Chapter 6 The Bet

Esme visibly recoiled under Demi's demanding glare, her palms suddenly slick with nervous perspiration.

Desperately, she stammered an excuse. "There have been countless surgeries... I honestly can't recall each one clearly-"

"A surgeon who forgets the procedures she has performed?" Evelina smoothly interrupted, her voice tinged with mockery. "It seems you're nothing but an imposter. Care to prove me wrong with a little wager?"

Margot burst out indignantly. "Who are you to challenge Esme like that?" But she instantly fell silent when Elora silenced her sharply, reminding her of decency.

Completely unfazed, Evelina's eyes sparkled with quiet defiance as she addressed Esme again, saying, "Miss Barton, if your claims are legitimate, surely this won't faze you?"

"Fine! I accept your ridiculous bet." Esme tightened her grip around Cary's arm, convinced she saw right through Evelina's game. "You're clearly desperate to win Cary back, aren't you?"

"Pathetic," Elora sneered disdainfully.

For Elora, wealth equaled respectability. Those lacking it deserved neither acknowledgment nor courtesy.

Refusing to be provoked, Evelina coolly fixed her gaze on Esme, her tone deceptively gentle. "Here's the bet-prove you can restore Florrie Russell's sight."

"Enough of your slander!" Cary growled angrily. "Esme reviewed Florrie's medical records herself and assured me she can treat it!"

Earlier, Cary had handed Esme the detailed medical reports sent by the Russell family. She had confidently declared Florrie's condition manageable.

Privately, Esme cursed Cary's gullibility. She'd made those promises purely to sound impressive, not expecting they'd be seriously tested.

"Wonderful," Evelina responded calmly. "Then let's be clear-if you fail, you'll apologize publicly at Professor Mitchell's grave and confess your deception to the global media."

She looked forward to seeing Esme squirm her way out of that scenario.

"You're shameless," Cary scoffed dismissively. "You'll do anything to tarnish Esme's reputation. What if she succeeds-what then?"

Without skipping a beat, Evelina responded confidently, "Then I'll openly admit my error for everyone to see."

"Not good enough!" Margot interjected fiercely. "If Esme wins, you'll vanish from my brother's life forever!"

"Agreed," Evelina affirmed without hesitation. Her eyes scanned the room thoughtfully before settling deliberately on one individual. "Would you witness our bet?"

Looking up to meet her unwavering, clear gaze, the distinguished man hesitated briefly, then agreed simply, "Certainly."

Flashing an effortless, radiant smile, Evelina replied confidently, "Good. With a credible witness present, no one can wriggle out of this later."

Instantly defensive, Esme retorted bitterly, "Who exactly are you accusing, Evelina?"

"Enough!" Demi's voice thundered decisively, silencing the room immediately. "Esme, remember your place."

This impostor dared present herself as the legendary Sight Weaver in front of the prestigious Russell family? She risked dragging the entire Gibson lineage through disgrace.

Gratefulness washed over Demi as she realized Evelina's presence was their only saving grace.

Evelina leaned close to Demi, whispering reassuringly, "Leave Miss Russell's treatment to me- but it will be the final favor I ever grant the Gibson family."

With quiet resolve, Evelina turned gracefully and exited without another glance.

She was done wasting her time in this toxic environment.

Elora rejoiced at her departure. Worried the Russells might confuse Evelina for family, she loudly called after her, "Cary will handle the divorce papers first thing tomorrow. Don't you dare delay!"

Intently, the handsome man observed Evelina's departure, his thoughtful eyes narrowed with intrigue.

Unaware, Elora pivoted to him with exaggerated politeness. "Mr. Russell, please stay for lunch-my daughter has prepared a special performance in your honor."

He barely acknowledged her offer, dismissing it curtly. "No, I have other matters to attend to."

Fixing Esme with a steely, unreadable gaze, he continued evenly, "Miss Barton, since you've confidently claimed you can treat my niece, I expect you to be fully prepared. The first operation is scheduled in one week's time."

Only one week?

Panic surged through Esme immediately. "I-I might need more preparation time-"

"That's your concern, not mine," he replied coldly. "You'll have top-tier equipment and a skilled medical team at your disposal. Just ensure your success. State your fee."

He wasn't expecting miracles instantly-but if she couldn't even begin the procedure, her deception would be blatantly clear.

As he turned away, Margot hurried forward, eager to accompany him.

Within a few steps, the bodyguards swiftly redirected her, sending her back in embarrassment. Angrily, she stomped her foot, sobbing dramatically as she rushed to Cary and Elora for comfort.

Demi leveled a stern glare in Margot's direction. "The Russells are beyond your reach-accept it. And you-" She turned sharply on Elora. "Teach your daughter some dignity."