Stephanie chose to keep things simple, shaking her head. "No, that's not the case."
The older doctor's face fell, disappointment written across his features. Maybe he'd guessed wrong about her background, he figured. Maybe she hadn't studied under Dr. Clayton at all.
Shifting her focus, Stephanie gently helped the little girl to her feet, reaching into her purse for a tissue. She dabbed away the sweat from the child's brow and asked, "Feeling better?"
The girl's whole face brightened as she blinked at Stephanie. "I've never felt this good before! Thank you, miss. You're incredible. I want my brother to thank you properly!"
Smiling softly, Stephanie finished wiping the girl's forehead. "I'm just happy you're okay now. There's no need for any thanks."
Meanwhile, Aimee forced herself up, wincing from the pain. She couldn't hide her shock as she stared at the scene, struggling to accept that Stephanie had actually saved a girl.
Anger flashed in her eyes. "Don't get carried away, Stephanie. If anything goes wrong with her, you'll be the one to blame!"
The bystanders had enough of her attitude. An elderly man spoke up with a frown. "The girl's awake and talking. Why must you assume the worst? That's an awful thing to say."
Aimee retorted, her voice rising, "Stay out of this! She only woke up because there was nothing wrong to begin with. This woman is no doctor. I'm telling the little girl's parents and making sure this fraud faces the consequences!"
Stephanie's expression grew cold at Aimee's words, and she was ready to respond.
But before she could speak, an egg came flying through the air and smacked into Aimee's face, drenching her in sticky yolk. And yogurt followed in rapid succession.
In less than five seconds, Aimee found herself drenched and humiliated, barely recognizable beneath the mess.
With her fists clenched and her face burning, she let out a furious scream before bolting from the scene.
"My name's Raegan." The little girl bowed deeply to Stephanie. "I've struggled with a terrible illness for so long. Even the best doctors couldn't help me. If you hadn't stepped in, I wouldn't have made it today."
Raegan Elliott introduced herself, her sweet voice and wide, gentle eyes shining with innocence.
"You've got a beautiful name. Where are your family?"
With a burst of energy, Raegan pointed toward the grand building behind them. "They're inside!"
Stephanie glanced at the towering hotel. The place catered to the wealthy—a far cry from a typical family hangout.
A second look at Raegan revealed her tangled hair and rumpled clothes, but the crisp white dress she wore was clearly expensive.
Given the complexity of Raegan's illness, Stephanie decided it would be best to speak directly with her family.
She tapped Raegan on the head, offering a gentle warning. "You really shouldn't wander off alone, you know. It's not safe. Come on, let's get you back to your family."
"Great!" Raegan's face lit up. She gazed at Stephanie, admiration written all over her. In her mind, anyone so warmhearted—and with such extraordinary medical skills—would make a perfect match for her brother.
"My mom says there's a big-person rule: if you help their kid, you get a thank you from them. Oh, and you're really pretty! You must already have a boyfriend, right?"
The question caught Stephanie off guard. "No, I don't."
Raegan's grin grew even wider. "Perfect! I'll introduce you to my brother. He's super handsome and really rich. You can be his wife!"
Stephanie let out a soft laugh and brushed a hand through Raegan's hair. "That's very sweet of you, but I'm not looking to get married any time soon."
At just eighteen, she had no plans to think about marriage—her sights were set on building her future.
"Alright." Raegan sighed, her excitement fizzling out. Shoulders slumped, she shuffled along beside Stephanie.
Once they reached the third floor of the hotel, Raegan pointed out a particular door. "That's my brother's room."
They hadn't even knocked before the door swung open. A round-faced woman stepped into the hallway, her worry melting into relief when she spotted Raegan.
"Oh, Raegan, there you are! Mr. Elliott's been frantic searching for you," the woman said, her tone full of concern.
She wasted no time, quickly pulling out her phone and dialing. "Mr. Elliott, Raegan has returned."
Lowering herself to Raegan's level, the woman added gently, "Your brother's down at the entrance. He'll be up here any minute now."
Raegan beamed and turned to Stephanie. "Don't go anywhere, alright? I'm bringing my brother to meet you, so stay right here!"
With a reassuring smile, Stephanie nodded. "I promise, I'll be waiting."
