Chapter 3 You have one hour to

Dr. Larry walked into the room with calm confidence, his back straight and shoulders high. He was close to sixty years old, a well-respected man with decades of medical experience. The moment he stepped in, it was clear he wasn't just any doctor-he was someone important. Raymond, who had asked him to come, quickly stepped forward and offered his hand.

"Dr. Larry, it's really good to see you again," Raymond said, smiling warmly.

"The feeling is mutual, especially since you're paying me such a handsome fee," Dr. Larry replied with a teasing grin, shaking Raymond's hand firmly.

Raymond chuckled softly, understanding the joke. It didn't bother him at all. He was wealthy, and people often made jokes about it. The others in the room watched with wide eyes, whispering among themselves. They were all wondering the same thing-how powerful must Raymond be to bring in one of the world's top doctors just to see an unconscious old woman?

Rachel stood quietly in the corner, her hands tightly clenched. She was nervous but hopeful. Her grandmother had been lying still for hours, and the local doctors had done everything they could-none of it worked. Now, this new doctor was her last hope.

Jesse, was trying hard not to show any emotion, but deep inside, he was just as shocked as everyone else. He had heard of Dr. Larry before-stories about his skills and successes-but seeing him in person was still surreal.

"So, what's the emergency that made me cancel my other appointments and fly here on short notice?" Dr. Larry asked, cutting straight to the point.

"Please, come with me. It's urgent," Raymondsaid quickly and led the doctor to Rachel's grandmother, who was lying lifeless on the bed.

"The local doctors gave her something to help her sleep, but nothing else has worked. They don't know what's wrong, and honestly, we're desperate," Raymondexplained, his voice heavy with worry.

Dr. Larry didn't say much at first. He simply adjusted his glasses and leaned in to examine the older woman. He checked her breathing, placed his fingers on her wrist to feel her pulse, and carefully studied her face.

"What's wrong with her, Doctor?" Raymondasked.

"Shhh! Don't talk while I'm examining a patient," Dr. Larry replied sharply, not taking his eyes off the woman.

Raymondnodded, a little embarrassed, and stepped back. The rest of the family gave the doctor some space, watching silently. Rachel stood quietly in the corner, her head bowed in prayer, silently begging for her grandmother to survive.

Noticing Rachel's tears, Raymondwalked over to her and gently placed a hand on her shoulder. It was a small gesture, but it brought her a bit of comfort.

Meanwhile, Dr. Larry rolled up his sleeves and helped the elderly woman sit upright. He ran his fingers along her back and neck, gently pressing on certain points. It was clear he was searching for something-perhaps signs of blocked blood flow or disrupted energy lines.

After a moment of intense focus, he tapped specific points with his fingers in a rhythmic pattern, then carefully helped her lie back down.

"Bring her some water and food," he ordered.

Everyone looked confused. The woman hadn't even opened her eyes. She looked like she was still unconscious.

"Do you not trust my methods? Get the water and food now!" Dr. Larry snapped, clearly irritated by their hesitation.

A few people rushed out of the room to do what he said. Moments later, the woman began to stir. A soft groan escaped her lips, and her eyelids fluttered open. She started coughing lightly, and gasps filled the room.

"She's awake!"

"It's a miracle!"

"He's like a magician!"

People whispered excitedly, some even cheering. Rachel dropped to her knees and hugged her grandmother tightly, tears pouring down her face. Others moved in to offer their support and express their amazement.

"Give her space," Dr. Larry said firmly. "She needs to breathe and eat."

Then he walked to the side of the room and joined Jesse.

"You really pulled it off," Raymondsaid, grinning.

"Did you ever doubt me?" Dr. Larry replied, standing tall.

"Not at all. That's why I brought you here. I knew you were the only one who could help," Raymondanswered, full of admiration.

"Water..." the old woman croaked. A glass was quickly handed to her. She drank slowly, and her breathing eased. Color started to return to her face, and her voice grew stronger.

"Rachel, I'm hungry. Can you find me something to eat?" she asked, holding her granddaughter's hand.

Rachel nodded quickly and looked around.

"Jesse! Bring the fruits now!" she called out.

But Jesse didn't respond right away. He was too focused on watching the doctor and the patient, clearly fascinated.

"Jesse! I said bring the fruits!" Rachel repeated, her voice louder and firmer this time.

Jesse jumped to attention, snapped out of his daze, and rushed over with a bowl of fruit. To those watching, it was unclear whether he was Rachel's husband or her assistant.

Rachel had asked for fruit because the person she originally sent for food hadn't returned yet. Her grandmother noticed the awkward moment and rolled her eyes.

"Rachel, you brought him again," she muttered while taking an apple from the bowl Jesse held.

"He's my husband, Grandma," Rachel said quietly but firmly.

"Oh, spare me," her grandmother scoffed, then added, "He couldn't even bring fruit on time. What use is a man like that?"

"It's okay, Grandma," Rachel said, trying to keep things peaceful.

"You need a real man-like Mr. Raymondover there. He rescued me, brought me here, and paid for a private doctor! That's the kind of man you should be with."

Jesse heard everything but remained silent. He was used to being insulted by Rachel's family. She had warned him to keep quiet no matter what, and this wasn't the first time they had humiliated him.

The old woman suddenly spit out an apple seed in Jesse's direction.

"Almost choked talking about him," she said with a smirk.

Rachel rubbed her grandmother's back, while the rest of the family tried to calm the situation.

"Take it easy, Grandma," they murmured.

But Jesse was focused on something else. His eyes were locked on her neck. There was a red mark there-a strange discoloration. When the woman noticed him staring, she glared back.

"What are you looking at, Jesse? Why are you staring at me like that?" she snapped.

Jesse hesitated, then finally spoke.

"The doctor didn't treat you properly," he said, his voice low but firm. "In ten minutes, you'll have a seizure. You'll start coughing up blood. You'll fall into a coma, and within an hour... you'll be dead."

The entire room went silent. Everyone turned to stare at Jesse in disbelief.

"What did you just say?" one of the relatives asked, horrified.

The old woman narrowed her eyes at Jesse, then looked around at the stunned faces.

"You're lying," she said flatly.

But Jesse didn't back down. He looked her straight in the eyes and repeated, "You have less than an hour."