โStanley, what did you call her?โ Johannaโs face hardened, her smile vanishing. Her gaze sharpened, radiating malice as she demanded, โWhat did you just call her?โ
Stanley grinned, unfazed. โMrs. Russell. Is there a problem?โ
โWho gave you permission to call her that? She doesnโt have the proper title or status. Countless women are vying to marry into the Russell family. Some people should stop being delusional!โ Johanna glared at Felicia, making her meaning perfectly clear.
Stanley shook his head, maintaining a polite demeanor, but his tone grew serious. โMs. Rosario, you seem to be overstepping. Mr. Russellโs intentions are not for you to speculate on.โ
The remark served as a sharp reminder of Johannaโs place: a mere guest in the Russell family. Acting so presumptuously, interfering in their affairs, was far beyond her standing.
Seething, she resolved to endure this. One day, Felicia would realize the position of Mrs. Russell belonged to her, Johanna!
Felicia felt the intense gaze. If looks could kill, she would have died many times over. โWhat on earth is her problem?โ she mused.
Her patience thinning, her voice turned cold. โSo, are you here for a consultation or not? If not, Iโm leaving.โ She had come as a miracle healer. Did they think famous doctors were pushovers? Respectful behavior was expected when seeking medical help.
Johannaโs dark expression quickly shifted. Forcing a smile, she masked her hostility and adopted a deferential posture. Lowering her head slightly, she gestured. โMs. Fuller, this way, please.โ
Felicia strolled leisurely, accepting the courtesy as her due. Her poised and regal demeanor exuded unshakable confidence, as if others were naturally obligated to defer to her. Johanna secretly clenched her teeth. How dare this woman demand respect from her?
Yet Felicia did. She had received countless requests from all walks of lifeโnobles, tycoons, and elites. Private jets and extravagant welcomes were commonplace. She remained casual, accepting arrangements without fuss. If the attitude was respectful and the payment fair, she would help. Conversely, if she deemed someone worthy, she would go to great lengths, even for those who couldn't afford her. Otherwise, how had Union Clinic earned its reputation? How had she become known as a miracle healer?
As Johanna led the way, Felicia followed at a relaxed pace. Stanley, responsible for her safety, saw little danger in the Russell estate and instead carried Feliciaโs medical kit. His chatter filled the air. At almost every turn, he eagerly pointed things out.
โMrs. Russell, look at that pond! Itโs full of glowing fish. Mr. Russell feeds them when heโs home.โ And later, โMrs. Russell, up ahead is a garden I think youโll like. Itโs full of flowers, and they should all be in bloom this time of year.โ
His enthusiasm and repeated use of โMrs. Russellโ grated on Johannaโs nerves. Felicia seemed indifferent, but Johanna seethed, barely maintaining her composure.
They passed through an opulent reception hall, down a long corridor, and finally stopped. โWeโre here,โ Johanna announced.
It was a garden, just as Stanley had described, bursting with vibrant colors, the blooms of various rare and precious flowers at their peak.