?Chapter 103:


    Stunned silence lingered for a heartbeat as Aldred processed the news, his resistance already beginning to thaw.


    Doris, however, wasted no time. “Tell me, Lauretta, what’s wrong with Caspien? Is he alright?”


    Lauretta offered a gentle reassurance. “Since the surgery, things have stabilized. There’s no need to worry.” A moment passed as she collected her thoughts before adding, “Dr. Emmett mentioned your condition, Dad. I heard you’re scheduled for surgery soon, right?”


    Confirmation came quickly from Doris. “That’s right.”


    Aldred chimed in, downying the concern, “It’s nothing serious, really. I’ll be alright.”


    Brows knitted, Lauretta disagreed, concern etched in her tone. “How can you say that? Even Dr. Emmett isn’t quite confident about the procedure.”


    Aldred brushed off her anxiety. “There’s always some risk with surgery. That’s just how it is. But tell me—what exactly is going on with your son? I want the full story.”


    Lauretta gave her parents a brief rundown of Caspien’s condition, making sure to mention Christina’s intervention in securing Calvin’s expertise. She didn’t leave out the fact that Calvin was originally supposed to travel over for Aldred’s surgery, but now that n had to wait. Apologies spilled from her lips. “I’m sorry, Dad. Your operation is on hold because of us.”


    Aldred’s voice softened, kind and understanding. “There’s no need to apologize, Lauretta. Your son is part of the family. That’s all that matters.”


    A new question surfaced in Lauretta’s mind. “Dad, do you happen to know anyone who can find Woodfort?”


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    Her inquiry took Aldred by surprise. “What brings this up now?”


    “Chloe was sick. King agreed to treat her, but one key ingredient of the prescription, Woodfort, was still missing.” Lauretta then shared how Christina had managed to get the chance of receiving King’s treatment and strike a deal with the Scott family. “Miss Jones reached out to me for help tracking down Woodfort. If we manage to find some, King might consider taking on your surgery.”


    A thoughtful pause settled over Aldred before he finally spoke. “So the young woman who took first ce at the shooting match is actually our family’s benefactor all along.”


    A confirming nod was Lauretta’s response. “That’s right. Please, if you catch any news about Woodfort, tell me immediately. I owe Miss Jones a great deal for everything she’s done.”


    An unexpected revtion slipped from Aldred’s lips. “I know who possesses Woodfort.”


    Eager hope sparked in Lauretta’s voice as she asked, “Who is it?” She had expected it would take considerable time to stumble upon a lead, yet her father already had the answer.


    A long, heavy sigh from Aldred drifted through the line, carrying a weight Lauretta could feel.


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