Just then, Director Jake came to see Sophia again—this time in the evening, and he brought Secretary Isaiah with him.
Secretary Isaiah was now able to walk, and his complexion had improved significantly. Seeing this, Sophia immediately knew that her medicine had worked. Otherwise, given Secretary Isaiah’s status, he would have already sought treatment from other national-level doctors—it was almost impossible that he would return for a follow-up.
“Dr. Smith,” Secretary Isaiah greeted her politely.
“Secretary Isaiah,” Sophia responded. Since the clinic had already closed for the day, she gestured for Halliton Waylon to lock the door.
Halliton Waylon glanced back in shock. If he wasn’t mistaken, this man frequently appeared on television—he held a high-ranking position and was a major figure in the city. A person of his status could consult any doctor he wanted, yet he had come to see Sophia for treatment. This only proved just how exceptional her medical skills were.
He looked at Sophia with deep admiration. Most people believed in Western medicine, yet Sophia had successfully used Traditional Medicine (TCM) for both emergency and chronic treatments, slowly gaining public trust in TCM.
Secretary Isaiah sat down, and Sophia checked his pulse. His pulse was much stronger than before. The kidney stones had been removed, and the herbal remedies she prescribed for kidney nourishment and diuresis had worked effectively. His condition had improved beyond her expectations.
Sophia smiled. “Secretary Isaiah, your recovery is going very well. If every patient were as disciplined with their medication as you, we doctors would have far fewer worries.”
Her words made Secretary Isaiah burst into laughter. The people around them couldn’t help but feel envious—though Secretary Isaiah was approachable, he rarely treated strangers with such warmth. Especially considering that Sophia was just a doctor he had met once before. His attitude toward her was completely different from how he treated other physicians, which meant she had truly earned his trust.
“I haven’t been praised like this in years.”
“I’m just stating the truth. Your recovery rate is even better than that of some younger patients. Could you share your secret with me?” Sophia asked playfully.
Secretary Isaiah chuckled. “What secret? If I had to say, it would be simply taking my medicine on time and getting proper rest. Oh, and about the essential oil you gave me—I take it regularly, sometimes applying it externally, sometimes using it in my baths, just as you advised. I have to say, after using it for a while, my sleep has greatly improved. I haven’t slept more than five hours in years, but now I do.”
Sophia smiled. “That essential oil is my own special formulation. It’s more effective than the ones you find on the market. I also incorporated herbs into it, combining herbal medicine with essential oils, which naturally enhances its effects.”
Secretary Isaiah nodded in agreement. He had been right—Sophia was no ordinary doctor. After taking her medicine, he could clearly feel his body growing stronger, and he no longer tired easily. All his previous ailments had disappeared.
Most people need a long time to recover after a serious illness, but in his case, he actually felt more energetic than before. It was truly remarkable.
Later, he had even consulted a national-level TCM doctor about the prescription Sophia had given him. After looking at it, the doctor insisted on meeting her, saying that even he wouldn’t have been able to come up with such a well-balanced formula.
It was then that Secretary Isaiah realized that Sophia’s medical skills might be far beyond what he had initially thought.
When the body heals and ailments disappear, one’s mood naturally improves. Feeling grateful, Secretary Isaiah personally presented Sophia with a silk banner in appreciation. He didn’t worry about any potential political implications—he even signed it with his own name.
Sophia chuckled. Many people had tried to give her banners before, but she always declined them. Yet, Secretary Isaiah had already prepared one with his own inscription, making it impossible for her to refuse.
She was also surprised to find that the handwriting was actually his own, not something printed by a banner-making shop.
Sophia then wrote another prescription for Secretary Isaiah. With this final course of medicine, he would be completely healed.
—
Sophia didn’t publicize the fact that she had treated Secretary Isaiah, but since the clinic was always full of patients, the news spread quickly. Patients gossiped about it as if it were a secret, and before long, her clinic’s reputation soared. The story was exaggerated even further—some people even claimed that she had cured Secretary Isaiah’s terminal illness, leaving Sophia at a loss for words.
Henry also heard about it and became even more determined to get Sophia to treat Andrea. However, Sophia ignored all his calls.
He tried persuading Andrea, but she dismissed him with just one sentence:
“I’d rather die than seek her treatment! Absolutely not!”
Andrea had been domineering her entire life. After marrying into the Scott family, she had rarely ever lowered herself to anyone. She believed that a daughter-in-law should always obey her mother-in-law, and she had never liked Sophia. She had even driven Sophia out of the Scott household—so how could she possibly swallow her pride and ask for help now? Where would she put her dignity?
She insisted she would rather die than be treated by Sophia.
But the problem was that her condition was worsening. The pain was becoming more frequent and intense. She had been taking her prescribed hospital medication, but it was no longer working effectively.
At this point, anyone would be desperate to prolong their life.
Yet, instead of focusing on her health, Andrea was more preoccupied with urging Henry to marry Kim.
The Brown family had originally wanted Livinus as their son-in-law, but he had rejected Kim outright. Left with no choice, Kim got involved with Henry instead.
