"Black?"

Met with dead silence on the line, the representative tentatively spoke up again. "The election convention is being held right there in Cabinda."

"No matter how you look at it, it's incredibly convenient for you."

More importantly, Asclepius had been completely off the grid for years. Even during the devastating sleeping sickness crisis, the legendary doctor hadn't shown their face.

Black, on the other hand, had nearly sacrificed her own life on the front lines to contain the outbreak. The entire International Medical Alliance had witnessed her brilliance and dedication firsthand.

The board was overwhelmingly rooting for Black to take the seat.

"When?"

Charlotte shifted uncomfortably against Anthony's chest, trying to find a better angle.

Noticing her slight discomfort, Anthony immediately reached down, his large, warm hands gently massaging her lower back to ease the tension.

"Next week."

The Alliance rep's voice instantly brightened. "I'll forward the exact itinerary and protocols to your secure email shortly."

"Fine."

"Oh, and Black," the rep added, hesitation creeping into his tone as he offered a well-meaning warning. "Asclepius is universally recognized as the absolute pinnacle of the medical world. Their capabilities are practically mythical. You really need to..."

You really need to prepare relentlessly and ensure absolutely nothing goes wrong during the trials.

After all—Black was a rising star, a prodigy, but going up against the god-like Asclepius? Everyone knew there was still a massive gap in experience.

"Ah."

Charlotte spun her phone lazily in her hand, tapping her fingertips lightly against the casing. Her voice was pure, lazy sarcasm. "Asclepius is indeed terrifyingly skilled. I suppose... I'll just have to work really, really hard."

"Yes!" The rep agreed enthusiastically. "Black, you are undoubtedly much younger than Asclepius, and your raw talent bridges the gap. If you give it your absolute all, you definitely have a shot at taking them down! We're all rooting for you!"

"Are you now?"

Charlotte's lips twitched, the amusement in her eyes deepening into a wicked gleam. "It's a good thing Asclepius isn't here to listen to you say that, otherwise..."

"Uh."

The rep froze for a few awkward seconds, let out a nervous chuckle, and hastily ended the call.

Charlotte tossed her phone onto the table and tilted her head up, meeting the dark gaze of the man expertly kneading the knots out of her spine. A soft, genuine smile touched her lips. "Boss, your technique is getting seriously good."

"Satisfied?" Anthony held her gaze, his voice dropping into a low, husky purr that sent a shiver down her spine. "So, stop obsessing over my face. Your husband has plenty of other incredible skills."

"Cough."

Caught completely off guard, Charlotte choked slightly, a faint flush creeping up her neck.

How did he manage to make a completely normal conversation sound so insanely seductive?

"Since when did I ever..." Charlotte instinctively opened her mouth to deny the 'obsessed with his face' accusation.

But the words died on her tongue. Guilt flared in her chest. "Look, I can't help it. I'm just making the same mistake every woman on earth makes—I'm a sucker for a strikingly handsome face."

Besides, if he didn't look like a literal god in a tailored suit, she would have never targeted him in the first place.

Anthony stared at her, his expression twisting into something deeply complex.

It seemed Newell was absolutely right. He really did need to heavily invest in maintaining his physique and looks... otherwise, this fickle girl might actually get bored of him one day.

On the drive back to the mansion, Charlotte received an unexpected call from Glenn. They immediately rerouted the car toward Kingswood University.

"What's wrong?"

Seeing the dark cloud settling over his wife's face, Anthony gently smoothed her hair, his tone entirely coaxing.

"Annoying."

Charlotte slumped against his shoulder, idly playing with the top button of his dress shirt. She mumbled grumpily, "I'm a student. Why the hell do they want me to be a professor?"

Anthony let out a low chuckle, instantly piecing together the context of the call.

He had heard the rumors that The Cabinda University was launching an elite traditional medicine program and had been aggressively trying to recruit Lottie as an honorary professor to lead the department.

"If you don't want to go, just tell them no."

"I already did. Now they've shown up at my doorstep." Charlotte's frown deepened. She sat up straight and adjusted her jacket. "You head back first. Let Grandma and Grandpa know we made it back safely."

The two elders had been sick with worry over her condition.