Classic Novel
Chapter 177
Brandon lay sprawled on the bed, his form barely a shadow under the dim light. Bennett stood beside him, eyes red-rimmed with worry. Seeing Oliver and Josefina enter, relief washed over him like a gentle wave. He held an unwavering faith that with Josefina's presence, no ailment could stand a chance.
"Ms. Josefina, thank heavens you've arrived. Please, take a look at him. All the diagnostic tools here are for you. The family doctor left them after I sent him packing."
That family doctor was utterly useless in a real pinch.
Bennett's candor was surely a sign of his deep concern for Brandon's well-being. Josefina spoke with soothing assurance, "Bennett, there's no need to fret. Brandon has the strength of an ox. He'll pull through Why don't you and Oliver step outside while I examine your grandfather?"
Once Oliver and Bennett had left, Josefina turned her attention to Brandon, her skilled hands moving with practiced ease.
Meanwhile, in the living room...© 2024 Nôv/el/Dram/a.Org.
Oliver sat stiffly on the couch while Bennett paced restlessly.
"What in the world happened?" Oliver's voice cut through the air, sharp as the winter's chill.
Bennett exhaled a heavy sigh. "It was him. He called Mr. Brandon, and whatever they talked about got him so worked up he passed out."
Oliver's expression darkened further, and Bennett fell silent, knowing Oliver would surely have a strategy up his sleeve.
Back in the sickroom, Josefina administered acupuncture to Brandon, stabilizing his condition. Thankfully, the herbal remedies she had provided over the past few months had kept him in good stead, and the situation was not as dire as it had seemed.
Josefina stepped out to find Bennett nearly vibrating with pent-up anxiety. "Ms. Josefina, is Mr. Brandon out of the woods now?"
"All is well, Bennett. Your worries can rest," Josefina assured him.
Bennett's face lit up, and he clasped his hands together as if in prayer. "Ms. Josefina, you're nothing short of an angel." Without Josefina's care, Mr. Brandon's health would surely be in a different state. "Ms. Josefina, dinner is ready in the kitchen. I'll go check on it, and you can join Mr. Oliver for a meal shortly."
Knowing his place, Bennett discreetly left, giving Oliver and Josefina room to converse.
The dinner that arrived was nothing short of a feast, including a salad adorned with black truffle and prosciutto, escargot bathed in garlic butter and perfectly seared steaks. It was a veritable banquet forthe eyes.
QUMS
Bennett approached with deferential politeness. "Ms. Josefina, if anything is not to your liking, just tell the chef, and I'll have it made anew."
Josefina smiled gently. "Everything looks wonderful, Bennett. There's no need for anything more. Oliver and I could never finish all this."
Oliver nodded. "You can leave us now."
"Yes, sir." Bennett and the kitchen staff made their exit.
Later, Bennett found his way to Brandon's room, surprised to find him awake. "Sir, you're awake! How do you feel? Should I get Ms.
Josefina to come back and check on you?"
Brandon halted Bennett's departure with a call, "Bennett, hold on."
Bennett was puzzled, but he stayed approaching the bedside. "Sir, are you alright? Ms. Josefina is having dinner downstairs, but if it's urgent, I can ask her to come up after."
Bennett's eyes glistened with unshed tears. Brandon was more than his employer-he was a friend, a confidant, the family he chose.
"Bennett, don't you worry. I'm not done with this world yet. That young whippersnapper thinks he can get the better of me? Bah, he's got another thing coming!"
"You're absolutely right, sir. With Ms. Josefina looking after you, she's your guardian angel. No one can harm you with her around."
Brandon chuckled, then clamped his mouth shut abruptly.
Bennett's brow furrowed in confusion. What was going on? Why did he get the feeling that the old man was keeping something from him?
"Sir, if you want to laugh, just laugh. What's going on?"
Brandon lowered his voice, leaning in. "Bennett, in a moment, I want you to..."