?Chapter 146:


    The Henderson household was buzzing with happiness today.


    Since Barbara came home yesterday, her breathing had steadied, and her face had taken on a lively glow. This morning, for the first time in years, she had woken up from a deep, restful sleep.


    For two years, Barbara had been more ghost than person, lost in aa most days. Even when she did wake up, she was too frail to string words together. But today? She woke up, shed a smile at her family, and said, “I feel like a new person. That was the best sleep I’ve had in forever.”


    Her family was still reeling from the shock when Barbara hit them with another surprise. “Got any food? I could eat a horse right now!”


    “Sweet mercy, Barbara’s hungry!” Eloisa cried, her voice shaking with joy.


    For two years, Barbara’s appetite had been nonexistent, surviving on nutrient drips alone. Her craving for food was a neon sign screaming recovery.


    The whole family was over the moon, practically tripping over themselves to tell the kitchen to whip up a hearty bowl of soup. While they waited, Eloisa filled Barbara in on the whirlwind of the day before.


    “So, Mrs. Evans is the one who saved me?” Barbara asked.


    Eloisa nodded enthusiastically. “You bet! Mrs. Evans is something else—sharp as a tack, kind as can be, a medical wizard, and get this—she’s the world-famous designer Rosa. Only downside? Her looks are a bit understated.”


    “Understated? Nah, she’s got a charm all her own,” Charles chimed in, grinning. “Some folks might call her in, but they’re missing the point. Her features are delicate, and those eyes? They’re like a lily in bloom, full of wisdom and grace. shy types like Trinity, with their overdone looks, don’t hold a candle to her.”


    “Couldn’t have said it better myself!” Eloisa agreed, nodding in agreement.


    Gatlin, standing nearby, let out a soft chuckle, clearly on the same page.


    Hearing her family sing Elliana’s praises, Barbara’s eyes sparkled with curiosity. “I’ve got to meet this Mrs. Evans.”


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    Eloisa nced at the clock. “She said she’d swing by today to check on you. Wonder when she’ll show.”


    No sooner had the words left her mouth than the butler hustled in. “Mrs. Evans is here.”


    Gatlin and Eloisa shot to their feet, practically vibrating with excitement.


    Charles, sitting in his wheelchair, sat up a little straighter.


    The trio headed downstairs to greet their guest.


    Elliana, guided by the staff, stepped into the living room just as Gatlin, Eloisa, and Charles arrived. They weed her as if she were royalty.


    After some warm small talk, Elliana got down to business. “Has Miss Henderson woken up?”


    “She’s up!” Eloisa said, beaming. “Her color’s back, and she even asked for food!”


    Elliana gave a calm nod, as if she had expected nothing less. “I’ll head upstairs to check on her.”


    The three Hendersons clustered around her like eager pups, escorting her up.


    Barbara, still weak, couldn’t sit up on her own. Propped up slightly, her eyes lit up with anticipation when Elliana walked in.


    “Barbara, Mrs. Evans is here to see you,” Eloisa said, making the introduction.


    Barbara studied Elliana and smiled. “Mrs. Evans, Charles was just saying your features are refined, your eyes are wise, and you’ve got the elegance of a lily. He said those showy types out there can’t touch you. Now that I see you, I’m with him.”


    Elliana nced at Charles and then ran a hand through her wild, frizzy wig, thinking his taste was truly one of a kind.


    Charles met her gaze with a genuine smile. He meant every word.


    “Thanks,” Elliana said, returning the smile.


    After her thank-you, she settled by Barbara’s bedside to check her over. The adjusted Venacure pills were working like a charm. The toxins in Barbara’s body were slowly clearing out, but she’d need more time and rest to fully bounce back.


    With the checkup done, Elliana stood.


    Gatlin, Eloisa, and Charles watched her, waiting for her next words.


    “Mr. Henderson, Mrs. Henderson, do you trust my medical know-how?” Elliana asked.


    “Absolutely!” Gatlin and Eloisa said in unison.


    After a beat, Eloisa added, “So many doctors wrote Barbara off as a lost cause, but you saw she was still kicking and even woke her up. That alone puts you leagues above those so-called experts.” “Spot on,” Gatlin said with a nod. “You had us sold yesterday. Whatever’s on your mind, Mrs. Evans, just say it. And name your price for the treatment—any amount, we’ll cover it.”


    Elliana’s lips curved into a faint smile. “I won’t take a dime for treating Miss Henderson, but there’s some stuff I’d like to talk about. It might touch on some sensitive business in this family. I’m hoping you’ll level with me.”


    Gatlin and Eloisa exchanged a quick nce before turning back to her. “Ask away. We’ll spill whatever we know.”


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