Liam King persuaded, "Miss Prescott, even those top-tier celebrities don’t have such favorable treatment as you. With Mr. Lancaster backing you, you’re sure to enjoy the best in the group, and no one would dare bully you."
Unexpectedly.
The young traditional doctor casually replied, "I don’t need his support."
Just as she said last night, it didn’t matter whether she participated in the show or not.
Originally thought she was out, but unexpectedly, the Lancaster Family disregarded past grievances and even offered such enticing terms to invite her to the show.
Admittedly, this young doctor has an exceptional appearance and temperament that’s hard to come by, but her disposition is indeed challenging. Without someone backing her in that circle, she’d undoubtedly suffer.
Liam kindly reminded, "Miss Prescott, be more cautious with your words in the future. The Lancasters are prominent figures in that circle. If you offend them, a single word from them, and even your Sinclair Apothecary might have trouble staying open."
"So according to you, if he has so much power, I have to join the reality show even if I don’t want to?"
Liam chuckled, "It’s not that extreme just yet."
Claire Prescott’s face darkened.
After pondering for a while, she said to him, "I still need to think about joining the show."
"We only invited you to record two episodes, and all departments are ready. We’re just waiting for you to start filming. Please don’t keep us waiting too long."
"Okay."
Liam couldn’t tell if she was just being perfunctory, but had no choice but to take his leave, saying, "I’ll wait for your news then."
...
After seeing him off, Claire Prescott turned to the stack of contracts and show proposals to carefully examine them.
She really didn’t believe good things would just fall from the sky.
In no time.
A shadow cast over the doorway.
As she looked up, their eyes unexpectedly met. Seeing that noble and exceptional face, inexplicably, her heartbeat instantly lost its rhythm.
The man was clad in black. They had only been apart for a few hours, yet as his gaze moved slightly downward, she couldn’t help but recall what he said before leaving, making her chest feel a bit uneasy.
"Why... why are you here?" she asked, trying her best to appear calm.
The man walked straight up to her, glanced at the documents she was reading, and asked in a casual tone, "What are you looking at?"
Claire Prescott replied, "A variety show. They want to invite me to be a guest for two episodes. I’m considering whether to participate."
"What’s your concern?"
"The conditions they offered me are quite good, but I feel there’s something fishy about it."
"Let me take a look."
Claire Prescott handed him the contract and proposal to review.
Coincidentally, a neighborly auntie came for a medical consultation.
She quickly moved a stool, inviting him to sit next to her by the window. It seemed she had already assumed Keane Lowell came to her without any particular reason and wasn’t in a hurry to leave.
"Sit here and wait for a while. I’ll attend to the patient first."
As he took a seat, Keane Lowell’s deep and tranquil gaze fell on her profile.
The room was filled with a faint herbal fragrance, and the surroundings were heavily decorated, naturally calming the mind and preventing stray thoughts.
At work, her voice was gentle, and she treated patients with exceptional patience and kindness, her tone filled with goodwill, pure like a flawless jade, warm and serene.
He withdrew his gaze and began leafing through the contract and proposal in his hands, reading through them rapidly without missing any details.
Within minutes, the patient had been attended to.
As the patient was leaving, she glanced at the man by the window, asking, "Claire, is this your friend?"
"Yes."
"Your boyfriend?"
Claire Prescott quickly explained, "No, we’re just friends."
Seemingly relieved, the patient grinned, "That’s good. I have a distant relative, his son studied finance, he’s four years older than you, and he looks great. I think you’d be a good match. He earns about five to six hundred thousand a year. Are you interested?"
Claire Prescott shook her head, answering calmly, "Auntie, I’m not considering these things for now."
The auntie fell silent, losing interest, "I see."
"Take care, Auntie Sterling."
Almost every auntie in the alley was aiming for her. She was long used to it and remained composed and poised every time.
As she turned around, she met the man’s deep and sharp gaze.
Her face stiffened, unsure of what to say.
"It seems like Dr. Prescott is quite popular in the matchmaking market."
His voice carried a hint of chill, the words landing in her ears with a somewhat sarcastic tone.
Claire Prescott pressed her lips together, seriously replying, "Not as popular as President Lowell."
This member of The Lowell Family was handsome and came from a good family. Most importantly, he was considerate, making him a coveted match for many women in the matchmaking market.
Keane Lowell found himself at a loss for words, looking both dignified and somewhat helpless.
He hadn’t expected her to respond that way.
She effortlessly called him President Lowell.
With a light laugh, he brought the conversation back, "I’ve reviewed the contract. There’s no issue. If you want to go, you can give it a shot."
Somehow, a sense of security arose from his words.
Her concern shifted from the contract to the potential impact on her life once the show aired, given that it’s an entertainment reality show.
After some thought and weighing the pros and cons, she decided, "I’ll skip it."
"Are you sure?"
Claire Prescott nodded, "I don’t want to wade into this mess. The fandom culture is terrifying. If I were to inadvertently offend a popular celebrity on the show, neither my grandfather nor Sinclair Apothecary could withstand their attacks. I just want my family to live peacefully."
Having learned from past experiences, even standing under the national flag could inexplicably spur others’ jealousy, and some even wanted to ruin her face.
Just like Zara Leighton said, this face of hers can easily provoke crime.
So, it’s better not to go.
Surprisingly, the man said, "That’s for the best."
Claire Prescott was taken aback, unable to grasp his meaning.
One moment he suggested she go, the next, he said it’s best not to go. What did he really mean?
"By the way, what did you come to see me for?"
The man replied calmly, "Just passing by and thought I’d check in on you."
Passing by...
Stopping by...
He wasn’t here specifically for her.
Although his gaze was steady, being looked at directly made Claire Prescott’s cheeks flush.
For a moment, she felt the person standing in front of her liked her, not treating her as an immature younger sister.
"Visiting a traditional doctor isn’t usually for a good reason."
With a brief comment, she took two tickets from the drawer, handing one to him, "Are you free tomorrow night? I’d like to invite you to a play. Are you interested?"
Afraid of rejection, she quickly added, "I promised to treat you before, but never had the time or opportunity."
In the next moment, the man took the ticket, responding, "I’m free."
Successfully secured a date.
...
That evening, Claire Prescott messaged producer Liam King.
After a long wait, he calmly replied with an "Okay."
She thought the matter ended there, but unexpectedly, she saw Ethan Lancaster at Sinclair Apothecary the next day.
He walked in with a bouquet.