?Chapter 1139:


    The Duke of ckwood’s reply came with effortless confidence, his tone both deep and smooth. “Not at all.”


    Doubt nagged at Tinsley, but any direct challenge to the Duke of ckwood would be unwise. Instead, she turned to Elena. “Healer, what exactly is the problem with my father’s new heart?”


    ncing over, Tinsley realized Elena’s expression had shifted—her face had gone icy.


    Puzzled by the change, Tinsley asked gently, “Is there something wrong?”


    Following Elena’s gaze, Tinsley realized that Elena was staring at the Duke of ckwood.


    Hostility darkened Elena’s eyes, her whole demeanor radiating an unmistakable chill. So this was the Duke of ckwood—the man she’d clearly hoped never to see again.


    An easy grin spread across Earle’s face as he met her re, mischief glinting in his eyes. He gave a yful wink. “What a coincidence, little rose. We cross paths again.”


    For a heartbeat, the entire room was suspended in stunned silence.


    Confusion and suspicion shed across Tinsley’s features before she finally dared to ask, “Healer, do you know the Duke of ckwood from somewhere?”


    With an icy sneer, Elena replied, her tone t and distant, “We’replete strangers.”


    Earle only smiled wider. “That stings. The longing for you consumes my days.” Hisst words came out sharp, heavy with unspoken emotion, his gaze burning with intensity.


    Elena, holding a needle in her hand, made a swift movement that left everyone frozen in ce. She flicked her wrist, sending the needle shing through the air, aimed directly at Earle’s forehead.


    The air crackled with tension. A shimmering needle shot toward Earle’s brow, but he smoothly deflected it with a blooming rose he’d plucked moments before. The slender needle buried itself in the rose, halting mere inches from piercing his flesh.


    Gasps echoed around the room. Had the Healer truly struck at the Duke of ckwood? The Duke of ckwood was infamous for his merciless reputation, and even royalty tread carefully around him.


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    Shivers rippled through the spectators, each imagining the grim punishment awaiting the bold Healer.


    Yet, oddly, the Duke of ckwood remained calm, his expression devoid of wrath.


    Earle drew out the needle, and his lips curled into a chilling grin. “Is this how you greet an old friend?”


    Shock rippled through the crowd. The Duke of ckwood wasn’t enraged? Elena’s stance didn’t soften despite his yful greeting. Her fingers curled slightly, poised for another strike, but Tinsley swiftly intervened. “Healer, is there hope for my father’s new heart?”


    Having epted Tinsley’s payment, Elena knew her obligations. She reluctantly set aside her deadly intentions toward Earle. “His Majesty’s heart is severely damaged. It needs immediate stitching.”


    “When can you begin the surgery?” Tinsley quickly asked.


    “Tomorrow at sunrise,” Elena responded with unwavering calm.


    Relief visibly washed over Tinsley. “Healer, you’ve done enough today. Please stay in the pce. Your amodations are already prepared.”


    Secretly, Tinsley wanted Elena close by, should her father’s condition suddenly worsen.


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