Chapter 176 Identity Exposed!
That Caporegime was Stephen's subordinate. Recalling the information Karen had collected for me, I remembered his name was Joey.
Joey usually kept a low profile and had ordinary features, but Karen had specifically reminded me that Joey was Stephen's right-hand man, equivalent to Alfred's position in Lucas's heart.
Joey's casual gaze became serious. I wanted to see clearly what he was holding, but he quickly turned around, carrying the entire drawer toward Stephen, placing everything from the hidden compartment in front of him.
"What is it?" Marcus asked in a displeased, low voice.
Gale also stared expressionlessly at Joey. Having family property publicly examined was our bottom line. Things hidden in a secret compartment clearly belonged to the Sorelli family's secrets. Joey and Stephen's actions weren't just offensive!
"Stephen, this isn't quite appropriate," Gale's voice was cold.
The atmosphere grew tense again. Michelle, not far away, raised her eyebrows. She couldn't wait for us to become enemies with the four major families, then get crushed like ants meeting an elephant.
"Sorry, no offense intended. Joey was just too shocked." Stephen's eyes flashed with obscure, complex emotions, emphasizing the word "shocked."
Members of the other three major families looked at him, not understanding what could make Stephen, who rarely showed emotion, so surprised.
Stephen picked up a burial rights certificate from the hidden compartment. The moment Felix saw it clearly, his mouth dropped open.
I fell silent.
So my mother had hidden Doyle's belongings in her vanity table!
Grant's expression changed dramatically. His body unconsciously leaned forward, staring intently at what Stephen was holding.
Terrence muttered in surprise, "How is this possible?"
Marcus didn't yet know whose burial certificate it was. He frowned and said rather rudely, "Are you all so surprised by our Sorelli family members' graves? Please put it back!"
Gale seemed to realize something and grabbed Marcus, but it was too late.
Stephen asked meaningfully, "This is clearly Doyle's grave. Since when did Doyle become a member of the Sorelli family?"
"Doyle." Marcus glanced at me somewhat nervously.
Stephen continued questioning, "After Doyle died, almost no one knew where his body was. Only his closest student, Miracle Surgeon, knew where his grave was. You all?"
His gaze swept between me and my brothers, then he took out a set of surgical instruments from the hidden compartment. The surgical kit had a branded mark on it—Doyle's exclusive symbol.
I tried to think of a reasonable excuse to explain Doyle's relationship with the Sorelli family, but before I could speak, Gerald rushed to Stephen and took the surgical kit with both hands.
"Let me see. Yes, yes! These are Doyle's things." Gerald was very excited, then took out some old photos and letters from the hidden compartment, carefully set them down, and looked at me, Gale, and Marcus apologetically. "Sorry! These are Doyle's belongings, right?"
"Isabella, you're actually Miracle Surgeon?" Felix exclaimed.
His eyes were complex, full of shock, awe, disbelief, and a touch of caution.
Eyes fell on me from all directions. People in the distance stretched their necks like geese. My heart jumped under their stares.
Exposed.
I answered hesitantly, "Yes."
"No!"
Marcus and I spoke at the same time, then looked at each other.
I immediately changed my story, "Okay, I'm not."
Marcus spoke simultaneously with me again, "She is!"
Gale covered his face with one hand.
Before I could worry about my lack of coordination with Marcus and still tried to maintain my about-to-be-exposed identity, Stephen suddenly held up a photo—one of me and Doyle taken years ago.
His eyes were burning. "Isabella, on the back of these photos is Doyle's handwriting: 'Me and my student—Miracle Surgeon, Bella.'"
Now it was completely exposed.
The entire venue fell silent for three seconds, then discussion exploded.
"Miracle Surgeon? That legendary Miracle Surgeon!"
"The doctor who's said to snatch people back from death's hands, the one countless families couldn't hire even at sky-high prices?"
"It's actually her? How can Miracle Surgeon be a woman?"
"In the rumors, Miracle Surgeon was clearly a man!"
"No wonder she's especially good at making medicine but had no reputation before, like she appeared out of nowhere."
"Mom! I've met the real Miracle Surgeon!"
"Quick! Take a photo for me! I want a picture with Miracle Surgeon!"
People's gazes felt like they had weight, pressing heavily on me. The previous sympathy, wariness, and mocking looks all turned into shock and awe.
"Impossible!" Michelle refused to believe it. "This can't be possible!"
Amelia was completely dumbfounded.
Previously, she had produced a letter Doyle wrote to me, in which he instructed me to hide our teacher-student relationship. At that time, Amelia had even pretended to be Doyle's student. From beginning to end, they never connected me with Miracle Surgeon.
Michelle stared deadly at the vanity table.
Compared to the fact that I was Miracle Surgeon, she probably resented more that she hadn't discovered the hidden compartment's existence.
"This is probably fate's arrangement," Gale said softly.
I nodded and admitted, "Yes, I am Miracle Surgeon."
I didn't expect my identity to be exposed in such circumstances, completely outside the plan!
Marcus laughed heartily.
"Since you all know now, we won't pretend anymore." Marcus crossed his arms over his chest, his eyes bright, his proud smile impossible to suppress. "My sister Isabella is the famous Miracle Surgeon! Are you all envious and jealous?"
Gale's demeanor remained composed, just with the corners of his mouth slightly raised, his expression proud.
Lucas's grip on my hand tightened slightly, showing an understanding and indulgent smile.
"No! Something's wrong!" Michelle was unwilling to accept it. "If you really are Miracle Surgeon, there's no need to hide your identity!"
I had to admit, Michelle was quite smart. One sentence stirred up everyone's doubts again.
If my secret of being Miracle Surgeon had been exposed early, my brothers and I might have succeeded in our revenge long ago.
Felix asked me puzzled, "Yeah, why did you hide your identity?"
I smiled, "Because I know too many secrets. I'm afraid of dying."
This wasn't nonsense. Doyle had repeatedly instructed me not to expose my identity, also worried that knowing too many important people's hidden illnesses and secrets would bring fatal disaster.
Felix narrowed his eyes, like a cunning fox. "Are you threatening us?"
I shrugged, not denying it. "The Thornfield family's Don always has headaches. The Marr family has more girls than boys. The Caudill family wants everyone to study medicine. Can anyone here guarantee they'll never get hurt or sick in their lifetime?"
Miracle Surgeon's identity could bring me countless benefits, but only if my abilities weren't questioned!
My right hand can't hold a scalpel—I don't know how much longer this secret can be kept.
Gerald pressed his lips together, his gaze sympathetic, not exposing me.
But even if exposed, it didn't matter. I could still make medicine. This was the backup plan I kept for myself.
Michelle suddenly laughed maniacally, laughing until she cried.
She had nothing left now.