Chapter 188

Aria Bennett's slender fingers rested lightly on Silas Kane's wrist, the icy temperature making her frown slightly.

"Your condition...is unusual," she said, meeting his fathomless gaze.

The pale man's lips curved into a faint smile. "That's why I came to you."

Withdrawing her hand, Aria rubbed her fingertips thoughtfully. This wasn't an ordinary illness—it was something else entirely.

"Acupuncture combined with herbal treatment," she said deliberately, pausing for effect. "And it will require an extended regimen."

Dean Laurent's eyes lit up. "Remarkable! Your diagnosis aligns perfectly with my own findings!"

Silas never took his eyes off Aria's face. "Then I'll be in your capable hands, old friend." He emphasized the last two words, a familiar glint of mischief in his eyes.

As Aria began writing the prescription with swift strokes, Dean Laurent peered over her shoulder.

"Brilliant! Absolutely brilliant!" The dean slapped the table in admiration. "This herb combination never occurred to me!"

Damian Cross stood beside Aria, his gaze lingering briefly on Silas before casually shifting away.

"Dean Laurent," Silas suddenly spoke up, "I'd like Aria to be my primary physician."

The dean chuckled. "If Aria agrees, our hospital would be honored!"

[OMG! This plot twist!]

[Since when was Aria an expert in traditional medicine?!]

[Dean Laurent is a legendary physician—even he's impressed!]

[Did you see Damian's expression? I'm deceased!]

[The way Silas looks at her...so much history there!]

The live comments exploded into chaos.

Finishing the prescription, Aria looked up. "I'll also need a set of silver needles."

"Right away!" The dean immediately instructed an assistant. "Aria, have you considered joining our hospital as a consultant?"

The offer made everyone present gasp.

The Apothecary Hall was the pinnacle of traditional medicine!

Aria exchanged a glance with Damian. In perfect unison, they replied, "We'll consider it."

[Power couple alert!]

[They're so in sync!]

[Damian's gaze is so protective!]

[I ship them so hard!]

Serena Blake stood in the shadows, nails digging into her palms. How could Aria possibly master traditional medicine too?

"Then it's settled." Silas reached out, lightly grasping Aria's wrist. "My life is in your hands."

The unnatural chill in his touch made Aria's breath catch. This wasn't right...

Damian's eyes sharpened momentarily before his expression smoothed over.

"Don't worry," Aria said professionally, withdrawing her hand. "I'll cure you."

What she didn't say was that this illness likely hid darker secrets.

Dean Laurent beamed. "What a fortunate day! Not only have we discovered two medical prodigies, but Silas's chronic condition may finally be resolved!"

The livestream comments now moved too fast to read.

[Aria, take me as your disciple!]

[Officially an Aria stan from today!]

[She's not a celebrity—she's a hidden genius!]

[Damian and Aria are perfect together!]

Backstage, the producer grinned at the skyrocketing ratings. "I knew Aria would deliver!"

Tessa Morgan lifted her chin proudly. "This is just the beginning. Aria has many more talents."

On Aldercrest Mountain, the setting sun cast long shadows.

Aria watched Silas's retreating figure with a frown. This "old friend" clearly harbored secrets.

Unnoticed by her, Damian's gaze remained fixed on her profile, something unreadable flickering in his eyes.