"Dr. Finch, please stand up."
I helped the elderly physician to his feet, uncomfortable with such a respected man kneeling before me. The entire room watched our exchange in stunned silence.
"Your dedication to healing is admirable," I said quietly. "But taking disciples isn't something I do lightly."
"I understand completely." Dr. Finch's eyes remained hopeful despite my hesitation. "But I must ask—is there anything I could do to prove my sincerity?"
Before I could respond, Victor Reed stepped forward. His movements were fluid and strong, completely unlike the dying man from minutes ago.
"Dr. Finch, you've served this hospital with distinction for decades," Victor said thoughtfully. "But right now, I'm more interested in learning about the young man who saved my life."
All attention shifted back to me. I could feel Evelyn's curious gaze, along with everyone else in the room studying my every expression.
"Mr. Hayes," Victor continued, "you've demonstrated abilities that shouldn't exist according to modern medicine. I'm a practical man, and practical men ask practical questions."
"What would you like to know?"
Victor's sharp eyes never left my face. "Start with your background. Where did you come from? Who trained you in these arts?"
I considered how much to reveal. These people had seen enough tonight to know I wasn't ordinary, but the full truth would be difficult to believe.
"I'm an orphan," I began simply. "I was raised in the mountains by a master who taught me traditional healing methods."
"An orphan?" Evelyn spoke for the first time since her grandfather's recovery. Her voice carried a note of sympathy.
"My parents died when I was very young. I don't remember them."
Victor nodded slowly. "And this master of yours—he taught you the Nine Needles of Heavenly Dao?"
"Among other techniques, yes."
"Other techniques," Dr. Finch repeated eagerly. "How many other healing methods do you know?"
"Enough to handle most situations."
My vague answer clearly frustrated several people in the room, but Victor seemed to understand my reluctance to elaborate.
"Mr. Hayes, may I ask what brought you to New York City?"
This question I could answer more directly. "I came to fulfill an arranged marriage contract."
"Arranged marriage?" Chloe's eyebrows rose with interest. "How romantic. Who's the lucky girl?"
"The eldest daughter of the Morgan family. Bella Morgan."
The temperature in the room seemed to drop several degrees. Victor's expression darkened considerably.
"The Morgan family," he said slowly. "And how did that arrangement work out?"
"It didn't." I kept my voice neutral, but the memory still stung. "They found me unsuitable."
"Unsuitable?" Dr. Finch looked incredulous. "A man with your abilities was deemed unsuitable?"
"They judged by appearances rather than substance," I replied.
Victor's jaw tightened with anger. "Those arrogant fools. They had a treasure and threw it away like garbage."
"Father," Marcus warned quietly, "your blood pressure."
"My blood pressure is perfect, thanks to Mr. Hayes." Victor's eyes flashed with indignation. "The Morgan family insulted a man capable of miracles because he didn't meet their shallow standards."
Evelyn stepped closer to her grandfather. "What exactly happened with the Morgans?"
I hesitated, but Victor was already piecing things together from my reluctant silence.
"They humiliated you publicly, didn't they?" Victor's voice carried decades of political insight. "Cast you aside in front of witnesses to demonstrate their superiority."
"Something like that."
"Despicable," Chloe muttered. "Absolutely despicable behavior."
Victor began pacing around the hospital room, his energy levels clearly restored to full capacity. "Mr. Hayes, I want you to know that not all families in New York City lack the wisdom to recognize true worth."
"Grandfather," Evelyn said carefully, "what exactly are you thinking?"
Victor stopped pacing and fixed his granddaughter with a determined stare. "I'm thinking that the Morgan family's loss should be our family's gain."
The room fell silent again. I could sense something significant about to happen.
"Ten years ago," Victor continued, "I consulted with a master of divination. He told me that a young man would appear who would elevate our family's fortunes beyond imagination."
"Grandfather," Marcus said nervously, "surely you don't think—"
"I think the man who saved my life with abilities that border on supernatural might be exactly who that prophecy described."
Dr. Finch was watching this exchange with fascination. Dean Nash looked like he wanted to escape. The nurses were whispering among themselves.
"Mr. Hayes," Victor said formally, "I have a proposition for you."
