The Reign of Zane Gardner

Chapter 9 - Debate Over Zane's Abilities

Nora, her voice laced with a tinge of bitterness, stepped forward, unable to contain her vexation. 

"Mr. Scott, I think you are being too eager in your judgment," she said in an attempt to sound rational. "Zane is not the savior you make him out to be. You must not hastily deliver such flattery about his character."

Morel, standing by her side, nodded in agreement. "That’s right," he added. "What happened today may be a mere coincidence. It is too soon to be praising him so highly. This admiration will not last long.”

Despite their words, the room was still filled with the joy of Claire's miraculous recovery, and those present exchanged glances, their expressions ranging from disinterest to subtle disapproval of Nora and Morel's perpetual skepticism.

Charles, maintaining a composed demeanor and with a measured tone, glanced at Nora and Morel. "I understand your concerns," he said, "but what I have seen today tells me that Zane's actions speak louder than any words of skepticism."

Standing beside her grandfather, Claire gazed at Nora and Morel, with a sharp edge in her voice, "I can't believe what you said to Zane after everything he did for me."

The efforts of Nora and Morel to downplay his actions only further estranged them from the other. But she still wants to maintain her statement

"Everyone is blinded by this…charade," Nora muttered, her voice tinged with frustration. "Zane can't heal. It was all a trick, a trick. How could you all be so easily fooled?"

Morel, who was standing next to her, nodded in agreement. "Exactly, that's impossible. There is no scientific basis for what he did," he added, trying to influence the opinions of those around them. “He is truly a useless person, you will regret it soon!”

Charles, with a discerning eye, strode towards Nora and Morel. His keen gaze noticed the discontent written on their faces, which was evident to everyone in the room. He felt the need to address the issue, so he stopped in front of them. His body language was composed yet authoritative, a stark contrast to their visible agitation.

"What has happened to cause your frustration?" Charles asked with a tone that was steady but firm. "I find it hard to understand why you insist on doubting Zane's motives. We have all seen what has happened here today, and your claims seem rather unreasonable."

Nora, taken aback by Charles' direct approach, stammered as she tried to find the right words. "It's just... we know Zane. He's not who you think he is," she said, her conviction wavering beneath Charles' scrutinizing gaze.

She continued, "Just so you know, he is my ex-husband. And I have thrown him away because he is completely useless and is just a parasite in our family." she said with unbridled anger, "I'm sure he's just committing fraud to earn money and survive!”

Morel, quickly followed up, "We're just worried about your granddaughter's safety, Mr. Scott." 

Morel then pointed his finger at Zane, "You idiot! Stop all this before you harm more people."

Charles, however, was not swayed. He signaled to his bodyguards, sensing that the conversation was going nowhere and their presence was only adding to the tension. The large men in their neatly tailored suits stepped forward with an air of quiet efficiency.

"Escort these two out now!" Charles instructed, his tone leaving no room for argument.

The guards approached Nora and Morel, firmly gripping their arms to force them out. Morel began to struggle, his anxiety evident in his vigorous movements.

"Stop it! Let me walk by myself!" Nora demanded, trying to shake off the guards' grip.

Morel’s face flushed with frustration as he shouted, his voice echoing through the room, "You're making a huge mistake, Zane!"

Nora, equally defiant, continued to voice her discontent, her words sharp and filled with scorn. "He should be the one you kicked out of here! not us!"

She yelled back towards the room, her gaze fixed in Zane's direction, "You will definitely regret it! He's a fraud, and everyone will see it soon!"

***

Once Nora and Morel had departed, a feeling of normalcy descended upon the crowd, allowing Charles to take center stage and address the audience.

"Ladies and gentlemen," he began, his voice full of solemnity and gratitude. "Thank you all for your patience and understanding today. I'm sure many of you are already aware of the struggles my granddaughter, Claire, has been facing with her debilitating illness for so many years. A condition that has left even the most experienced doctors baffled."

The room fell into a hushed silence as the guests listened intently, some aware of the gravity of Claire's condition, yet unaware of the full extent of her illness.

Charles went on, his eyes glimmering with relief and joy. "Tonight, however, we saw a miracle take place," he declared. "Thanks to the extraordinary help of a very special individual, Claire's condition has seen an unprecedented improvement."

Everyone was filled with curiosity and compassion.

"So, what kind of sickness is Claire actually ill with?" one of them asked.

"I had no idea Claire had been living with chronic pain all this time. She always seemed so healthy," another added.

"That disease doesn't seem to be a simple one; even doctors can't cure it, they just manage the symptoms. But, who is the person who was able to cure Ms. Claire?

"My parents are chronically ill; can he help them too? That'd be great news, wouldn't it?"

As the applause slowly died down and the charity event continued, Charles made his way down and was about to leave the event location. But before he did, he approached Zane with a look of sincere appreciation and respect on his face. 

The guests, still abuzz with the night's events, watched curiously as Charles and Zane conversed in a private chat. Unfortunately, they were unable to make out any details, as the loud surrounding sound filled the room.

"Zane," Charles said, his voice carrying genuine warmth. "It would be an honor if you would join us for dinner at my private residence. It would be a small gesture of my appreciation for all you have done for Claire."

The guests saw the scene and began to ask each other questions. 

"Did you hear what Mr. Scott said to that man?" one of them asked. 

"No, the music is too loud," someone else answered.

"But don't they seem familiar? Who is he really?" another asked.

"Do you think it could be the person who cured Ms. Claire?" someone else inquired.

"Are you stupid? That's absolutely impossible," the last one replied.

Zane, taken aback and momentarily speechless by the offer, quickly composed himself and responded respectfully with a nod. "Mr. Scott, I'm honored by your invitation. Thank you, I would be delighted to join you," he said.

Charles smiled, evidently pleased by Zane's acceptance. "Wonderful. I'll have my assistant arrange the details and get in touch with you," he said before walking away.

In a corner of the room, Ronald was standing, his demeanor a stark contrast to the festive atmosphere of the event. His gaze was intently fixed on Zane, his eyes reflecting a tumult of emotions that were brewing within him.

He had long harbored deep admiration for Claire, and now felt a surge of jealousy and resentment as he watched the attention and accolades that were being showered upon Zane. The sight of Zane now in the spotlight, receiving a personal invitation from Charles, ignited a sense of rivalry and bitterness in him.

His hands, hidden from view, were clenched tightly into fists, his knuckles whitening under the strain. The muscles in his jaw tensed as he struggled to contain the wave of anger that was washing over him.

Under his breath, he muttered curses, each one laced with Zane Gardner's name. "Zane Gardner," he hissed quietly, his tone tinged with jealousy and resentment. "No one can win Claire's heart. We'll see about that."