Kaleb himself was inviting her to the Thompson residence? Elliana could barely contain her amusement. Her entire reason for coming to Yruzias was to get close to the Thompson family, and she had never expected the door to open so quickly—and from the head of the house himself.

Though excitement bubbled inside Elliana, she kept her face calm.

“A doctor’s duty is to help those in need. And since you trust me so much, I’d be honored to help.”

Levi stepped in with a pleasant smile.

“Dr. Atkinson just finished a long operation. He’s worn out and starving. Perhaps it’s best if we let him rest before talking about Edgar’s case.”

Kaleb nodded thoughtfully and then turned to Elliana with a warm smile.

“In that case, please allow me to invite you to the Thompson residence for dinner and some rest. Would you do me the honor?”

Dinner and rest at their home? How could Elliana refuse? It was the perfect chance to stay longer, observe, and learn more. If she simply examined Edgar and left right away, she’d never get a real look behind the curtain. After all, Edgar was her grandfather. Meeting him at last was something she had longed for. She was also eager to see her grandmother—the legendary physicist she’d heard so much about.

Still, Elliana hid her joy behind a gentle smile.

“That’s very kind of you. But I wouldn’t want to trouble you.”

Levi spoke up.

“Kaleb, your family has always been famously private. Why the special treatment for Dr. Atkinson?”

The moment Levi said it, curious glances darted around the room. An assistant, yet showing overt concern for Milena and eagerly chiming in twice over Milena’s rest. Did this suggest something deeper between them than a professional relationship?

The same question flickered in everyone’s eyes.

Ga ln ovels . com fuels your imagination

Elliana and Levi instantly realized what was going through everyone’s minds.

“It’s not like that!” Levi blurted out.

“We’re just good friends!”

Only then did the stares fade into awkward smiles.

Kaleb chuckled.

“Though this is my first meeting with Dr. Atkinson, I feel an instant connection. For him, I’m willing to make an exception and open the doors of our home.”

Few people had ever given Kaleb that feeling—especially someone so young. From the first moment, something about Milena had seemed strangely familiar.

An instant connection? Elliana’s lips curved slightly. Maybe that was the pull of family. She had worried that the Thompson family’s search for Milena was part of something darker. But now, it seemed she was wrong—they simply wanted her to treat Edgar. Still, the sheer effort they’d spent tracking Milena down said a lot. Edgar’s illness must be far from ordinary. Maybe that was why he hadn’t appeared in public since his retirement.

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