Sofia stood silently by, feeling utterly speechless about how things unfolded. Initially, she had asked Older Mr. Hart for intending to assist Nathaniel’s care under guise being a simply make easier for herself to eventually treat him. But now, shake the that Nathaniel was setting a trap her, trying to lure something. had just that she was ordinary doctor skills. she managed to cure him, would still let go? She had originally to secretly treat him and then credit the miracle the highly–paid experts. That she wouldn’t be breaking her to her mentor. But now had boxed her a dilemma. She had to reconsider whether ever wanted to cure him. Unable to make a decision right away, Sofia only knew that this moment, she didn’t want him at all. Sofia turned to Mr. Hart and said, “Grandpa, it’s getting late. Hart rest, and so should you. nodded in agreement, it’s been a day for too. You should Then, he looked at Nathaniel and added, “Nathaniel, well. I will you Nathaniel nodded, casting a meaningful at Sofia, and them leave. he was sure they back their rooms, Nathaniel turned to Kyler and said, “Retrieve she’s handled. see how good her skills are. went off to do it, baffled at why Mr. Hart wanted to investigate this. 9 What Will If You Could Stand Back in her Sofia wore an unusually angry expression. She grabbed a pillow and it twice in frustration, muttering, “Bad stay paralyzed for life! you’re still clever even lying down. I can’t what will happen if you stand. Fuming, on the bed, recalling Nathaniel’s look before left. It was infuriating. Sofia lay back on the curses at for hearing every insulting she knew. Just phone beeped with a message. It was from Sylvia, money–grubber. Got medicine. Sofía sighed. How did she get tangled with money–grubber? If she weren’t rich, dealing with Sylvia would bankrupt her no time. After transferring amount, “When can I get it?” “Tomorrow morning at eight, promptly in City. Shall it or will pick up?” Sylvia Grant replied. Sofia twitched her mouth. “Deliver it. trying to save you money,” Sylvia remarked, “Rich indeed, so generous. Suppressing the urge to eyes, Sofia knew too after all these years. Even if she went it up Sylvia would find a charge a fee. setting the time and place, Sofia cut off conversation with Sylvia. She up from the bed and took out mini she had prepared, it intently. she cure Nathaniel even without this device, but it take longer and be more painful him. Chapter What Happen If You Could Stand Now that she principles these devices, she knew how to maximize their effectiveness as a strong aid to along with her medical skills by her mentor and the medications procured. With these combined efforts, she restore Nathaniel to full a month. doing so mean breaking her to her mentor. Sofia resting her chin on her lost in thought at the device. she was brought back to the Schneider at age seven, the day before parting with mentor, had carnestly told to keep her abilities hidden, all the ways she differed from ordinary girls hidden too. She must not let anyone know could see the dark, or she the cold, or that she had a photographic memory… knew she had to hide these things to live safely. But she was doctor, a career she loved dearly. couldn’t stand by knowing she could cure someone and nothing. She her murmuring to herself, “Mentor, I’m going against your wishes this time. Please me. next at eight, Sofia the hospital and to a café. As soon as she entered, saw a glamorous woman in a red waving at her. Countless eyes fell on her, filled with jealousy, suspicion, and more, she remained unaffected. brightly as Sofia sat down and pushed a cup of black Americano her. “No sugar, no milk, clears the mind. Sofia glanced at the coffee and said, “My is perfectly clear. I don’t need coffee. not this bitter stuff. Sofia stand the it was torture to her taste buds. Sylvia pursed her lips. “I think your mind isn’t quite clear. Wed, Oct BGG. 9 What Will Happen If You Could Stand Leaning forward, she whispered in a only could hear, “Otherwise, why would you be so crazy, spending nearly ten on this little bottle of stuff?” replied, “A quarter of is your commission. Implying that if woman was so greedy, could she have a fortune? Sylvia leaned back, saying, “Between us, you this money understandable. But what about that person you bought the medicine for? What’s your relationship with it worth spending so money?” Sofia held the medicine her the white inside. Yes, what was her with that she’d spent so much money? Suddenly, felt a pang of regret. What a of money. ching Sofia’s crestfallen expression, Sylvia laughed said, “Seeing look face puts at ease. At least you still know to value money. Otherwise, I’d you were after his face, willing to be the fool. Sofia rubbed her eyelids, really wanting shut this woman up. But Sylvia laughed even boldly, saying, “Or, you idea. He seems rich enough. Why take he’s lying there unable to move, and fleece good?” considered for a moment, decisively thinking that doing so would be too inhumane. Just thinking about Nathaniel lying in her she felt a little sorry for him. packing up the medicine bottle, Sofia stopped with Sylvia and left café.