Faye arrived at Café Lumière fifteen minutes early, her stomach knotted with guilt and anticipation. The upscale establishment buzzed with afternoon patrons, soft jazz playing in the background.She chose a corner table that offered some privacy for what would undoubtedly be a difficult conversation.When Katherine walked in, Faye almost didn't recognize her. Gone was the polished businesswoman with perfect makeup and imperious posture. Instead, Katherine appeared tired, her eyes slightly puffy as though she'd been crying, her usual designer outfit replaced by a more casual ensemble.Is she really that upset about the contract? Faye wondered, guilt gnawing at her conscience. I never meant to hurt her like this.Katherine spotted Faye and approached, her expression a careful mixture of hurt and resignation."Thank you for meeting me," Katherine said, sliding into the chair opposite Faye. "I wasn't sure you would come.""Of course I came," Faye replied, reaching across the table to touc

The tension in Chairman Hargrove's private suite was palpable. Medical equipment beeped steadily in the background, nurses exchanged worried glances, and the collection of prestigious doctors watched with barely concealed disdain as Marcus Chen positioned himself between Yemin and Alexander Hargrove."Alexander, please," Marcus implored, his voice low but urgent. "I know Mr. Ravollor doesn't look the part, but he saved your father's life three years ago when everyone else had given up."Alexander's jaw clenched, his expensive suit barely concealing the tension in his shoulders. "Are you out of your mind, Marcus? Look at him!" He gestured dismissively toward Yemin. "My father needs the country's top medical experts, not some street vagrant you've dragged in here."The son's resistance is unusual, Yemin thought, studying Alexander's body language. This goes beyond mere skepticism or concern.Marcus pressed on, desperation edging into his voice. "Your father specifically asked for him, A

The lavish bedroom of Chairman Hargrove fell into a stunned silence at Yemin's bizarre request. The medical equipment's steady beeping was the only sound for a brief moment before outrage erupted among the medical professionals."A cobra? Are you completely out of your mind?" Chairman Hargrove's son shouted, his face flushing crimson with anger. "This confirms it—you're nothing but a quack!"The assembled doctors nodded in unified agreement, their expressions ranging from disdain to outright mockery."What could you possibly need a venomous snake for?" the head doctor demanded, adjusting his gold-rimmed glasses. "We've employed every cutting-edge treatment protocol available in modern medicine. MRIs, specialized blood work, experimental treatments—all the latest medical technology!"Another doctor stepped forward, a thin woman with her hair pulled back in a severe bun. "I've practiced medicine for thirty years, and I've never heard of using snake venom to treat any condition resemblin

"Yemin, no!" Faye screamed, her voice piercing through the tense silence of the room. "What are you doing? Do you have a death wish?"The cobra remained poised to strike, its hood fully expanded, black eyes fixed on Yemin who continued his careful approach."That's a striped V hood cobra—the most venomous snake in existence!" Faye continued, her hands trembling with fear. "One bite and you'll end up just like that foolish doctor! His pride cost him his life—don't make the same mistake!"Dr. Pierce lay by the door, his colleagues frantically working to stabilize him as his face turned an alarming shade of blue. His labored breathing created a grim soundtrack to the unfolding drama.Yemin turned slightly toward Faye, his expression serene despite the deadly predator before him. "Don't worry," he said with a warm smile that seemed entirely out of place given the circumstances. "Everything will be fine.""Fine?" Chairman Hargrove's son sputtered from his position pressed against the far w

The sharp, humiliating smack of flesh against flesh echoed through the grand hall.Alexander Hargrove’s hand whipped across Yemin Ravollor’s face a second time, harder, angrier."You lunatic! You absolute madman!" Alexander roared, his face purple with rage."How dare you treat my father like some laboratory rat!"The other guests and doctors gathered in the sprawling estate gasped, murmuring in vicious tones, their judgment swift and cutting."Serves him right," one of the senior doctors sneered, his arms folded smugly across his chest."Running around like some messiah without a license. Now look.""The arrogance of thinking he’s better than us," another chimed in, lips curling into a mocking smile."Dressed like a homeless man and thinking he can play doctor. Ridiculous."Marcus Chen, Hargrove’s loyal right-hand man, moved instinctively toward Yemin, his face a mask of shame and worry."Young Master Alexander, please… this man—"Before he could finish, Alexander turned on him with