Chapter 256: No Blind Dates
Emily nodded firmly. "Thank you, Aunt Daphne."
This was the first time she had used that title. Daphne's eyes welled up with tears as she embraced Emily tightly. "Sweet child, if Scarlett could see how wonderful you've become, she would be so proud."
They chatted for a while longer. Meanwhile, Elodie was lounging in the living room, absentmindedly eating fruit and scrolling through her phone, occasionally glancing toward the study.
Just then, the front door burst open, and two men entered—one wearing a charcoal gray suit, the other in a loud, colorful shirt.
Daniel had rushed home after receiving an urgent call from his mother. On the phone, Daphne had only said there was something important and demanded he come home immediately. He assumed it was another blind date his mother had arranged—over the years, Daphne had set up no fewer than ten matchmaking attempts, each one giving him a massive headache.
As soon as he entered the living room, he spotted a woman's silhouette sitting on the sofa. She had long hair cascading over her shoulders and wore a simple white blouse with jeans, head down, absorbed in her phone.
Daniel frowned, irritation surging through him. He strode over quickly and said in a cold tone, "Miss, I think my mother may not have been clear with you. I currently have no intention of going on blind dates or getting married. So..."
Before he could finish, Elodie turned around.
The moment their eyes met, both froze.
"Daniel?" Elodie's eyes widened in surprise.
Daniel was equally stunned. "Elodie? What are you doing here?"
Elodie set down her fruit and stood up, clearly displeased. "Why can't I be here? I came with Emily. But you—walking in and spouting nonsense. Who said anything about a blind date with you?"
Daniel finally realized his mistake, embarrassment flickering across his face. "Sorry, my mother frequently arranges blind dates for me. I assumed today was another one."
"Mr. Scott certainly is popular. But don't worry—I have zero interest in you. I'd rather stay single forever than go on a blind date with you."
Daniel's frown deepened.
Elodie was Emily's best friend and heir to the Garcia family fortune. They'd met several times before, but Elodie had always been hostile toward him.
Previously, he had mistaken Clara for his cousin and inappropriately helped her with business introductions, investments, and problem-solving, which had infuriated Elodie.
But he'd realized his error regarding that situation, and Clara had since vanished from the scene.
Why was Elodie still holding such a grudge over something in the past?
"Miss Garcia seems to have an issue with me?" Daniel adjusted his glasses, his tone returning to its usual calm.
Elodie snorted. "How dare I? Mr. Scott is the future heir of the Scott family. Who am I, just a small-time doctor, to have issues with you?"
Though her words were deferential, the disdain in her eyes was unmistakable.
At that moment, the young man in the colorful shirt approached with obvious interest. He'd been watching the exchange from the sidelines and found Elodie's spirited attitude fascinating.
Baron smoothly interjected, "Daniel, aren't you going to introduce this beautiful lady? This is the first time I've seen someone show you such disrespect. Quite refreshing, really. Allow me to introduce myself—Baron Patel."
Elodie glanced at Baron. Though he dressed flamboyantly and spoke casually, he was at least more pleasant than Daniel's ice-cold demeanor.
"Elodie Garcia. Doctor." She introduced herself simply, her tone considerably warmer than when addressing Daniel.
Baron's eyes lit up. "A doctor! That's one of the professions I admire most! Which hospital do you work at, Dr. Garcia? I'd love to book an appointment sometime."
Elodie was amused by his exaggerated tone. "Mr. Patel, you're quite the charmer. But looking at you—rosy complexion, robust energy—I don't see anything that needs medical attention."
"Who says there isn't?" Baron clutched his chest with an exaggerated expression of pain. "I have a heart condition! Whenever I see a beautiful woman, my heart races and I can't breathe. Only Dr. Garcia can cure this ailment."
Elodie couldn't help but laugh. "Mr. Patel, the cure for your condition is to see fewer beautiful women and more doctors—though not cardiologists like me. You need a psychiatrist."
Baron burst into laughter. "Ha ha ha! Dr. Garcia, you're not only beautiful but witty too. Daniel, how do you know such an interesting woman? Why didn't you introduce us sooner?"
Daniel's expression grew even colder. "Baron, don't talk nonsense. Dr. Garcia is a friend of my mother's guest."
Baron raised an eyebrow. "A friend of a guest? That's fate, isn't it! Dr. Garcia, now that we've met, we're friends. Let me take you to dinner sometime to properly thank you for today... for today..."
His words suddenly cut off, and his face visibly paled.
"Baron?" Daniel noticed his distress.
"I... chest pain... can't breathe..." Baron gasped, suddenly clutching his chest and collapsing forward.
"Baron!" Daniel rushed to catch him.
Seeing the emergency, Elodie immediately sprang into action. She shoved Daniel aside. "Move!"
Daniel stumbled backward, and before he could react, Elodie was already crouched beside Baron, professionally assessing his condition.
While examining him, she spoke rapidly. "Rapid heartbeat, labored breathing, pallor... Any history of heart disease?"
It was only then that Daniel truly realized Elodie was a real doctor—someone who could save lives, not just someone with a fancy title. He quickly answered, "Yes, he has congenital heart disease, but it's usually well-controlled."
"Medication? Does he have it with him?"
"In... in the car..." Baron whispered weakly.
Elodie immediately commanded Daniel, "Get the medication! Hurry!"
Daniel sprinted out and returned in under a minute with the pill bottle. Elodie took it, shook out two pills for Baron to swallow, then had him lie flat on the floor while she loosened his collar.
"Deep breaths, take it slow..."
Baron followed her instructions, breathing gradually, and after several minutes, some color returned to his face.
"Feeling better?" Elodie asked.
Baron nodded, looking at her gratefully. "Much better. Thank you, Dr. Garcia. If you hadn't been here today, I might have..."
"Don't talk, conserve your strength." Elodie cut him off, continuing to monitor his vital signs. "The ambulance will be here soon. You need a full examination at the hospital."
Daniel stood nearby, watching Elodie's professional demeanor and feeling a complex mix of emotions. This was the first time he'd seen Elodie at work—focused, decisive, competent—completely different from the sharp-tongued woman who'd been sparring with him moments before.
This side of Elodie made him see her in an entirely new light.