Their intentions were clear: they feared someone overshadowing them, so they hurried to see for themselves. If an esteemed elder had arrived today, they would have acted respectfully, eager to form connections and show admiration. But Kayden was a young man, seemingly under thirty. Naturally, they didn’t want to be outshined by someone so young!
One was an elderly man who had studied traditional medicine for sixty years, and the other was a respected figure who had served as a hospital director for decades. How could they possibly acknowledge a youngster? If they did, wouldn’t others think they were incompetent?
Having five or six decades of experience overshadowed by a young man would be a blow to their pride.
Upon hearing Kayden’s words, both Seth and Alex’s expressions changed instantly. After exchanging another glance, Seth let out a cold laugh and said, “From what you’re saying, you’re just too scared to face the challenge, right?”
Seth was deliberately trying to provoke Kayden.
“Seth, he’s just a brash young kid. Isn’t he also afraid of failure? Why are we taking this so seriously?” Alex chimed in from the side.
Seth snorted and adopted a stern elder’s demeanor. “In that case, don’t let anyone call you a miracle doctor in the future! Young man, be honest and straightforward. Meeting me today is a wake-up call for you.”
Kayden could ignore their taunts, but Greedy Wolf behind him couldn’t. He stepped forward, drawing two short knives, and said coldly, “The Defender’s medical skills are unparalleled, unmatched in the world! Who do you two think you are, daring to question the Defender?”
Everyone in the room was stunned, all eyes turning to Greedy Wolf.
Suddenly, the sound of footsteps echoed outside the door. A dozen or so bodyguards in black surrounded the entrance, each armed with a gun pointed directly at Greedy Wolf. It was as if any movement from him would trigger them to open fire, turning Greedy Wolf into a heap of splinters!
The air seemed to freeze, cooling noticeably.
The Henderson family was a prominent clan that had contributed to the nation in the past. Having dozens of bodyguards armed with submachine guns was well within their authority, so nothing about this was out of the ordinary.
Seeing the armed men, Greedy Wolf got furious. He asked, “Lewis Henderson, are you acting against me?”
As soon as he finished speaking, Greedy Wolf redirected his knives towards the armed guards.
The guards immediately put their fingers on their triggers, preparing to shoot at any sign of movement.
“What are you doing?” Sariah stood up, visibly angry. “Dr. Scott is my savior. How can you treat him this way?”
“Everyone, stand down!” Sariah barked sternly.
But no one moved. They stared defiantly at Greedy Wolf, as if they hadn’t heard Sariah.
Lewis stood up and said, “Sorry, Mr. Scott. These are the sixteen Guardians of the Henderson family, bestowed by the nation to protect our family head. When any danger approaches, they respond immediately. They’ll only withdraw once the threat is gone. Can you please have your bodyguard hand over his daggers for safekeeping?”
As he spoke, one of the black-clad guards stepped forward, extending his hand as if to take the daggers from Greedy Wolf.
Greedy Wolf narrowed his eyes, raised his hand in a threatening gesture, and said, “The Defender can’t be without a blade for protection! If you want to take my knives, you’ll have to use your necks.”
With that, Greedy Wolf’s blades were poised to strike the guard approaching to collect the daggers.
“Greedy Wolf!” Kayden shouted calmly, freezing Greedy Wolf’s motion.
Kayden waved his hand and said, “Take them.”
Greedy Wolf hesitated for a few seconds before reluctantly retracting his daggers.
Seeing Greedy Wolf comply, Kayden turned to Lewis. “Mr. Henderson, let me clarify-Greedy Wolf isn’t just my bodyguard; he’s my buddy! A buddy who has fought alongside me through thick and thin.”
Upon hearing this, Greedy Wolf was touched. A buddy? The Defender was claiming him as a buddy. Excited and nervous, he replied, “Defender, how could I dare to be your buddy? It’s an honor of a lifetime to stand by your side.”
This exaggerated declaration left everyone astonished. These two were clearly actors, rehearsing their lines multiple times. Their only goal was to elevate Kayden’s status, which was amusing in itself.
Kayden raised his hand to signal a stop and addressed Lewis. “Mr. Henderson, my buddy’s blades can’t leave his side. They’re meant to stay with him. Just let him take the daggers. This guy isn’t qualified to handle them.”
Lewis’s face twitched in confusion. He had never heard of the title “Defender,” nor understood its significance. If he had, he wouldn’t have had his disrespect towards Kayden.
After all, the sixteen Guardians were national agents, highly trained individuals. Though not as elite as special forces, they were far more formidable than regular troops.
How could Kayden claim they weren’t qualified to take the daggers? Had he not heard what Lewis had just said?
It was no surprise, given Kayden’s arrogance and youth. He was so full of himself that he couldn’t see straight.
Lewis waved his hand. “Alright then, you all can leave.”
Upon hearing this, all sixteen Guardians exited the room.
Greedy Wolf sheathed his knives and stood straight behind Kayden once more.
Seeing the tension ease, Lewis smiled warmly. “Mr. Scott, I actually agree with what Mr. Fetch and Mr. Gorden said earlier. If you can treat that patient, it would be a great merit. Saving a life is the most important. It’s a noble deed. It’s also a perfect opportunity for you to showcase your skills in front of us.”
In the end, these three old men didn’t believe in Kayden’s abilities at all!
Kayden wasn’t foolish; he understood the situation perfectly.
He took a deep breath, preparing to speak, when Sariah interjected, “I don’t think it’s necessary.”
As soon as Sariah spoke, everyone’s attention shifted to her. She calmly continued, “If you doubt Dr. Scott’s medical skills just because he’s young, then I’m disappointed in you.”
Upon hearing this, Lewis’s face darkened instantly, turning grim.
“What do you mean by that?” Lewis asked in a low voice.