Chapter 24
A few minutes later, Jean and Ian returned to their mansion.
As soon as they stepped in through the door, Jean ordered, "Go and investigate Neera Garcia's background!"
"Huh?" Ian was confused. "Why? Is there a problem with... Dr. Garcia?"
"Yes, there is," Jean answered while he unbuttoned his shirt and sat down on the sofa. "Despite her young age, she is a very skilled doctor. Why haven't we heard of her in the past few years when we went around the globe searching for doctors? I don't think someone as skilled as her would be virtually unknown!"
Ian immediately understood what he meant.
Indeed, the Beauvort family had spared no expense in looking for a doctor that could cure Jean's illness. Not only had they contacted the most authoritative doctors in their respective fields, but they had also searched rural areas for doctors specializing in folk medicine. In short, they did not give up any chance that might lead to Jean's complete recovery.
However, they had never come across an individual named Neera Garcia!
"Who knows, maybe we might have missed out on her! There are many doctors in this world, and there are some people who remain out of reach despite the Beauvort family's resources..."
Dr. Nancy was one such individual.
Jean did not disagree with Ian's theory. "Even if that's the case, I still want to know where she's from. If she's going to be treating my illness, I want to know everything I can about her!"
Ian nodded and said, "Yes. I'll get to it right away."
Later in the night, Ian brought Jean's medical records to Neera, while Jean went to the study to continue to work.
Suddenly, his phone began to ring.
Jean frowned when he saw the name on the screen.
The call was from Frederic Beauvort, his father.
The old man did not waste any time. "I've invited the Garcia family over to talk about your wedding tomorrow afternoon. You should come over to take a look at your future wife."
Jean's expression immediately sank. "I'm very busy, Father. I don't have time for marriage. Don't waste your time on frivolous things."
"What do you mean, frivolous?" Frederic sounded annoyed, and he raised his voice slightly. "Don't you know I've consulted a famous astrologer for the marriage? He said your bad luck will be neutralized if you marry her!"
Jean could not help but chuckle derisively. "If science can't save me, what makes you think pseudoscience can? If I can live a long life by marrying a woman, why don't I marry a dozen of them? That's because... it's no use! I don't want to waste my time on such things!"
"You!" Frederic was furious, though he was also disappointed. "Must you be so cruel to let a father bury his child? I've spent countless sleepless nights worrying about you. I wish modern medical science could cure you, but it has been so many years, and nothing has changed. That's the only solution I can think of! Can you just listen to me once? What if... it works?"
Frederic's voice was suffused with sadness.
He had been a voice of authority for most of his life, but he was helpless about his seventh son's illness.
Whenever he thought that he might have to bury his outstanding son, he could feel his heart ache.
Jean was silent.
He could not bear to hear the sadness in his father's voice.
Even so, he said coldly, "I think your worries are misplaced. I'm only 27 years old this year, and I don't think you'll have to bury me just yet. Don't bring your emotions into this. I'm not going to agree to the marriage."
Frederic's sorrow was replaced by anger. "You ungrateful child!" he roared.
Jean grinned. "Well, I'm still alive, am I not?"
Frederic was not going to give up just yet. "It's about time you get married! When your big brother was your age, his son was already three years old!"
"And?" Jean asked.
"I want another grandchild!" Frederic said annoyedly.
"Sure. I'll let Pierre know about it, and he can give you another grandchild... I wonder if he's still able to perform in bed though. He's already fifty years old."
Frederic was silent for a few seconds. In a fit of rage, he
ended the call.
Jean glanced at the screen for a few seconds before putting it away and continuing his work.
Two minutes later, he received a message from Frederic. "I'll see you in Room No. 1 of Café 19 at Palais International at two o'clock tomorrow! If you don't come, I'll set a date for the marriage and bring the bride to your house."