Chapter 16 " Yes , Mrs. Sylvester , I'm here . Please go ahead ." Her assistant's respectful voice came clearly over the phone . Beatrice didn't waste a moment I need you to book me a swimming instructor . As soon as I'm out of the hospital , I want to start lessons " A swimming instructor ? There was a note of disbelief in the assistant's voice . " Maam , you … you want to learn to swim ? Who on earth had ever heard of a woman in her seventies suddenly deciding to learn how to swim ? " That's right ! " Beatrice declared with the conviction of someone taking a vow . " I want to learn to swim . " She prided herself on being a sensible mother - in -law . In the future , if she and her daughter -in - law ever ended up in deep water - literally - she'd be able to save herself . Not only would she be able to save herself , but she'd also haul her beloved daughter -in - law out with her Yes She was amazing She was , without a doubt , the most amazing woman in the universe !! The Sylvester family was blessed beyond belief to have a daughter - in - law like hers | And Gordon - having a mother like her ? He must have saved the world in a past life to get this lucky !! After hanging up , Beatrice immediately dialed Gordon . Before he could even say a word , she launched in , " Listen up , you silly boy . Having a mother like me is the best thing that's ever happened to you. You must've racked up some serious good karma in your last life ! " 3 Having finished her dramatic monologue , Beatrice hung up , leaving her son no chance to reply . Sitting in his car , Gordon stared at his phone in bewilderment . What on earth was his mother up to this time ? Meanwhile- The car slowed to a stop , and the driver turned back , speaking respectfully , " Mr. Sylvester , Mr. Cumming , we've arrived . " Skyler was the first to step out . " Uncle , Fl head in first . Gordon nodded slightly . The car was parked before a stately manor . This was the residence of the city's most renowned physician : Dr. Hackett Shepherd . } Dr. Shepherd was a legend - said to work miracles , and so sought after that getting an appointment with him was next to impossible . Skyler had shelled out a six - figure sum just to get a slot for three o'clock that afternoon Inside , banners and plaques lined the walls , each one a grateful tribute from patients he'd helped They made their ir way to the consultation office . Skyler handed over a prescription . " Dr. Shepherd , could you take a look at this prescription and let me know if there's any issue ? " Dr. Shepherd examined the paper carefully . " May I ask who this prescription was written for ? " He couldn't render a verdict without first knowing the patient . " It's for me " A deep voice answered from the doorway . " Dr. Shepherd looked up to see a tall man - nearly six - foot - three - with striking features and a commanding presence . Even a veteran like Dr. Shepherd couldn't help but feel a touch of awe in his presence . What an overwhelming aura . Dr. Shepherd instinctively stood from his chair . " Please , have a seat , sin Gordon inclined his head and took the chair across from him . } Choosing his words carefully , Dr Shepherd asked , " May I have your name , sir ? ' ll * Sylvester ." " Ah , Mr. Sylvester , " Dr. Shepherd said , stroking his beard before reaching into his bag for a stethoscope . " Allow me to check Gordon placed his left hand on the table Dr. Shepherd reached over and began his examination your pulse . " ) After half a minute , Dr. Shepherd withdrew his hand and smiled . " Mr. Sylvester , you can rest easy . Judging by your pulse , you're in good health . There's just a touch of internal heat causing some sweating and a mild cough . Some cooling medicine should set you right ." At this , Skyler's eyes lit up li He'd told Gordon all along that the young woman they'd met in the elevator was a fraud . ) But Gordon hadn't believed him . ) Still , Dr. Shepherd clearly knew his stuff . After all , Gordon had undergone a battery of tests at the hospital - bloodwork , scans , the works - before they figured out the problem . Dr. Shepherd , on the other hand , had pinpointed it with a single pulse check . Suppressing his amazement , Skyler pressed on . " Dr. Shepherd , you're sure my uncle just needs some cooling medicine ? " " Absolutely ." Dr. Shepherd nodded " But the person who wrote this prescription claimed he was suffering from severe exhaustion , and if he didn't take the medicine within three days , he'd collapse - maybe even face serious consequences ! " Dr. Shepherd frowned . " Who gave you that nonsense ? That diagnosis is completely off . Exhaustion syndrome presents as chills and fear of cold , but Mr. Sylvester's symptoms are the opposite ! I've been in medicine all my life - l know how to tell the difference . " If there was , one thing Dr. Shepherd couldn't abide , it was having his expertise questioned.X He turned to Gordon . " Mr. Sylvester , please don't believe a word about collapsing in three days . If that happens , I eat my own medical license ! " 2 He tapped the prescription with distaste . " And this prescri