Chapter 42

Claire carried the takeout box, and Dane trailed behind her with the bigger container as they headed inside.

“Claire, you brought so much food. There’s no way you two can finish it all. How about letting me try some?” Abbott grinned.

Claire could only stare. So that was why Abbott had been so eager to help them find a place to eat—he was hoping for a free meal.

“We don’t really have enough bowls or chopsticks,” Claire replied, hoping he’d take the hint.

Abbott waved her concern away. “That’s fine. I’ll have someone grab a tray from the cafeteria, and there’s plenty of disposable chopsticks right here.” He didn’t bother hiding his intentions, even offering a half-hearted excuse. “Honestly, I barely got to eat before everything blew up at lunch p>

Claire was out of options and glanced over at Dane.

Dane could tell Abbott and Claire were pretty close, so he nodded. “If Abbott wants to try some, it’s no problem p>

Abbott looked pleased and gave Dane an approving pat on the shoulder. “You’re a good guy p>

He quickly sent one of his students to fetch a meal from the cafeteria and even added two of the hospital’s signature dishes for them. Finally, everyone sat down to eat.

Claire had just started when she saw it was time to remove a patient’s needles, so she had to excuse herself.

As soon as she left, Abbott turned to Dane. “So, what’s your relationship with Claire?” He was nothing if not direct.

“My grandfather and Pandora go way back. Abbott, do you practice traditional medicine?” Dane replied, then tried to steer the topic away.

Abbott got the hint and decided Dane seemed trustworthy enough. Maybe Pandora was hoping to set these two up.

“You have someone sick at home?” Abbott asked, zeroing in.

Dane nodded. “My grandfather’s got severe rheumatism. He’s almost paralyzed at this point. Whenever the weather gets cold, the pain in his legs is just… unbearable.” He explained Baldrick condition detail.

“We were hoping to see Hale, but Claire told us he’s passed. She said she could help instead p>

Abbott smiled. “You’re in good hands. Claire learned acupuncture directly from Hale. Honestly, even I’m not as skilled as she is p>

He chuckled. “A couple years back, I heard her two mentors were still fighting over whether she should pursue traditional medicine or Western medicine. She’s that talented p>

Dane hadn’t expected such high praise from Abbott.

“If you’re still worried, I can go with you and take a look myself,” Abbott offered.

Coming all the way from Cabinda to Apex for treatment meant Baldrick’s situation was serious. Otherwise, with all the skilled doctors in

Cabinda, they would have found help there I had to be that Hale’s

methods were unique and

well-known for treating rheumatism.

Dane hesitated. He didn’t fully trust Claire yet, but bringing Abbott along felt a bit awkward.

The truth was, Dane had a backup plan. Claire was young, after all. If she couldn’t handle it, he’d have his people speed up the search for the mysterious doctor on the dark web, the one everyone called “Little King Yama p>

Abbott noticed Dane’s hesitation and smiled. “You don’t have to worry. Claire’s easygoing, and if anything, she’d be happy to have me backing her up. She won’t be upset p>

Dane wasn’t really worried about Claire getting mad.

“Thank you, Abbott p>

Meanwhile, Claire was already removing Eaton’s needles. The patient was just waking up.