Alexander had always sensed a strange tension from Dr. Whitmore whenever they interacted.

At first, he dismissed it as the eccentricities of an old man.

But seeing Amy standing there now, everything clicked into place.

Nathaniel's eyes widened in realization. "Oh! Now I understand. You were deliberately provoking us yesterday!"

"Provoking?" Dr. Whitmore's expression darkened, his voice sharp with indignation.

"I don't tolerate arrogance in my clinic! You come here demanding treatment but can't handle a few harsh words? You call that provocation?"

He turned his piercing gaze toward Alexander. "What you heard was nothing. When Amy begged for medicine for your mother, I said far worse to her!"

Dr. Whitmore scoffed. "And you—why should I know who you are? Did you ever show your face when she was here pleading for your mother's health these past two years?"

"You were never here, so how would I recognize you? Do you think your name means something to everyone? Ridiculous!"

His anger only grew as he continued. "You run around playing hero for another woman while your own wife suffered alone.

Clearly, your mother's well-being means less to you than that woman in your heart!"

The old man's eyes burned with contempt.

"Short memory, isn't it? Have you forgotten how long it's been since your stomach pains or sleepless nights tormented you?"

"If not for her, do you think you'd be healthy enough to escort another woman to my door? You'd still be curled up in agony!"

"Out! Out! I don't welcome ungrateful fools here! Had I known Amy's husband was you, I would've thrown you out the moment you stepped in!"

Liam and Alexander's health had been meticulously cared for by Amy.

Over the years, she had learned invaluable skills under Dr. Whitmore's guidance.

The truth of the situation settled heavily on Alexander and his friends.

Nathaniel quickly interjected. "Dr. Whitmore, you promised yesterday you'd treat Victoria. A doctor's duty is to save lives—if she dies because you refuse, isn't that on your conscience?"

The old man wasn't swayed by emotional manipulation.

"Fine! Call the authorities then!"

Nathaniel opened his mouth to argue, but Alexander silenced him with a sharp look.

Alexander met Dr. Whitmore's furious gaze. "What will it take for you to treat her?"

Though skeptical of the doctor's methods, they had no better options.

Besides, his mother's migraines had lessened since taking his prescriptions.

Both he and Liam had seen significant improvements in their health.

The man clearly knew what he was doing.

Dr. Whitmore's eyes gleamed with calculation. "I'm not heartless. If you want treatment... she stays and works for me, just as Amy did when she begged for your mother's medicine."

"Given her condition, I'll only ask for a week of service—not months like Amy endured. If she lasts the week, I'll treat her."

Nathaniel immediately protested. "Absolutely not! Victoria is too ill for manual labor. If you need help, I'll hire a dozen assistants for you."

Dr. Whitmore smirked. "Do I look like I need employees? Or money? What I demand is sincerity."

Nathaniel clenched his jaw. "Then I'll stay in her place."

The doctor scoffed. "No substitutions. The patient stays, or no treatment. If you remain, I'll assume it's for your own hidden ailments."