As Marcus spoke, his voice grew softer and more solemn. He unintentionally revealed the feelings he had bottled up "Nat, I''m not that fragile. I won''t hold a grudge against my mother. I won''t do that."


    "I get it, I really do!" Natalie gently patted Marcus on the back, offeringfort as if he were a small child.


    She continued, "You and your parents miss each other terribly. They''ve been seeking medical treatment elsewhere for years, hoping toe back healthy and see you. They love you so much. Marcus, your parents care for you deeply.


    "You also mentioned that their home is filled with things rted to you, including photos they had put away before. They didn''t want you to visit at first, but they missed you, which is why they eventually agreed to let youe with me."


    Natalie''s voice was soft and soothing, as she reassured Marcus patiently. "You figured it out from the start but chose not to reveal it, showing your willingness to cooperate with your parents.


    "Now that you''ve reunited and understand that your parents didn''t abandon you intentionally, you should feel d about it."


    "I can''t find it in me to be d about it," Marcus whispered, resting his head on Natalie''s shoulder. "I''d prefer if they were actually traveling outside instead of enduring this illness and suffering."


    For a moment, Natalie didn''t know what to say.


    "Nat, I''m sorry," Marcus said, squeezing her briefly before slowly standing upright. He pressed his forehead against hers and asked, "Nat, tell me the truth. Is my mother''s illness truly not contagious?"


    "You''re worried about me?" Natalie asked, gazing at him intently. "Are you afraid I might catch it?"


    "Yes," Marcus admitted without hesitation. "On the way here, when I was pretending to be asleep, I noticed you looking at some information."


    That information was about Umbrahex. Marcus had refrained from asking about it directly, but he was aware of what it was.


    "Now that you understand, things will be much simpler." Natalie smiled. "Marcus, I need your help. I also need Grandpa Charles'' and Sheldon''s help."


    "Tell me what you need," Marcus urged.


    "Let''s discuss it when we return," Natalie said, taking hold of Marcus'' hand and turning to head back to Scarlet Hill Residence.


    While they were briefly away, Laura foundfort in Wesley''s support. She had also met with Charles and Sheldon during that time. As soon as Laura saw Charles, she immediately fell to her knees.


    Over the years, if Charles hadn''t helped raise Marcus, she and Wesley wouldn''t have been able to seek medical treatment with a clear mind. Alongside missing her son, Laura carried a deep sense of guilt toward Charles.


    "Father, I''ve wronged you, Wesley, and Marcus," Laura cried, overwhelmed with emotion. Struggling to hold back her tears, she remained on the ground after bowing, refusing to rise. "It''s my fault. I''ve let the Holden family down."


    "Laura, if you keep saying things like that, don''t call me Father anymore," Charles admonished, signaling Wesley with a nce. "Why are you just standing there? Help your wife up."


    "There''s no point in such talk among family. If anyone''s endured the most, it''s you," Charles sighed.


    He added, "Laura, we''re family, and there''s no need for apologies. Now that Elim has said she can cure you, there''s hope. With hope, our family should be happier. Stop crying. We should all be smiling, andughing with joy."


    "Yes, Father. You are right. We should all be smiling."


    Wesley helped Laura up and said, "Marcus and Dr. Elim are back."


    "You guys don''t have to call her Dr. Elim anymore. Just call her Elim," Charles suggested.


    He was aware of Natalie''s real identity. If she and Marcus were to marry in the future, she would need to start addressing Marcus'' parents as "Mom" and "Dad". At the moment, hearing them refer to her as "doctor", Charles found it somewhat odd. Cóntent belongs to


    "I don''t think that''s quite right," Wesley hesitated, feeling it might be disrespectful to Elim.


    "There''s nothing wrong with it," Charles dismissed, waving his hand. "Marcus and Elim have a strong bond, and I also get along well with Elim. Therefore, you all should have a good rtionship with her too. Right, Elim?"


    Natalie nodded in agreement. "Yes, Grandpa Charles is right."


    In the room, Benson had already been sent down the mountain to purchase supplies. The remaining people present were all members of the Holden family. Among family, there was no need to be so polite.


    However, Charles still kept her true identity a secret. Laura and Wesley were already under significant psychological strain. If they discovered she was actually Marcus'' girlfriend, Laura might refuse her treatment.


    When Natalie was disguised as the elderly Elim, Laura would instinctively step back when she attempted to approach. If Laura knew she was a young woman, she would be even more worried about passing on her illness.


    1.n


    Laura was apassionate person. Despite being tormented by her illness to the extent that she felt life was worse than death, she still. thought of others. Over the years, to see her son, she had endured the pain and sought treatment everywhere, trying every possible method. Such resilience was rare.


    Not only was she Marcus'' biological mother, but due to her kindness and determination, Natalie was determined to save her.


    "I need Marcus help," Natalie stated


    deliberately. Mrs. Holden, Mr.


    Holden, it''s important for you both to fully cooperate with me. With


    Sheldon and Connie present,


    Benson


    doesn''t need to be here for now. They can manage perfectly. Do you two have any objections?"


    "No," Wesley replied swiftly, shaking his head. "We have no objections. However, Benson has been with us for a long time. His loyalty is unquestionable, and we''re ustomed to relying on him.


    "Sheldon and the youngdy aren''t familiar with Scarlet Hill. Having Benson here might make things run more smoothly."


    Natalie paused to consider before asking, "Can Benson be trusted?"


    "He is trustworthy. Please don''t worry, Elim."


    "Very well, let him stay." As long as the Holden family trusted him, she wouldn''t insist on him leaving.


    "Next, I need everyone to cooperate and divide the tasks among us." Natalie needed to identify Laura''s illness and the type of poison she had encountered before determining the treatment n.


    "Connie, bring me myptop."


    "Okay." Connie promptly turned on theptop and set it before Natalie.


    Natalie began typing and soon drafted a detailed n, which she sent to Marcus.


    "Marcus, distribute this document to everyone. It''s important for all to read it. I''l begin treating Mrs. Holden in three days. During this period, I''ll be alone with her, and none of you may interrupt us."