Chapter 322

The outfit looked great on her. As soon as Claire walked out, Dane glanced up, his voice coming out almost automatically. “Does it fit p>

She spun around, a playful smile lighting her face. “Yeah, it fits perfectly. Looks amazing too. Did you pick it out yourself, or did one of your secretaries help you?” She flashed him a thumbs-up.

Dane shook his head. “I don’t have a female secretary p>

He used to, back in the day, but it was always more complicated than it needed to be. Those assistants put more effort into getting close to him than into their actual work, hoping for promotions or a way to change their lives. There was always an angle, and Dane never played along. Eventually, there were barely any women left on his admin team. Single women were strictly off the list. He did have two married assistants whose family lives were stable and who were incredibly competent. Dane saw no point in letting good people go, as long as their focus was on work and not him.

“Oh.” Claire seemed a little thrown off, like she didn’t know what to say next. Was he explaining himself to her? She wasn’t sure what to make of it, and Dane didn’t seem to expect a big reaction anyway.

He changed the subject smoothly. “Is Van awake yet p>

“He should be coming around any minute,” Claire answered, but right as she spoke, one of the guards by Van’s room popped his head out. “He’s awake, we need a doctor p>

A flurry of people scrambled inside before Claire could even gather her thoughts. Abbott had actually been searching for her. Since she’d changed clothes, he missed her at first, but the moment he recognized her, he motioned her over.

“Claire, what are you standing here for? Van’s up. Come on, let’s check on him p>

“Okay,” she said, following Abbott without a second thought. Dane walked in right after them.

Van was awake, but just barely, looking so pale and frail against the hospital sheets that it was honestly a miracle he’d survived at all. He blinked, looking at Walden in confusion.

“Grandpa p>

Walden gave him a small smile and pointed at Claire and Tandy. “You owe a lot to Tandy and Claire this time. They saved your life p>

“Thank you, doctors Van’s gaze lingered on Claire, a hint of disbelief in his eyes. She looked so young.

Walden caught the look and grinned.

“Don’t let how young Claire is foot you. She’s actually a rising starin

her field, one of the best in traditional medicine p>

Van still seemed a little puzzled, but if his grandfather was saying it, he had to believe it.

“He really shouldn’t talk too much right now,” Claire said softly as she went to his bedside, checking his pulse with a furrowed brow.

Van tried to say something. “But p>

“We’ll give you a moment,” Walden replied with an ease that settled the room. “You need to talk to Virgil about the mission first anyway p>

The group filed out, leaving the patient to rest. Outside, Claire asked someone for a pen and some paper, then quickly scribbled out a prescription.

“He lost a massive amount of blood and is really weak,” she explained “This formula will help build his strength

ack up faster and get his energy going again. You can choose

whether or not to use it p>

She wouldn’t force it if they had other plans, but Walden seemed pleased. He

accepted the prescription with genuine gratitude.

“Thank you. You’re really going above and beyond for us p>

“That’s what being a doctor is about,

isn’t it? Seeing things through p>

Claire replied with a small shrug.

“Honestly, if I hadn’t written it, Abbott would have. His prescription might even be better p>

Abbott gave her a warm, approving smile, glancing at her notes. “You really carry on

your mentor’s legacy. That kind of talent is rare p>

If Hale could see her now, he’d be proud for sure. Claire couldn’t help but laugh. “I’m

just doing my best in front of the real masters p>