Chapter 40
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The next day, Ash finally got a chance to rest. By the afternoon, Calvert hadn’t sent anyone to pick her up.
She took a nap and returned to her room, but the two bodyguards she had called hadn’t arrived yet. Her parents were worried about her going out alone, so she was stuck at home.
Glancing at the unattended backyard, Ash had a sudden idea. She changed into a comfortable outfit, keeping an eye on the direction of the security cameras, and nimbly climbed over the villa’s back wall.
She never thought that one day she’d have to scale the wall at home. But thinking about why she had to do it–her parents‘ excessive worry–made her feel it wasn’t so bad after all.
At the back door of the villa, a rugged SUV was parked there. Inside, a woman in camouflage was raising an eyebrow at Ash. “Hey, look at you. Didn’t know you’ve become such a pro at climbing walls,” Madeline teased as she opened the car door without missing a beat.
After Ash hopped in, Madeline hit the gas, and the roar of the engine echoed through the spacious villa area.
Ash pretended to be serious. “It’s not like I want to worry my parents. What if something dangerous happens? You have to get me back by dinner.”
“Instead of worrying about you, they should worry about others Madeline said, already familiar with her best friend’s capabilities. “At this point, I doubt anyone could hurt you.”
“There’s always someone better, you know? You should be a bit humble,” Ash replied, her lips curling into a bright smile. “If you’re being humble, what does that make the rest of us?” Madeline shot back.
“Don’t worry. I’ve got your back,” Ash said confidently. “With me around, no one dares to mess with you.”
“Wow, finally some decent words from you. That’s enough for me. I’m not someone who can be bullied easily,” Madeline laughed, clearly satisfied. “Can’t believe I just got off the plane and rushed over to be your driver.”
The two exchanged smiles, a silent understanding passing between them.
Having been friends for years, Ash felt more relaxed around Madeline. She quickly filled Madeline in on her recent life changes.
As Madeline drove, she couldn’t help but exclaim, “Wow, in less than two months, you’ve not only changed parents but also got yourself a fiancé! How’s he? Is he handsome? Eight–pack abs
Ash thought back to the time Dorothy had drugged her. She had seen his physique, which was definitely top–notch, not to mention his stunning face.
“Looks decent. From what I can tell, he probably has more than eight–pack abs,” she replied honestly.
“Sounds like you’re pleased with him,” said Madeline.
Ash shook her head. “Not really. Aside from him fitting my taste and our families being close, he’s not great otherwise.
“Like what?” Madeline was curious and surprised to see Ash so critical of a guy’s looks for the first time.
“Like his mouth–super annoying,” Ash answered without hesitation. Normally, she could outsmart others, but with him she often felt like she was at a loss for words.
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Madeline squinted, wondering when her friend, who usually treated men like air, would start putting up with a guy’s sharp tongue.
“When can I meet your fiancé? I want to see what kind of guy he s.”
“Sure,” Ash replied without hesitation. After all, she had to pretend to be his girlfriend for a year, so she might as well let her closest friend meet him. It would make things easier later on.
But pretending to be a couple was a bit ridiculous. They had agreed to keep it a secret, and only she, Calvert, and Dorothy knew the truth. So even though Madeline was her best friend, she didn’t tell her everything.
“By the way, I brought you that thousand–year ginseng you wanted. Turns out the seller is also from Riverstone,” Madeline
wanted.” said, pointing to a gift box in the backseat. “Check it out and see if it’s what you
Ash picked it up, opened the box, and examined the ginseng inside. The roots were thick, the color deep and ancient, and it had some scars embedded in it–not the perfect kind one would find on a mountain, but it was definitely the one she had bid on.
She nodded in satisfaction. “This seller is trustworthy.”
Madeline drove them to the Nebula Private Rehabilitation Center in the suburbs. “You get to work, I’ll head home to check in. I’ll be back in two hours to pick you up.”
After bidding her friend goodbye, Ash entered the rehabilitation center.
An elderly man, Joe Obrien, was doing exercise at the entrance, his movements smooth and graceful.
She quietly waited until he finished his set, then approached him. “Good afternoon, Mr. Obrien.”
“Hey, you little rascal. It’s been a while since you visited me.” Joe’s voice was deep and resonant. Ash raised her hand. “Guess what I brought you?” She handed the box to Joe.
“Is this coffee bean?” He sniffed it, and the rich aroma filled the air. His
lit “Is it my favorite coffee bean?”
- up. eyes
Ash smiled. “Yep, straight from Neustein. I know you love it, so I brought it for you.”
Joe happily hugged the can, his tone a bit wistful. “If only you were my real granddaughter.”
“I might not be able to visit as often this year…” said Ash.
“It’s alright. You young folks have your careers to focus on. I understand.” He waved his hand. “Are you making medicine again? Let me help you out.”
“Sure.”
The two walked into the Nebula Private Rehabilitation Center together. Once they entered the main hall and opened a partitioned door, a whole new world awaited them.
The spacious area was divided into two sections–one filled with precise instruments and pharmaceutical tools, the other with various jars and herbs. It was clear that the side of the herbas busier.
Ash took out the ginseng, planning to use it as an ingredient for heart medicine called “nourishing pills.”
While ginseng was great, those with heart conditions couldn’t overdo it, or it could backfire. After adding a few other herbs
balance it out, she confirmed everything was right before starting to make the pills.
to
If anyone were watching, they’d be amazed by her skilled methods and precise measurements.
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When Joe saw the ginseng she brought out, he paused for a moment, but the unusual look on his face quickly disappeared. His voice held rare approval as he said, “With your skills, you’ll truly make the most of such ingredients without wasting anything.”
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