Joanna froze. She''d lived there for two years and was confident in her basic conversational skills. She repeated herself, enunciating each word carefully.


    But Mr. James just looked even more bewildered.


    "I''m not feeling well," he said. "I need a doctor."


    Joanna,pletely missing the point, assumed he''d finally understood her. Beaming, she took his hand. "Mr. James, hello, hello! It is such an honor to meet you!"


    James understood that much. His brow, etched with the deep lines of age, furrowed in anger.


    Natalie almost burst outughing at Joanna''s cluelessness. She knew this old man had a notoriously short temper. Joanna had really stepped in it this time.


    James suddenly roared, yanking his hand away from Joanna''s. "Can''t you understand me? Get away from me! If you have rocks in your head, go see a psychiatrist!"


    "Ah!" Joanna stumbled backward, falling right into Sebastian''s arms.


    "Pfft..." Natalie couldn''t hold it in any longer and let out a snort ofughter.


    Joanna shot her a venomous re, and Sebastian''s eyes warned her not to cause trouble.


    Ignoring them, James looked furiously at Matthew, the only person he recognized. "I need someone who can actually understand what I''m saying."


    Matthew looked helplessly at Natalie, trusting herpletely.


    Natalie stepped forward with a warm smile. "My apologies, Grandpa James. This youngdy isn''t with us. You mentioned you weren''t feeling well? I can take a look for you. I''m a doctor."


    Joanna was stunned by Natalie. How could she? She didn''t even finish high


    school! The memory of her own condescending words to Natalie earlier made her face burn with humiliation.


    Sebastian''s eyes widened in shock.


    James let out a sigh of relief, a faint smile gracing his lips. Finally, someone who could understand him. He hade in a hurry with only an assistant, who had


    unfortunately fallen illet


    deal


    with the promising young Matthew Was crucial, and he wanted to sign the contract and return home as soon as possible.


    "Excellent!" he eximed. "Thank you, my dear girl. And you are very beautiful!"


    Natalie blushed slightly at thepliment. "Thank you, Grandpa James. You''re very kind yourself."


    The endearing term "Grandpa" seemed to warm his heart. He beamed at her. "You are a truly thoughtful child."


    Natalie knelt beside him and took his


    wrist, her fingers lightly pressing against his pulse point. Her gaze was sharp and assessing as she observed hisplexion and the look in his eyes. He had dangerously high blood pressure, and his system was clearly under immense stress.


    Suddenly, her expression grew serious. "Do you have a malignant tumor in your brain?"


    James'' gray-blue eyes widened in shock. "My dear girl, how could you possibly know that? From just a touch? Your medical knowledge is truly profound!"


    Natalie''s tone was professional and firm. "I can tell you''re in a hurry to return home, and thatbined with your high blood pressure and skipping lunch has made you feel unwell," He was a few years older than her own grandfather, but while her grandfather''s health was robust from years of careful maintenance, James'' body was worn down from constant travel and overwork. In his condition, he was at high risk of a stroke at any moment.


    James nodded grimly. This project was incredibly important to him; that''s why he''de in person.


    "You are a miracle worker, kind girl. But I am here to discuss business with Mr. Griffith and Mr. Monroe."


    Natalie produced a small pill from a vial in her purse. "Grandpa, take this first. It will help you feel morefortable."


    "Thank you, you lovely girl." James looked into her clear, honest eyes and trusted her implicitly.


    Natalie turned to Matthew. "Mr. Monroe, could you have someone bring in a light, restorative broth?"


    Matthew nodded. "Of course. Natalie, ask Mr. James if there''s anything else he needs."