Chapter 139

Mona’s arrogance stemmed from her newfound backing. After Leroy’s illness, a former student of his returned to care for him. This student, Chloe, lacked a Holy Emblem but held immense sway in international medicine; anyone possessing a Holy Emblem required her assessment. Mona, believing Emma possessed only a low-level Holy Orchid Emblem, underestimated Chloe's influence. Chloe, a close friend since childhood, was sympathetic to Mona's embellished "tragic experience" and promised to help her reprimand Emma.

Following a confrontation orchestrated by Mona, she sought out Chloe. Emma, meanwhile, enjoyed the banquet delicacies. Chloe and Mona arrived arm in arm, prompting immediate whispers among the guests.

“Isn’t that Chloe, the Hunter family’s prodigy?” “Yes! She entered Phara’s top medical school at fifteen, graduated at eighteen, and earned her doctorate at twenty-two! The Hunters have focused on overseas work lately, but she supposedly knows many doctors with Holy Hero Emblems!” “Leroy’s adopted daughter is surprisingly influential, knowing Chloe!” “Why is Chloe approaching Emma?” “Chloe's from a medical association dedicated to correcting industry malpractice. Recently, Emma's medical skills have been questioned online. Chloe's demeanor suggests a problem…”

Anticipation hung heavy in the air as elegantly dressed Chloe, in high heels, confronted Emma. “Are you Emma, the one who bullied Mona?”

Emma looked up, their eyes meeting in a moment of stunned silence. Chloe's shock was palpable. “You are…”

Emma interrupted with a smile, “Ms. Hunter, long time no see. You still recognize me.”

Chloe, of course, recognized her. Years earlier, a medical genius had stunned the world, solving a century-old problem and saving countless lives. This genius was Grail, and Chloe couldn't forget her face. The “swindler” Mona described was Grail herself.

Emma, preferring anonymity, explained, “My return hasn’t been publicized. Ms. Hunter, you understand.”

Chloe understood perfectly. “Unexpected to meet you here… What an honor!” The coldness vanished, replaced by gentle, almost reverent respect.

Mona and the onlookers were speechless. Confused, Mona demanded, “Chloe, she bullied me! Why didn’t you defend me? Why are you greeting her?”

Chloe, realizing Mona’s victim was Grail, winced. “Be quiet. Miss Emma’s medical skills are unparalleled. If she’s a fraud, there are few competent doctors left!”

Mona was incredulous. “But she only has a low-level Holy Orchid Hero Emblem! Why would Chloe fear her?”

“She doesn’t even have a medical license…” Mona began.

“Enough!” Chloe’s tone hardened. Grail's lack of a license was a deliberate choice; her status would attract unwanted attention, compromising her freedom. This explained the secrecy surrounding Holy Hero Emblem holders.

Ignoring Mona, Chloe bowed respectfully. “We were rude. Mona's behavior was inexcusable. I apologize on her behalf.”

The onlookers gasped. Chloe's public apology, her demeanor that of a subservient lackey rather than a judge, was astonishing.

Emma, elegantly sipping wine, responded coolly, “It’s fine. However, one’s actions reflect their associates. Ms. Hunter, you’re intelligent. Avoid foolish friends.” The public rebuke of Mona was pointed.

Mona’s face darkened. “You bitch! You’ll regret this!”

Chloe snapped, “Mona! Shut up!”

Grail's forbearance was remarkable; otherwise, Mona, and possibly Chloe, would face professional ruin. Mona wept. Her brother and now Chloe, who'd promised revenge, both rejected her.

"You're bullying me!" Mona's outburst ended. The banquet's attendees understood; Emma's influence was immense. Even without knowing she was Grail, befriending such a powerful individual was advantageous.

Simon, observing, frowned. Emma was far more enigmatic than he imagined. “Liam, she's hiding much from you.”

Liam, initially worried by Chloe's aggressive approach, was now convinced, having secretly tested Emma in the underground market. “She wasn’t hiding it deliberately. You’ve underestimated her.”

Simon was silent. Emma's investments and medical skills had consistently surprised him. He might have misjudged her.

As a production team executive approached, Liam reflected on the unexpected turn of events. "Miss Wilson, I'm Mark, executive director of Legacy of a Healer. I admire your skills and ethics. Our show aims to counter modern medicine's negative impact on traditional healing. We invite you to participate and promote our national heritage.”

Emma considered the unexpected offer. "I've heard of your show, it's good. However, I may lack the time…"

"You could be a guest," Mark insisted. "It wouldn’t take much of your time!"