"I'm listening."
"My granddaughter Evelyn is intelligent, beautiful, and accomplished. She runs one of the most successful biomedical companies in the city."
Evelyn's face flushed red. "Grandfather, what are you doing?"
"Something the Morgan family was too stupid to appreciate." Victor's voice grew stronger with conviction. "Mr. Hayes, I would be honored if you would consider marrying my granddaughter."
The silence that followed was deafening. Evelyn looked mortified. Marcus appeared stunned. Even Dr. Finch seemed taken aback by the sudden proposal.
"Grandfather!" Evelyn protested. "You can't just arrange someone's marriage like that!"
"Why not? Arranged marriages have been successful for thousands of years." Victor turned back to me. "Mr. Hayes, you came to this city seeking a worthy partner. The Morgans proved themselves unworthy. But my granddaughter is exceptional in every way."
I looked at Evelyn, who was staring at her grandfather in complete shock. She was undeniably beautiful, and I'd already seen evidence of her intelligence and strength of character.
"This is rather sudden," I said diplomatically.
"The best opportunities usually are." Victor's business instincts were clearly at work. "You've already proven your character by saving my life. Your abilities speak to extraordinary potential. And my granddaughter needs a man worthy of her talents."
"I don't need anything," Evelyn said firmly. "Especially not a husband chosen by my grandfather on the spot."
"Evelyn," Chloe said gently, "your grandfather might have a point. Mr. Hayes did just perform a miracle."
"That doesn't mean I should marry him!"
Victor held up his hand for silence. "Mr. Hayes, what do you think of my proposal?"
I considered the situation carefully. I did need to find a suitable partner, and Evelyn Reed was clearly from a much better family than the Morgans. But marriage was a serious commitment.
"Your granddaughter seems like a remarkable woman," I said honestly. "But marriage should involve mutual consent."
"Exactly!" Evelyn said gratefully.
"However," I continued, "I'm open to getting to know her better."
Victor smiled broadly. "Excellent. Then we'll have an engagement party in three days."
"Engagement party?" Evelyn and I said simultaneously.
"Three days gives us time to plan properly. We'll invite all the prominent families in New York City." Victor's eyes gleamed with anticipation. "Including the Morgan family."
"Why would you invite them?" Marcus asked.
"Because they need to see what they threw away. They need to witness Mr. Hayes becoming part of our family instead of theirs."
Dr. Finch cleared his throat. "This is all very interesting, but Mr. Hayes, you still haven't answered my request about accepting me as a disciple."
"One thing at a time, Dr. Finch."
Dean Nash finally found his voice. "Mr. Hayes, given your extraordinary abilities, perhaps you'd consider a position here at the hospital? We could offer you the position of Chief Physician with a very generous salary."
"How generous?" I asked out of curiosity.
"Ten million dollars annually, plus benefits."
I shook my head. "Thank you, but I'm not interested in a hospital position."
Dean Nash looked confused by my refusal of such a lucrative offer. Victor, however, seemed pleased.
"A man with higher aspirations," Victor said approvingly. "I respect that."
"Grandfather," Evelyn said, clearly still processing everything, "you can't just decide I'm getting engaged to someone I barely know."
"You'll have three days to get better acquainted."
"Three days isn't enough time to—"
"It's enough time to determine compatibility," Victor interrupted. "Besides, Mr. Hayes has already proven himself by saving my life."
"That makes him a skilled healer, not necessarily husband material."
Victor chuckled. "My dear granddaughter, you're being practical about romance. That's very sensible."
"I'm being practical about my entire life!"
Chloe stepped between them. "Perhaps we could compromise. An engagement party doesn't have to mean an immediate wedding."
"Exactly," Victor agreed. "This gives both of you time to get properly acquainted."
I found myself caught between their family dynamics. "Mr. Reed, I appreciate your offer, but your granddaughter clearly needs time to consider this."
"Time she'll have," Victor said decisively. "Starting tonight."
"Tonight?" Evelyn asked suspiciously.
Victor's smile widened. "Mr. Hayes will be staying at your apartment so you two can get to know each other better."
The room erupted in surprised voices. Evelyn's face went completely white.
"He's staying where?"