But when it came to medicine, there was simply noparing her skills to someone like Mr. Burton, who had spent his entire life as a doctor.


    "Mr. Burton was invited overseas recently to consult on a case," Ste exined. "I''ve already spoken with him. He''lle by to see you as soon as hends tomorrow."


    Joshua nodded in acknowledgment.


    Ste uncapped the ointment in her hand.


    A distinct herbal scent drifted through the hospital room.


    Abby inhaled and smiled. “That smells wonderful. Keen really put a lot of thought into this."


    Ste returned the smile and reached out, ready to apply the ointment to Joshua''s wound.


    But Joshua''s eyes sharpened as he focused on the jar in her hand.


    “Ms. Cameron, may I take a look at that ointment?”


    Ste hesitated briefly, then handed it over.


    Joshua took the jar, inhaled the scent, then dabbed a little onto his fingertip and tested it.


    Abby, noticing the change in his expression, asked carefully, “Joshua, is something wrong? Is there a problem with the ointment?"


    "There is a bit of an issue," Joshua replied.


    Ste tensed. “What kind of issue? Don''t tell me... is it poisonous?"


    Could Rachel have given this to Keen? Did Rachel tamper with the ointment?


    Joshua examined it a couple more times before finally looking up.


    "Calling it poison isn''t quite right,” he said. “The ointment is actually very effective for stopping bleeding and helping the wound heal. However, there''s an unnecessary ingredient mixed in here—one that will likely cause scarring."


    He handed the jar back to Ste, his expression unreadable.


    "It would work just as well without that ingredient.”


    Abby was stunned. “If it''s not poison, then why add something like that? Do they want Star to be left with a scar? Or... did Keen just make a mistake when mixing it?"


    Joshua shook his head. “I couldn''t say for sure. Of course, Ms. Cameron, if you''re not convinced, you can wait for Mr. Burton to arrive and let him take a look."


    Ste stared at the ointment in her palm, her expression difficult to read.


    Abby, struck by a sudden thought, turned to Joshua. “Wait, Joshua, you know medicine?"


    "I know a little," Joshua replied. "Mostly how to recognize different toxins."


    Abby''s eyes widened. “Toxins? Why would you study that?"


    "Just in case someone tries to poison me," Joshua said dryly. "I''d at least like to know what happened."


    Abby''s jaw dropped. “Poisoned? Seriously?!"


    She couldn''t help but burst out


    in that head of yours? Afraid you''ll be poisoned? Have you been watching


    too


    many moviestely?"


    Joshua had been stuck in the hospital with nothing to do for a while-watching movies or ying video games to pass the time.


    Abby was convinced he was just messing with them.


    Joshua didn''t bother to exin. He simply turned to Ste. “Ms. Cameron, I''d hold off on using this ointment for now. You don''t want to risk a scar."


    Ste nodded, thoughtful. "Alright."


    The next day, Mr. Burton arrived at the hospital straight from the airport.


    He''d heard about Karl''s situation, but didn''t seem interested in getting involved, "Children and


    grandchildren make their own fuck," was Mr. Burton''s philosophy, and he wore it well.


    After giving Joshua a thorough examination, he said, "You''ve


    suffered some internal injuries, but nothing too serious. I''ll prescribe you


    some medicine. Take it for a few days ande back for a


    follow-up."


    "Thank you so much, sir,” Ste said gratefully.


    Mr. Burton seemed to be in good spirits, clearly unbothered by anything that might be happening elsewhere.


    "I am your mentor, Ste. No need to be so formal with me."


    Ste hesitated, then produced the ointment.


    "Mr. Burton, would you mind taking a look at this for me?"


    He took the jar from her.


    At first, his expression was neutral.


    But gradually, his brow began to furrow.