Chapter 238
Ten years had passed since the tragic accident that took Mr. Burton’s wife from him. Since that fateful day, he had distanced himself from the rest of the Burton family, retreating to an old, worn-out clinic on the outskirts of town. His once warm demeanor had turned eccentric and prickly.
The clinic, nestled among aging buildings, rarely saw any patients. Few sought medical advice in such a secluded place, and those who did were often driven away by Mr. Burton’s irritable nature. In fact, an entire year had gone by without him taking on a single patient.
But Mr. Burton didn’t mind. He hadn’t moved there to practice medicine, but rather to guard the cherished memories of his late wife. Yet, his extraordinary medical skills couldn’t remain hidden forever; whispers of his talents eventually spread.
It was around this time that he met Stella. Throughout his long life, Mr. Burton had encountered countless people, but none quite like Stella. Her determination and willingness to work hard were unmatched. It made sense-without such tenacity, she couldn’t have put up with her irresponsible husband for so long.
During her free time, Stella often visited the clinic, bringing along homemade treats. Mr. Burton wasn’t the type to accept gifts politely if he didn’t like them. If he found the treats unpalatable, he’d bluntly tell Stella that even a dog wouldn’t eat such things.
Stella, however, never took offense. With a good-natured smile, she’d ask, “Mr. Burton, what do you prefer? I’ll try to do better next time.”
Unreservedly, Mr. Burton would list his likes and dislikes, and Stella diligently noted them down in a little book she kept just for him. Over time, she learned to make things that suited his taste.
As the weather turned chilly, she’d knit gloves for her husband, Keen, and always made an extra pair for Mr. Burton. To Stella, Mr. Burton was like a grandfather- sharp-tongued but with a heart of gold. And Mr. Burton knew Stella’s kindness was genuine.
Before returning to the Burton family, Mr. Burton planned to give Stella a gift. But before he could do so, Haynes showed up on his doorstep, an unexpected opportunity that Mr. Burton couldn’t pass up.
“Stella,” Mr. Burton said, lowering his voice conspiratorially, “does Rachel really have some terminal illness?”
He chuckled. “Of course not. Does she look like someone who’s seriously ill, bouncing around like that?”
Stella wasn’t surprised. “Then why keep her secret? Why not expose her lie?”
Mr. Burton shrugged. “Those two fools are so bewitched by her that they wouldn’t believe it, even if I wore my vocal cords out. A few crocodile tears from her, and they’re wrapped around her finger.”
Stella had to admit, Mr. Burton had a knack for seeing through people’s facades. “Rachel’s nothing but trouble. You shouldn’t let her stay here.”
Mr. Burton kept Rachel around, knowing full well it would irk her companions, Haynes and Jasper, who weren’t known for their patience or respect for elders when it concerned Rachel.
Mr. Burton snorted, “I’ve seen all sorts of people in my life. Women like her? I’ve encountered plenty in my younger days.
The way they flaunt their arrogance in public is a clear sign of how insufferable they must be to you in private.”
“I just can’t stand their selfishness dressed up as benevolence, pretending to do others a favor.”