already-just an old woman with nothing left to lose.


    "Mark isn''t an idiot, and he''s definitely not a creep. Even if we shared the same bed, nothing would happen, let alone just staying in the same room."


    Laura was rendered speechless. Just imagining that scenario made her head hurt. Nheless, Natalie had already put it so bluntly. If she kept overthinking it, she would only make herself look narrow-minded.


    Still, Laura could not shake the unease. Natalie might not care, but Marcus was young. He had his whole future ahead of him. He would date, fall in love, and get married one day.


    After thinking it over, Laura carefully suggested, "How about I arrange two rooms for you instead? Dr. Elim, don''t get me wrong. It''s just that sharing a room might be a little cramped and ufortable for you both."


    "That''s fine." Natalie did not care about the room arrangements. Her only goal was to make sure Laura agreed to let Marcus stay.


    They were mother and son, yet Laura was too afraid to acknowledge him. That kind of torment-being so close yet unable to reunite was already painful enough.


    Letting Marcus stay might at least ease Laura''s longing for him. Besides, Marcus refused to leave.


    She added, "I''ll make sure he doesn''t wander around."


    "It''s alright. I''ll have Benson take care of it." Laura did not know what to feel. She was happy, but more than anything, she was worried.


    Her condition was unpredictable. She worried it might mutate or be contagious. If she ended up harming the people around her, she would never forgive herself.


    "Mrs. Holden, please don''t worry. Your illness is not contagious," Natalie reassured her firmly. "I will cure you. Trust me."


    "Alright... I trust you." Laura hesitated but eventually nodded.


    She turned and called Benson over. "Benson, prepare two guest rooms. Find out Mr. Mark'' preferences and any things he dislikes. Do the same for Dr. Elim. Make sure everything is arranged properly so they arefortable and feel at home. Understand?"


    "Of course, Mrs. Holden. I''ll take care of it," Benson respectfully said.


    Then, he walked over to Marcus and Natalie to discuss their needs before


    heading off to make the arrangements. Scarlet Hill Residence was not particrlyrge, but there were plenty of rooms.


    The entire estate was understatedly elegant, its ssic architecture blending seamlessly with its surroundings. The rooms on the third floor had a stunning view -just beyond the windows stretched endless fields of scarlet poppies.


    When the wind blew, the petals would drift into the courtyard, and on especially breezy days, they even floated into the rooms. The rooms themselves were not big, but they were warm, inviting, and practical.


    After settling in, Natalie unpacked her bag, freshened up, and then took a seat by the window. She pulled out Wesley''s notebook and started reading.


    The notebook was thick, every page filled with his neatly handwritten notes. His handwriting was so precise that it looked almost like it had been printed.


    However, the more she read, the more disturbing the content became. There were even photos attached, each one corresponding to a detailed description of the situation at the time.


    Natalie waspletely absorbed in reading, unaware of how much time had passed until a knock on the door pulled her back to reality.


    "Dr. Elim, it''s time for dinner." Marcus'' voice came from outside.


    She quickly responded, "Got it. I''ll be down in a bit."


    "I''ll wait for you at the door."


    "Alright." She carefully put the notebook away, then walked over to the mirror to check herself onest time. Once she was sure nothing was out of ce, she finally opened the door and stepped out.


    "Let''s go."


    "Okay!"


    The two of them made their way downstairs. Benson had already prepared dinner -a simple spread of home-cooked dishes, all light and easy on the stomach.


    However, Laura and Wesley were eating in their own room. They had instructed Benson to host Marcus and Natalie on their behalf.


    "Mr. Mark, Dr. Elim, Mr. and Mrs. Holden won''t be joining you for dinner due to health reasons," Benson exined politely. "I''ll be dining with you in their ce."


    "I need to check Mrs. Holden''s diet." Natalie suddenly stood up and gave Marcus a look. "Mark,e help me."


    Marcus immediately followed her lead. "Alright, Dr. Elim."


    Benson hesitated, quickly stepping forward to block them. "Dr. Elim, could you please wait a moment? Let me ask Mrs. Holden first."


    Natalie replied, "Sure. I just need to be fully informed about her condition, so I''ll need your full cooperation."


    "Of course," Benson said before heading upstairs. He was gone for quite a while before finally returning. "Dr. Elim, this way, please. Can Mr. Mark stay behind?"


    Natalie''s tone turned cold. "No, he''sing. He''s my assistant, and he''s here to help me treat Mrs. Holden. Why do you keep trying to get rid of him? What exactly are you hiding?"


    Benson immediately apologized. "I''m sorry, Dr. Elim. That''s not our intention."


    "It better not be," she replied.


    With a sharp look at Marcus, Natalie started walking, and he followed without question. Benson had no choice but to lead the way. This time, they were taken to a smaller room instead of heading to Laura and Wesley''s main bedroom.


    Benson knocked lightly, and after receiving permission, he cautiously pushed the door open. Inside, there was a small dining table with two chairs. Two bowls of in chicken soup and two sses of milk were on the table.


    Laura and Wesley, bothpletely covered from head to toe, sat facing each other-but neither of them had touched their food. The moment they saw Natalie and Marcus enter, they immediately stood up.


    "Mark, take some photos and document Mrs. Holden''s meal."


    Natalie''s voice was firm as she gave her instructions. "Mrs. Holden, eat as you normally would. I need to observe how your body reacts afterward."


    Laura''s body tensed. With Marcus in the room, she would have to remove the bandages covering her face in order to eat.


    The Holden family might not have any of her photos left, but she and Marcus still shared strikingly simr features.


    "Mrs. Holden, there''s nothing to be afraid of. Mark is highly professional." Natalie walked closer. "If you want to get better, you have to cooperate with us. Even if I find a cure, I can''t help you if you won''t work with me."


    "Mrs. Holden, please trust us," Marcus chimed in, his voice calm andposed. "Doctors don''t discriminate. To me, you are simply another patient Dr. Elim is


    treating, and we''re only doing our job. Please cooperate."


    "But I..." Laura''s voice came out hoarse and strained, unable to bring herself to sit


    there and eat with Marcus watching.


    "I can''t... I really can''t." Laura lifted both hands to her face, gripping the fabric tightly. "Please... don''t force me. Dr. Etim, I beg you-please ask Mark to leave. I''ve already agreed to let him stay. That was difficult enough for me. Please don''t push me any further."


    Tears welled in her eyes, her breathing in shaky gasps. She just could not do


    it. No matter what, she would not let Marcus see her like this.