The director then turned his attention back to Mrs. Lewis. "Rest assured, Mrs. Lewis, we are working tirelessly to find a breakthrough for Miss Palmer's condition. Bringing her in for a check-up now is, frankly, a waste of time."

Mrs. Lewis sighed and looked at Celia. "You heard Director Smith. What did I tell you? How could someone from Eldermere possibly have this kind of skill?"

Celia simply smiled and said, "Director Smith, since I'm already here, please just run the tests. I trust that Miss Gonzales would not deceive me."

Smith shook his head with a look of weary resignation. "Very well. Since Miss Palmer insists on trusting this Eldermere charlatan, I'll take you for the examination myself."

Once the results came in, Celia would learn just how wrong she was.

Celia followed Director Smith. Once inside the examination room, she underwent

a battery of tests while Mrs. Lewis waited outside.

About an hour and a half later, Celia emerged, having completed all the procedures.

Mrs. Lewis shot up from her seat. "Well? What did the results say?"

Celia smiled. "Aunt, we'll have to wait another half hour for the results." It was only due to Celia's prestigious status that the hospital fast-tracked her case; a typical patient would have waited two or three hours for such complex tests.

Director Smith came out just then. "Mrs. Lewis, Miss Palmer, if you're anxious, you can head home. I'll notify you the moment the results are ready." He paused, adding a cautionary note, "But I'll say it again: please don't get your hopes up about this Eldermere healer. You need to be mentally prepared."

Mrs. Lewis stood up and looked at Celia. "Let's go home then."

Celia smiled and shook her head. "No, it's only half an hour. I can wait here."

She wanted to hear the news of her recovery with her own ears.

Seeing her niece's determination, Mrs. Lewis sat back down. "Alright, then. I'll wait with you."

Director Smith also stayed with them.

The half-hour passed quickly.

A doctor emerged from the lab

holding a report, a strange expression on his face "Director Smith, Miss Palmer's results are in."

Celia immediately stood up, her eyes shining with anticipation. "Am I cured?"

Director Smith shot Celia a look

dripping with pity. Cured?

Impossible. He didn't want to crush

her hopes, but facts were facts. How could some backwater healer from Eldermere possibly cure Celia?

The doctor glanced from Director Smith to Celia, his expression conflicted. "Yes that's correct

According to these results you have made a full recovery."