Chapter 9 Accusations

• Hannah's gaze pierced Chase with a sharp intensity; her eyes were ablaze with skepticism.
• "Do you truly believe that by merely assessing a few patients, I would place my grandfather's life in your hands?"
• Her thoughts raced as she contemplated the audacity of this young doctor.
• Even if you possess genuine skill, what experience could you possibly have acquired at such a tender age to warrant such confidence in your abilities to heal my grandfather?
• Chase responded with a subtle smile, his confidence unshaken by Hannah's doubts.
• His mentor had briefed him thoroughly on the condition of Old Mr. Baylor, a rare hereditary heart ailment that posed no insurmountable challenge for Chase.
• "I assure you; I am fully capable of addressing Old Mr. Baylor's affliction," he declared with unwavering conviction.
• "Humph! Shameless bragging!" Hannah scoffed.
• "The enigma of my grandfather's ailment has confounded even the most esteemed physicians, and yet you, a fledgling in the field, have the audacity to boast of a remedy," Hannah remarked, her tone laced with incredulity.
• "Do you not tremble at the thought of divine retribution for your bold proclamations?"
• "I've no interest in sparring with you," Chase stated, pivoting towards Scott. "Where's Old Mr. Baylor? I'll attend to him immediately."
• Before Scott could respond, Hannah interjected, her tone resolute. "Your services are not required here. My granduncle has engaged the expertise of Dr. Tyrell Rhodes, the Meridian Maven, to attend to my grandfather's needs. With his involvement, your presence is superfluous. You may leave."
• Chase narrowed his gaze, casting a brief glance in Scott's direction.
• Scott, maintaining his composure, remarked, "The Meridian Maven had already begun treatment on my father prior to your arrival."
• Chase acknowledged this with a nod and chose to withhold further remarks.
• As the adage goes, a physician does not impose their presence. With the Baylor family having secured assistance for Old Mr. Baylor's treatment, Chase no longer felt inclined to intervene.
• As Chase prepared to take his leave, a voice resonated from the first floor, drawing their attention.
• Two elderly gentlemen entered the room, their presence commanding respect.
• "Granduncle, Dr. Rhodes, how fares my grandfather?" Hannah inquired anxiously, her concern palpable.
• Dr. Rhodes sighed, his disappointment evident as he shook his head gently. "I must confess my limitations," he admitted. "With my present medical knowledge, I can only offer temporary stabilization of his condition."
• "Tyrell, your humility surpasses necessity," remarked another elderly gentleman beside Tyrell with genuine warmth. "The Baylor family extends its heartfelt gratitude for your invaluable presence."
• This distinguished gentleman was none other than Dr. Sam Baylor, the esteemed physician who had graced the Saffer family's residence just the day before.
• "If I could master the final three needles of the Heavenly Meridian Needling Technique, then perhaps I could cure Old Mr. Baylor's ailment. Alas, the information for those last three needles has been lost," Tyrell lamented with a heavy heart.
• Sam offered a comforting pat on Tyrell's shoulder, his voice soothing. "Tyrell, do not despair. Perhaps fate will reveal the missing knowledge to you in due time."
• "I can only hope," Tyrell sighed wistfully.
• The news weighed heavily on Hannah's heart, and her spirits plummeted.
• Her grandfather cherished her above all others, and no one longed for his recovery more deeply than she did.
• "Why not... allow me to make an attempt?"
• In the midst of the tension, Chase's voice suddenly cut through the air in the living room.
• All eyes turned to him, but Hannah's glare spoke volumes. "Why do you persist in lingering?" she snapped angrily. "Did I not instruct you to depart?"
• "Hannah!" Scott reminded her to watch her attitude.
• Curious, Sam approached. "Who is this?" he inquired.
• Scott introduced him with respect, "Uncle, this is Chase. His mentor sent him to help treat my father."
