Chapter 1364

Thompson smiled, unimpressed. He'd expected this. Seeing the smile, shame washed over Austin. Though he'd never explicitly claimed to be Dominic's secret apprentice, others had spread the rumor, and Austin hadn't corrected them. Thompson's smile, therefore, felt like a penetrating gaze through Austin's charade.

"The old man hasn't been feeling well these past few years, so he prefers not to meet outsiders. However, if you have any questions you'd like me to ask him, I might be able to help," Austin offered, clearing his throat. The words implied proximity to Dominic. While he couldn't bring Thompson to see Dominic, he could offer assistance.

"Really?" Thompson's interest was piqued. "If so, excellent! I have a few problems I've been struggling with. Austin, if it's not too much trouble, please ask Mr. Dominic."

"Of course!" Austin straightened, a relieved smile spreading across his face. He felt he'd salvaged, at least partially, his reputation.

After further pleasantries, Thompson entered the building. He'd just arrived, while Austin was preparing to leave, planning to change clothes before visiting Maria's niece. Normally, he wouldn't give such a trivial matter a second thought. He had a general idea of the situation—a common one: Maria's niece was obese. Obesity usually indicated either gluttony, laziness, or an endocrine disorder; nothing else. He usually dismissed such minor problems. This was different, however, due to Lily's intervention. The girl was so influenced by Lily that she doubted Austin's abilities, even calling him a charlatan. Lily must have spoken to her. Therefore, proving himself to Lily became paramount; money was secondary. He needed every opportunity to showcase his talent and distance himself from his family's influence, to prove himself superior to Lily's superficial approach.

Yawning, he walked towards his parked car, noticing another vehicle nearby. While this wasn't unusual, a woman stood beside it. Her figure and attire suggested she was the woman who'd spoken to Thompson earlier. She leaned against the car, arms crossed, chin slightly raised, her long hair whipping in the wind.

This halted Austin. He hesitated. Her posture suggested she was waiting for him, but he didn't recognize her and avoided assumptions to prevent embarrassment. As he considered this, she straightened and swiftly approached, her gaze sweeping over him.

"Mr. Austin Fike?"

"Hm?" He raised an eyebrow.

"Are you the miracle doctor everyone's talking about?" she asked directly.

While the title didn't usually bother him, her tone implied skepticism, making him frown. "I'm not a miracle doctor. You've mistaken me!" He reached for his car door.

A fair hand swiftly pressed against it. He'd have pinched his hand had he not withdrawn it quickly. Startled, he jumped out angrily.

"What are you doing, Miss?!"

"I just want to talk." Her lips curled into a smile.

"I don't know you," Austin snapped, struggling to contain his anger. "We have nothing to discuss."