Let them come
Chapter Twenty–Two
Mr. Morritis slowly shifted against the pillows. His strengt had not yet returned, but his voice, though hoarse, carried its usual authority.
“Adrian,” he began, his eyes fixing on the young man, “there is something you should know.”
The entire family turned toward him. Catherine’s father, mother, and cousin straightened, their curiosity piqued. The doctors who lingered at the edge of the room leaned in as well.
The old man’s gaze was steady, unwavering. “I am not merely the head of this family. I also serve as the president of the City Medical Association.”
The words fell heavily into the air.
“The… president?” Catherine repeated, startled. She had grown up admiring her grandfather, but even she had not realized the full weight of his position.
Her father frowned slightly. “Father, you’ve never spoken about this publicly. Why reveal it now?”
“Because,” Mr. Morritis replied, his tone solemn, “it matters. In three days, the Association will be hosting its annual medical conference. It will not be just a city gathering. Esteemed physicians from across the state–and even neighboring regions—will attend. Cases will be debated, techniques demonstrated, and knowledge exchanged. Most importantly, there will be an election for the presidency of the state association. Whoever wins will hold enormous influence in the medical world.”
His words drew murmurs from the family. Even the doctors in the corner looked impressed.
But Adrian remained silent, listening intently.
The old man’s gaze locked on him. “And there is something else. At this conference, rare medicinal herbs will be exhibited. Some will be auctioned, others presented as rewards for distinguished practitioners. Many of these herbs are treasures unseen in ordinary markets. Perhaps…” His eyes narrowed, as if probing Adrian’s thoughts.” Perhaps even the ones you are searching for.”
Adrian’s composure faltered for just a heartbeat.
“Rare herbs?” He asked quietly.
“Yes,” the old man said firmly. “Roots preserved for centuries. Blossoms gathered from peaks touched only by clouds. Minerals infused with natural essence. All the things that even wealthy families would spend fortunes chasing–and yet they will be displayed in one place.”
Marco’s jaw dropped. “Grandfather, you mean… we’ll be seeing those kinds of treasures?”
The patriarch gave a single nod.
Catherine’s heart pounded. She remembered Adrian’s earlier mention of rare ingredients, of treatments beyond conventional medicine. Now it made sense. Could this be the opportunity he had been waiting for?
The old man lifted a hand, and a servant stepped forward, carrying a small lacquered box. Setting it on the table, he opened it with care.
Inside lay a golden–edged pass, engraved with intricate patterns that shimmered in the lamplight. The symbol of the Medical Association was etched at its center, its curves forming an interwoven design that spoke of authority and exclusivity.
“This,” Mr. Morritis said, his voice firm, “is a premium VI pass to the conference. Only the most distinguished
1/3
+25 Borus
guests are granted one. With it, you will have unrestricted access–not only to the exhibitions, but also to the debates, the auctions, and even the inner circles of the association. Few in this city have ever held one.”
He extended it toward Adrian.
The entire room seemed to hold its breath.
Adrian looked down at the pass. The gold reflected in his eyes as he slowly closed his fingers around it.
“Consider it my gift to you,” Mr. Morritis said solemnly. “You saved my life when no one else could. Let this open the doors to what you seek.”
For a long moment, Adrian remained still. Then he gave a short nod. “In that case,” he said quietly but firmly, I’ll attend.”
Catherine’s lips curved into a faint smile.
“Then I’ll go with you,” she announced suddenly.
All eyes turned to her.
Catherine lifted her chin, her resolve clear. “If he’s going to walk into the Medical Association, he’ll need someone who understands how it works. The politics, the rivalries, the egos–none of that will wait politely for him to adjust. I won’t let him be cornered.”
Her father frowned. “Catherine, this isn’t a casual gathering. The conference is a battlefield of prestige. Every doctor there will be guarding their reputation.”
“All the more reason he shouldn’t go alone,” she replied. “He saved Grandfather’s life. Don’t tell me the Morritis family will send him into the Association without support.” (1)
Her words silenced the room. Even her father had no rebuttal.
Adrian glanced at her, his expression unreadable. For a moment, Catherine thought he might refuse. But instead, he gave her the faintest of nods.
“Very well,” he said simply.
Marco shifted uncomfortably nearby. The events of the past days had shaken him, and though envy lingered, he could not deny his respect. Still, the thought of Adrian entering the Medical Association unsettled him. What if Adrian’s brilliance outshone even their family’s standing?
Meanwhile, the doctors at the back exchanged uneasy looks A young man with no formal credentials walking into the Association with a VIP pass–it was unthinkable. Some clenched their fists in silent frustration. Others made mental notes: this Adrian would be someone to watch.
The old man leaned back, satisfied. “Good. Very good. You have the pass, Adrian. With your skills… and your courage… I believe you will not just attend, but leave a mark” His tone lowered, almost conspiratorial. “But beware–the Association is not only a place of learning. It is a nest of pride and rivalry. The moment you step inside, there will be those who doubt you… and those who wish you gone.”
Adrian’s lips curved into the faintest of smiles, though his eyes remained cold. “Let them come,” he said.
The family exchanged glances. Some were unsettled by his confidence, others stirred by it. Catherine, for her part, felt her heart tighten in her chest. She didn’t know whether to be worried or… thrilled.
rondale He
+25 Bonus
The
Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.
