Chapter 11 Mistaken Identity

• "Harmony Hospital's director?" Leon, Bernice, and Audrey all swiveled their heads toward Huxley in unison. "Mr. Sioux?"
• Huxley furrowed his brow, wondering if Dr. Moesch and the others had ratted him out.
• Bernice inquired, intrigued, "Lee, are they looking for you?" Harmony Hospital's director was a big shot. How could Lee possibly have a connection with him? Leon and Audrey seemed equally intrigued.
• "I highly doubt it! I've never even met the guy!" Huxley retorted.
• "Of course not. You wouldn't exactly have the opportunity to rub elbows with someone of his caliber," Bernice declared with certainty.
• 'Knock, knock!' In that instant, a loud rap sounded at the door. "I'll see who it is!" Before Bernice and the others could react, Huxley took it upon himself to stride toward the door.
• Outside stood Thomas and Blair, the esteemed head of the holistic medicine department. As the door creaked open, their eyes immediately honed in on Huxley, assessing him from head to toe. He's so young! He just looks like a pretty boy. Can someone like him truly grasp the intricacies of Nueve Bane Buxus? Or was it merely a stroke of luck?
• Though Thomas harbored doubts about Huxley, he kept them well concealed and let none of his emotions betray him. Instead, he greeted Huxley warmly, "Mr. Sioux, it's a pleasure to finally meet you face to face. Your youth and charisma are truly striking!"
• "What a pretentious thing to say!" Huxley shot a disdainful glance at Thomas, showing no deference. "I don't know you. You've mistaken me for someone else. Please leave!" With that, Huxley promptly slammed the door shut with a bang without giving Thomas and Blair a chance to respond.
• Thomas and Blair's expressions hardened. How disrespectful! Both held esteemed positions in Zefrynth's medical community and were usually greeted warmly wherever they went. Yet here they were, rudely turned away without a second thought. It was the first time they had a door shut in their faces.
• "Lee, was that really Dr. Royston?"
• "I can't be certain! But judging by his appearance, he's likely an imposter trying to deceive us by impersonating Dr. Royston!"
• "It's entirely possible. There have been numerous charlatans posing as miracle doctors to swindle us in recent years!"
• Eavesdropping on the conversation inside, Thomas and Blair's faces drained of color, anger simmering just beneath the surface. They were Harmony Hospital's director and head of the holistic medicine department, but now mistaken for con artists. The idea left a bitter taste in their mouths, and they were utterly flabbergasted.
• For a moment, they contemplated leaving immediately. But then, the thought of the special patient in the hospital's intensive care unit gave them pause. At present, Huxley was their only hope. They merely had to face slight embarrassment. What was a little humiliation in comparison to the chance of curing that particular patient? The prospect of embarrassment seemed trivial in the face of such a significant opportunity.
• Hence, Thomas rapped on the door once again, declaring, "Is this where Leon Sioux resides? I'm Thomas Royston, Harmony Hospital's director. I've been informed about your situation and have come for a house call." Prior to their arrival, Patrick had briefed them on Huxley's family circumstances. Recognizing that making headway with Huxley appeared elusive, they opted for an indirect approach, beginning with Huxley's family.
• Inside the house, Bernice paused for a moment before looking at Huxley and asking, "Is he really a crook?"
• "Most likely," Huxley affirmed.
• "Most likely?" Bernice had a peculiar expression. After a brief moment of contemplation, she rose from her seat and approached the door. Shortly after that, Bernice warmly greeted Thomas and Blair as they entered the house. Both Thomas and Blair were esteemed doctors in Rivervale, often appearing on the news. She had recognized them instantly upon opening the door.
• Even though Leon and Audrey were already healed, Bernice felt it was essential to extend hospitality and curry favor with such esteemed guests. Huxley's medical expertise made her particularly eager to impress Thomas and aid Huxley in securing a position at the hospital.
• Leon, having seen Thomas on the news previously, immediately recognized him. Delighted, he promptly rose to greet him. "D-Dr. Royston, I apologize. Lee must not have recognized you. Please don't take offense; I hope you can overlook his oversight..." Before Leon could finish, Thomas smiled and interjected, "No worries, ignorance isn't a crime. I won't... Oh... Are... your legs healed?"
• Upon hearing Thomas's observation, Blair instinctively turned his gaze toward Audrey. With just one glance, his eyes widened in disbelief. "The... the scars on your face have... vanished?"
• Leon smiled proudly and explained, "Lee received some medication from a miracle-working doctor, and it worked wonders!"
• Thomas and Blair both gasped in disbelief, their uncertain gazes lingering on Huxley. Patrick briefed them on the severity of Leon and Audrey's condition, especially Leon's, emphasizing that even the renowned Hippocrates would have been powerless if he had been alive.
• After a moment of contemplation, Thomas couldn't restrain himself from speaking up: "Mr. Sioux, you must have cured them, am I correct?"
• Leon was momentarily taken aback, then hastily interjected, "Dr. Royston, Lee only possesses rudimentary medical knowledge; you must have misunderstood!"
• "It's not a misunderstanding at all!" Thomas shook his head, his expression grave. "Earlier today, Mr. Sioux utilized his exceptional medical expertise to rescue a young girl who was teetering on the brink of death in our hospital! His proficiency in medicine is beyond doubt. I believe he was apprehensive that you wouldn't believe his medical abilities. Hence, he concocted the tale of a skilled doctor to persuade you to accept his treatment."
• Leon, Bernice, and Audrey were all taken aback. Could it be true?
• Unable to contain his curiosity, Leon inquired, "Lee, is what Dr. Royston said true?"
• Huxley hadn't intended to conceal the truth and simply nodded, admitting, "Yes, it's true!"
• Leon, Bernice, and Audrey all exclaimed in amazement. Huxley was imprisoned for five years, but was it a blessing in disguise? With such remarkable medical skills, could our family's fortune be changing?
• At that moment, Thomas spoke hesitantly, "Mr. Sioux, we came because we have a special request for you. We hope you can accompany us to the hospital to attend to a special patient." Huxley remained composed, offering no immediate response. Thomas felt a twinge of embarrassment and irritation. After all, he was an influential figure, but Huxley didn't even afford him a modicum of respect.
• Sensing the tension, Bernice raised her hand and lightly tapped Huxley on the head, berating him, "Lee, show some respect! It's a privilege that someone as esteemed as Dr. Royston asked for your help. You should seize this opportunity!"
• "Lee, your mother is correct. This is an incredibly rare opportunity for you. If you're fortunate enough to earn Dr. Royston's favor, you might even secure a position at Harmony Hospital," Leon emphasized gravely. "I hope you won't be stubborn and seize this chance to alter your fate. Remember, you have a criminal record; finding a good job won't be easy."
• "Lee, please think carefully before making a decision," Audrey added. "You're already twenty-five. Passing up such an opportunity means one less chance for you to start afresh!"
• "Dad, Mom, Drey, you don't understand," Huxley replied calmly. "The old man who taught me medicine set some rules for me. One of them is that I won't treat people I dislike, regardless of who the person is or how near they are to me. I can't treat them at all! Hence, I can't afford to break any rules, or else the consequences will be severe."