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Chapter_88
As Percival stood by the door, a sense of unease settled over him. He had overheard the mention of the “Life-saving pill” and the high costs associated with Vivienne’s treatment, which caught his attention. He had been aware of the black market’s demand for such rare and powerful medicinal products, but hearing about it from Vivienne herself was a different matter.
His mind raced with questions. Could the pill Vivienne used be the same one he’d heard rumors about in the underground market? If it was, it would explain the exorbitant price tag attached to it. He had tried, unsuccessfully, to secure some of those pills not long ago, and now Vivienne had one in her possession, ready to save Faye’s life.
While he admired her medical expertise, Percival couldn’t ignore the implications. Vivienne was not just a skilled healer—she was connected to a world he knew little about, one that was dangerous, secretive, and profitable. The fact that she had the ability to procure such rare medicine spoke volumes about her connections, but also about the secrets she might be keeping.
“Three million,” Percival muttered to himself, calculating the total cost of the treatment. He was no stranger to wealth, but the price of such a treatment made him wonder if Vivienne’s involvement with these rare resources was more than just coincidental.
Meanwhile, inside the room, Vivienne continued to manage Faye’s condition with focused efficiency. Her calm demeanor in the face of such a severe medical emergency was impressive, but her next words left Doreen and Bertha looking uneasy.
“Think it over, but I’ll need an answer within the next few hours,” Vivienne added, her tone professional. “If you decide to move forward with the treatment, the fees are non-negotiable.”
Doreen was still reeling from the fact that Arabella had misled her about the true identity of the healer who had helped Isolde. She had trusted Arabella’s word, believing that Vivienne was just a country girl who had no real understanding of medicine. Now, faced with the evidence of Vivienne’s skill, Doreen’s perspective was starting to shift.
“I… I’ll discuss it with my husband,” Doreen said, her voice filled with frustration. “I didn’t know about the pill or your methods, but Faye’s life is on the line. I’ll pay whatever it takes.”
Vivienne nodded, acknowledging the gravity of the situation. “It’s not just about paying the fees. It’s about Faye’s recovery, and that will take time and care. She will need someone with the right knowledge to continue her treatment. If you choose to go down this path, be prepared for a commitment.”
Clara, still anxious, had been pacing in the background. She finally stepped forward, looking at Vivienne with a grateful, but troubled expression. “I know you’re doing your best, Vivienne. I don’t know how to thank you for saving Faye. But… why did you mention your fees? I didn’t expect you to charge anything. After everything you’ve done for me, I thought you might…”
Vivienne’s eyes softened as she turned to Clara. “It’s not about charity. My skills are valuable, and I have a reputation to maintain. If I only helped when it was convenient, I wouldn’t be able to continue practicing medicine. You understand that, don’t you?”
Clara nodded silently, though there was a touch of discomfort in her expression. She wasn’t used to paying such high fees for medical treatment, but she couldn’t argue with the results. Faye was alive, and that was all that mattered.
As the tension in the room settled, Vivienne stepped back, giving space for the others to make their decisions. Percival’s voice broke through the quiet, his calm tone adding to the growing uncertainty in the air.
“I’ll handle the payment for now,” Percival said, stepping into the room with his usual composed manner. “Vivienne, what’s the total cost?”
Vivienne looked at him with a hint of surprise, not expecting Percival to offer. “Three million,” she replied, her gaze steady. “I’ll make sure Faye gets everything she needs.”
Clara and Doreen both turned to Percival, taken aback by his words. It was rare for someone like him to show such generosity, especially for someone outside his immediate circle.
“You can’t just pay for everything,” Doreen protested, her pride bristling. “This is our responsibility.”
Percival’s lips twitched into a small smile. “It’s already handled,” he said coolly. “I’ll arrange for the transfer. Vivienne, let me know if anything else is needed.”
Vivienne nodded, though there was a flicker of suspicion in her eyes. Percival’s actions had been swift, and his motives were often hard to read. She had always been cautious around him, aware that there was more to his generosity than met the eye.
“I’ll keep you updated,” Vivienne said, turning to Faye once more. “For now, we need to make sure she’s stable and out of immediate danger.”
As Percival lingered near the door, his gaze lingered on Vivienne, a mixture of admiration and calculation in his eyes. He couldn’t shake the feeling that the situation was far from resolved, and that Vivienne was far more entwined in the complex web of power and secrets than anyone could truly understand.
For Vivienne, the moment felt oddly familiar—a delicate balance of saving lives, navigating hidden dangers, and making sure her boundaries were respected. She didn’t need Percival’s help, but for reasons she couldn’t fully explain, his presence was starting to feel oddly reassuring.