• Hannah's tone was icy as she countered, "Granduncle, this man is nothing but a charlatan. Even the renowned Meridian Maven couldn't treat Grandfather's ailment. How dare he claim he can cure him."
• "Oh…?" Tyrell's interest piqued at this revelation.
• He regarded Chase with a measured gaze, shaking his head. "Young man, words spoken in haste often carry regret."
• Chase met Tyrell's gaze squarely. "How can you be so certain that my words lack consideration?" he challenged.
• Tyrell nodded sagely, his tone measured. "I have devoted nearly sixty years to the study of medicine under my master's guidance. I have achieved some level of proficiency."
• "Though I dare say my own talent in medicine is considered outstanding," he asserted confidently.
• "Despite this and all the medical expertise I've gained over my lifetime, I still cannot cure Old Mr. Baylor's illness."
• "You appear to be in your early twenties. How could you possibly achieve what I cannot?"
• "Exactly! Every renowned doctor I've met has honed their skills over decades. Yet here you are, a young upstart daring to compare yourself to the Meridian Maven. It's absurd!" Hannah taunted.
• Chase shook his head, incredulous.
• Talent knew no age, especially in the realm of medicine.
• Even his mentor, Elm, had recognized his extraordinary abilities and believed in his potential to surpass even him!
• "Words alone won't suffice. Whether I can cure him or not, let me try and see," Chase said with a confident smile.
• Hannah's expression hardened. "Do you even understand my grandfather's condition? How can I let you just try so casually?"
• Chase sneered provocatively. "What, are you afraid I'll succeed and prove you wrong and embarrass you?"
• "Afraid of being embarrassed by you?" Hannah scoffed. "No matter your skills, you can't possibly surpass the Meridian Maven!"
• "Don't think you can fool me with your tricks," Hannah continued. "You might deceive others, but you won't deceive me—Hannah Baylor!"
• Hannah stood firm, and Scott, after pondering, nodded in agreement.
• Despite Chase's accurate diagnosis of his condition earlier, Scott remained cautious. Chase was young, and no matter how skilled, he had his limitations.
• Furthermore, his father held a special status, and if anything went wrong, many people would be held accountable.
• "Chase, thank you for coming to treat my father," Scott said with a polite smile. "The Baylor family appreciates it. However, due to my father's significant status, we can't allow just anyone to treat him. I hope you understand."
• Chase furrowed his brows slightly, sensing Scott's doubt about his abilities.
• With no other option, he shook his head. "In that case, I'll take my leave."
• "Just a moment!" someone called out before he could depart.
• Sam approached Chase, observing him intently. "Your name is Chase, correct?"
• Chase nodded.
• "Did you visit the Saffer family yesterday to treat Old Mr. Saffer?" Sam asked.
• Chase looked surprised but nodded again.
• Sam's eyes lit up with excitement. "Did you leave a bottle of Hematogenic Tablets at the Saffer family yesterday?"
• After a moment of hesitation, Chase nodded once more.
• "Did you personally create the Hematogenic Tablets?" Sam asked eagerly.
• "Yes, I did," Chase replied with a smile.
• "Hahaha..." Sam burst into laughter, clapping Chase on the shoulder, exclaiming happily, "Excellent! Fantastic!"
• Everyone looked stunned while observing this scene.
• At that moment, Tyrell asked in amazement, "Young man, can you really produce the Hematogenic Tablets?"
• Chase, feeling resigned, nodded again.
• Tyrell drew a sharp breath; the Hematogenic Tablets were based on a long-lost ancient prescription.
• "Tyrell, I think we should let him go in and give it a try," Sam suggested, looking at Tyrell.
• After some thought, Tyrell nodded. "If he can create the Hematogenic Tablets, there's no harm in letting him try."
• "No! We cannot allow such a young fellow to treat my grandfather. What if he makes a mistake and causes harm?" Hannah objected immediately.
• Chase's eyes narrowed as he gazed at her. "Ms. Baylor, since you have so little faith in my medical skills, how about we make a bet?"