The Double or more Life of the Fake Heiress (Mirabella)

Upon hearing the mention of David, Conrad paused. On the surface, his mentor and David seemed to get along just fine, but Conrad knew there was always a subtle rivalry simmering beneath the surface. Whether it was in the realm of medicine, pharmacology, or mentoring apprentices, his mentor was never one to easily concede to David.

So when the conversation suddenly turned to David, Conrad found himself puzzled. Was his mentor testing the waters to gauge his feelings, or was it just a casual suggestion?

The vice president must have sensed Conrad's hesitation, as he nudged the medical file towards him. "Doctors are like parents to their patients. I may be at a loss, but that doesn't mean David can't help. After all, this is a matter of life and death. Don't worry, I won't take offense."

Conrad took a moment to study him closely, ensuring he was serious before responding, “I wasn't overthinking it. I just worry that David might not want to get involved."

The vice president waved it off casually, "Why don't you just ask him? If he can't help, then maybe it's just a sign that the old man's past his prime."

Conrad was taken aback by his mentor's last comment, unsure of its full meaning.

"Go on now, don't let the patient's condition worsen," the vice president added, turning his attention back to an old, weathered medical text, signaling he was done with the conversation.

Seeing this, Conrad had no choice but to grab the medical file and step out of the office.

Outside, he let out a sigh of relief. Whatever his mentor's motives, at least he had a legitimate reason to seek David's help for Romero without stepping on anyone's toes or inviting doubts about his own skills.

Involving David shifted the narrative. Even if things didn't work out, folks would chalk it up to the president aging, not Conrad's lack of skill.

Clutching the medical file, Conrad made his way to find Mr. Boyd.

"Hey, Conrad," David greeted him as he walked in, not even giving him a chance

to speak. "If you need anything, just go to the vice president. I'm about to head to the airport."

David had a flight booked to check on the herb farm's batch of secret orchids. Word was that Paul had managed to rescue most of the seedlings, and David was eager to see the progress.

"Oh, you're heading out?" Conrad asked, caught off guard.

David nodded, "Yep, got to visit the herb farm."

Conrad hadn't anticipated such poor timing. With David heading to the farm, where travel was a hassle, he'd likely be gone for three to five days.

Stuck holding the medical file, Conrad found himself momentarily at a loss. All the plans he'd carefully laid out in his mind unraveled with David's impending trip.

David, while gathering his documents, noticed Conrad's hesitation. He paused, checked the time, and said, "I've got a bit of time. What's up?"

With a rueful smile, Conrad explained, "A friend's family member had a severe reaction to some meds from the pharmacy and is in critical condition."

David locked his papers away, looking surprised. "An adverse reaction?"noveldrama

"Yeah," Conrad nodded, "They're in the hospital, still in the critical phase."

David nodded thoughtfully, "That sounds pretty serious. What did your mentor have to say about it?"