Chapter 310

As Sherwood watched Verena step down from the stage,his eyes lit up with delight. Straightening his suit,he wore a gentle, welcoming smile and hurried forward.

Luis caught sight of him and offered a polite greeting."Mr.Kirk."

Sherwood gave a light nod in return, though his gaze remained fixed on Verena.

The past year, he had been convalescing in his hometown,far removed from the noise of the outside world. News had scarcely reached him.

Thus, he never imagined that Verena was none other than Evelyn-the miracle healer spoken of with awe.

Approaching Verena, his expression held the warmth of an elder admiring the younger generation,his face glowing with approval. "I heard your speech on stage,Verena. For someone so young, you carry such resolve. You've truly brought honor to the Sampson family-an eye-opener indeed."

He then turned to Luis with a smile. "Luis, your sister is remarkable. She shines in medicine, and with her talent, she will also carve her place in business soon.For her,the sky is the limit."

To seal his praise, Sherwood raised a thumbs-up,admiration shining through with a touch of imperceptible flattery.

Luis gave a faint nod, quietly agreeing.

His eyes softened as they rested on Verena, carying both affection and care.

"Indeed,Verena is outstanding," Luis said. "But she has endured more than her share of hardship. Now that she is finally home, all I wish for is her peace. Nothing else matters."

Verena caught the concern in his gaze, and warmth surged in her heart.

She gently pressed his arm, wordlessly assuring him that she was fine, and that he didn't need to worry.

Turning back to Sherwood, however, she felt an unease. His gaze seemed to hold more than the kindly affection of an elder.

Something else flickered beneath, though she could not name it.

Pushing the thought aside, Verena managed a modest smile, her manner poised between courtesy and restraint. "You are too generous. I haven't even touched the world of business yet-that's for the future. Medicine, though, has always been my calling and my strongest ground."

At this, Sherwood leaned in slightly,his tone earnest."Verena, I must speak plainly."

He let out a weary breath, his features etched with fatigue. "I've been back in my hometown for over a year because I was diagnosed with cancer."

Luis' brows drew together at the revelation. Until now,he had only known Sherwood was unwell, not that it was cancer.

Sherwood pressed on, his sigh heavy. "It's a reversible form, but extremely difficult. I have sought out famed doctors to no avail. Only Evelyn-the miracle healer -could save me."

He glanced at Verena, lowering his gaze briefly before continuing, "For a year, I pulled every string I could,searching high and low for Evelyn, but without success."

Then his eyes lifted again, bright with sudden hope."Only today have I discovered that you are the very Evelyn I sought."

Placing a hand on her shoulder, he spoke with quiet urgency. "Verena, would you be willing to treat my illness?"

Though his demeanor still struck her as slightly odd,the compassion of a healer outweighed her unease.

Besides, Luis had told her more than once that,during her years of absence, Sherwood had extended great help to the Sampson family, carrying them through difficult storms.

That kindness was not something she could forget.

After a brief pause of reflection, Verena smiled warmly and gave a solemn nod. "Mr. Kirk,healing the sick is my duty. Once you return home, send me your medical records. I'll study them carefully and devise a treatment plan that suits you best."

At her words,relief washed over Sherwood.He gently patted her shoulder, gratitude written all over his face.

"Thank you, Verena," he said earnestly. "You're nothing less than my lifesaver."

His gaze then shifted to Isaac, wo until now had kept silent.

As the CEO of Bennett Group, Isaac's influence in Shoildon's business circles was formidable. To have him as an ally was no small advantage. Yet the Kirk family, too, carried weight. Sherwood knew he had to tread carefully-showing neither servility nor arrogance-while seizing the chance to strengthen ties.

With practiced poise, he smiled warmly. "Mr. Bennett,it is an honor to finally meet you. I've long admired your accomplishments in business. Even an old man like me cannot help but be impressed."

His eyes narrowed slightly, brimming with approval."Truly, the younger generation outshines the older."

He then patted Isaac's shoulder with deliberate ease,striking a tone of dignity mixed with cordiality.

Isaac, though never one to chase unnecessary bonds,recognized the goodwill Sherwood had shown to the Sampson family, and the fact that Verena was part of it.

For that reason alone, he returned the courtesy with a polite smile. "Mr. Kirk, thank you for the kind words.You're close to Verena's family. Please, just call me Isaac."

His voice carried neither warmth nor distance-measured, respectful, yet keeping a boundary clear.

But Sherwood, sharp as ever, had already noticed how often Isaac mentioned Verena. From that alone, he discerned where Isaac's heart lay.

To win Isaac over, going through Verena was the best way. At the thought, his smile broádened as his gaze softened upon her. "Verena, it is a joy to see you safely returned, and with such a devoted husband.Iam truly glad for you."

He paused, his tone tinged with apology. "I've been away for treatment so long that I've neglected to visit your parents."

As he spoke, his expression shifted, struck by a sudden thought. His eyes flicked between Luis and Verena.

Brightening with enthusiasm, he proposed, "Why don't we take this chance, now that both families are here,to share a lively meal together?"

Luis considered briefly before nodding. "You are right.It has been far too long since our home felt this lively.My parents will be overjoyed."

And so, the plan for a family dinner was set.

As the party drew to a close and the guests began to drift away, three SUVs soon pulled up outside.

Their headlights cut through the night as they departed together, bound for Sampson Villa.