CHAPTER 142: CHAPTER 142: FLIRTATIOUS BANTER

When Hector Chaucer introduced Tiana Linden, his tone was naturally revealing.

It was as if she really was his fiancée.

While speaking, his large hand held her left hand tightly, interlocking their fingers.

He remained as calm as usual.

Tiana, on the other hand, felt somewhat uncomfortable.

Her small hand tensed up in Hector’s palm.

This tense state was noticed by Hector.

He knew she felt awkward and uneasy, but he held on even tighter.

He wanted her to get used to this way of being, sharing such a close connection.

It wasn’t until the small hand in his palm stopped resisting that a faint smile appeared on Hector’s lips.

In the private room, Mr. Sterling looked kindly at Tiana, "So you’re Tiana Linden?"

Mr. Sterling chuckled, adding, "I’ve heard about you for a long time."

Years ago, Hector Chaucer also studied medicine.

He studied Western medicine.

Mr. Sterling had read many of Hector’s academic papers.

At that time, Mr. Sterling was conducting research on merging Chinese and Western medicine.

He wanted to invite Hector to join their team.

But back then, Hector was not interested in research projects.

At that time, he was focused on gaining Caleb Chaucer’s recognition and on family business.

He knew that Tiana had always wished to study under Mr. Sterling, so he recommended her to him.

Mr. Sterling had read some of Tiana’s traditional Chinese medicine papers and considered her talented.

Just when he agreed with Hector’s suggestion to take Tiana as his disciple, both Tiana and Hector were imprisoned.

Before their release, Mr. Sterling had always wanted to matchmake his granddaughter with Hector.

But Hector said he already had someone in his heart.

He didn’t say who she was, but Mr. Sterling could guess.

The girl hidden in Hector’s heart must be none other than Tiana.

At this moment.

Tiana was surprised.

Huh?

Where did Mr. Sterling hear about her?

"Linton, come, sit, let’s talk slowly."

At tonight’s dinner, there were only Hector, Mr. Sterling, Tiana, Gordon Lowell, and Mr. Sterling’s assistant.

No one else was in the room.

Gordon and Mr. Sterling’s assistant hurried to pull out a chair.

Tiana waited for Mr. Sterling to sit down before she sat next to him.

Just then, Hector received a phone call.

He gently tapped Tiana’s head, "I’ll take a call, you chat with Mr. Sterling first."

Then, he smiled politely at Mr. Sterling, "Mr. Sterling, excuse me for a moment."

Seated, Mr. Sterling waved his hand, signaling him to take the call, then smiled at Tiana:

"Linton, eight years ago, Hector recommended you to me, hoping I would take you as my disciple."

Huh?

Tiana suddenly understood, so that’s how it was.

Eight years ago, she only mentioned her wish to study under Mr. Sterling to Aiden Grant.

How did Hector know?

And from Mr. Sterling’s address of Hector as "A-Heng," their close relationship was evident.

Mr. Sterling chuckled again, "That boy Hector has perseverance, still mindful of this matter, showing he always kept your wishes in his heart."

Tiana glanced at Hector, who was several meters away on the phone.

This man’s every gesture exuded an overwhelming sense of authority.

It was as if he was born to be in charge.

Even the city night view outside his window seemed a mere backdrop to his empire.

He was born to carve a bloody path through The Chaucer Family.

How could such a man, entangled in family intrigues, be so intricately aware of her?

If not for his acute attention, how did Hector know she had wanted to study under Mr. Sterling since university?

Withdrawing her gaze from Hector’s tall, imposing figure, Tiana listened as Mr. Sterling spoke again:

"Linton, would you like to become my disciple, join me, this old man, and your senior brothers and sisters in promoting our nation’s treasured Chinese medicine?"

Upon hearing this, Tiana couldn’t hide her excitement, "Mr. Sterling, you’d really be willing to take me as your disciple?"

This was her dream in college.

In college, she only had two dreams.

One was to marry Aiden Grant.

The other was to study under Mr. Sterling.

At that time, she thought, if these two dreams could be fulfilled, life would be perfect.

Thinking about it now, she had no interest in romance or marriage and would never let herself be consumed by it or be with Aiden Grant again.

She only wanted to solidify her career.

She suddenly nodded vigorously.

Instantly overwhelmed with emotion, tears filled her eyes, "Teacher, I would love to!"

Mr. Sterling soon brought out the apprenticeship contract.

They signed the apprenticeship contract on the spot.

With this contract.

Even without a degree from the Medical University, once Tiana finished studying with Mr. Sterling, she could still practice medicine.

She was ecstatic.

"Hector had a tough time growing up. Everyone said he was an illegitimate child, that he was cold and ruthless, but in truth, he is the most emotional and righteous person I’ve ever met."

"You, indeed, have found a treasure."

Tiana didn’t clarify the real nature of her relationship with Hector.

She smiled softly.

Mr. Sterling sighed and said:

"It’s a pity I couldn’t make Hector my grandson-in-law, a great regret in life."

"I wanted to introduce my precious granddaughter to Hector at that time, but he made an excuse about having someone in his heart."

"I thought it was just an excuse to refuse me. Who knew this boy really did have someone in his heart all along."

"Linton, you and Hector have gone through hardships to get here. Since you’re together, cherish each other well."

When Hector finished his call and returned, he saw they had already signed the apprenticeship contract.

He immediately offered tea instead of wine, holding it with both hands, "Mr. Sterling, my fiancée’s study in traditional Chinese medicine will be in your hands!"

Taking the tea, Mr. Sterling replied with a laugh, "When you hold the wedding, be sure to invite me to the celebration."

Hector: "Absolutely!"

The dinner concluded.

Hector and Tiana returned to the hotel together.

As they exited the elevator, Tiana asked, "Hector, Mr. Sterling actually introduced his granddaughter to you?"

Hector walked beside her, "Yes, I turned it down."

Tiana murmured, "You used me as a shield, claiming I was your beloved?"

Hearing this, Hector stopped and looked at Tiana, "Did Mr. Sterling tell you?"

"Yes."

"Tiana, you’re a smart person. You should be able to tell if that statement is true or not."

"Of course I can tell. It’s definitely not true. At that time, you weren’t interested in romantic matters, using me as a shield makes sense. I don’t blame you."

Hector was helpless against her.

Say she’s smart, but she’s also truly naive.

He had no choice but to smile.

The smile expressed the helpless love he had for her, which he couldn’t speak.

He lifted his hand and deliberately patted her head, "So silly!"

"Ouch, Hector, you hurt me again!"

"Who told you to be so silly."

"I am now Mr. Sterling’s disciple; I’m not silly at all."

"..."

"By the way, Hector, how did you know I always wanted to study under Mr. Sterling? I remember I never told anyone in college."

Because... he paid close attention to everything about her.

Even if she didn’t say.

He looked deeply at her with eyes as serene as amber.

With time on his side, those youthful concerns, he planned to slowly share them with her in the future, "Aiden Grant told me."

"Oh!" Tiana believed him and nodded.

They continued walking back.

At the room’s door, an unexpected visitor suddenly appeared in their view.

Instinctively, Tiana tightened her grip on Hector’s arm.