When they arrived at the Alfredson family’s grand hall, it was already filled with people seated around a long banquet table that stretched from the platform in front to the far end of the room. Though the seating was supposed to be open, the first few tables were clearly reserved for individuals of high status and influence.
At these prestigious tables sat figures of great prominence-business moguls and political leaders ranked first or second in their spheres. Naturally, Kayden and Wood Faulkner were seated at the front. Even though Kayden was no longer a military commander, he remained a distinguished guest in the eyes of the Alfredson family.
With Kayden’s remarkable abilities, respect followed him wherever he went. Those who dared ignore or disrespect him often faced dire consequences. Who would risk offending such a man?
Sharing a table with Kayden and Wood were individuals of similarly high standing. While they had been engrossed in casual conversation moments before, their expressions shifted to curiosity and unease upon noticing Kayden’s presence. Their gazes scrutinized Kayden, as if trying to reconcile his seemingly ordinary appearance with his extraordinary reputation.
To some, his presence was unsettling. A few even betrayed subtle expressions of disdain, considering him an individual who lowered the table’s perceived “average standard.”
Among the attendees was a familiar face: Captain Mike Johnson, whom Kayden had encountered a few days prior. Upon spotting Kayden and Wood, Mike’s face lit up with excitement.
For the past two days, Mike had been living a miserable existence. Outwardly, he was Western Frontier’s revered captain, commanding the local guard with authority and earning widespread respect. But privately, he bore a shameful secret-he wasn’t a “complete” man. It was a wound to his pride that he could never escape.
Recently, a young female intern had tried to flirt with him, even inviting him out for dinner. He had declined, pretending to be a devoted family man, but the truth was far more humiliating-he feared she might expect him to perform in ways he no longer could.
Before encountering Kayden, Mike had found ways to console himself, maintaining his commanding demeanor in public while walking on eggshells at home, terrified of his wife’s potential betrayal.
However, meeting Kayden had stirred something within him. Kayden represented hope-a path to reclaiming his lost confidence as a man. He was the key to unlocking a future free of shame.
Mike had come to the Alfredson estate today solely to see Kayden. Now that they were face-to-face, how could he contain his excitement?
“Mr. Scott!” Mike greeted Kayden carefully, his previous arrogance replaced with a tentative demeanor. His every movement betrayed a fear of offending this man.
“Mr. Scott, I thought I’d never get to see you again,” he said, his voice tinged with relief. Mike had been devastated upon hearing that Kayden had been taken by the Rocco family. Over the past few days, his wife had even threatened divorce, claiming she could no longer endure their “lifeless marriage.”
Lately, she had taken to watching explicit videos on her phone late at night-a habit Mike had noticed but dared not confront. Desperate and humiliated, Mike now placed all his hopes on Kayden. He needed Kayden’s help to reclaim his masculinity and prove himself to his wife once and for all.
“Captain Johnson,” Kayden greeted him casually, a faint smile on his lips. “How’s your health these past two days?”
Mike’s face flushed as he stammered, “Mr. Scott, please don’t tease me. I’ve been waiting for you to help me. Could you overlook my past mistakes and lend me a hand?”
Lowering his voice, he added, “Mr. Scott, as a man, I feel utterly humiliated-especially in front of my wife. That humiliation amplifies my insecurities. Will you help me?”
His tone was almost pleading. As if realizing his desperation, Mike quickly added, “Mr. Scott, I promise-help me, and I’ll follow your every command. Whatever you ask of me, I’ll do.”
Kayden hadn’t yet responded when a business magnate at the table interjected, “Captain Johnson, you seem quite familiar with this young man. Care to introduce him?”
Caught off guard, Mike hesitated before gesturing toward Kayden. “This is Mr. Scott. He’s the one who cured Mr. Alfredson’s illness.”
Turning to Kayden, Mike said, “Mr. Scott, this is Mr. Clarkson, the president of the Western Frontier Chamber of Commerce. And this is Mr. Westfield, the vice president.”
After hearing Mike’s introduction and subsequent praise, Mr. Clarkson gave Kayden a measured look before asking, “May I ask where you graduated from? Surely you’ve studied abroad?”
“After all,” Clarkson continued, “foreign medical practices are far more advanced than those in our country. A few years ago, my mother underwent heart surgery, and I specifically took her abroad for the procedure. One must admit, their methods surpass ours significantly.”
Kayden shook his head calmly. “I didn’t study abroad.”
Clarkson’s expression shifted slightly. “Then you must have a doctorate from one of our nation’s top medical schools. After all, some of them employ foreign instructors, which raises their standards considerably.”
To Clarkson, the superiority of anything foreign was an undeniable fact. Foreign lands had better soil, brighter moons, and cooler suns-at least in his mind.
Kayden’s response was calm yet decisive. “Neither. I studied traditional medicine. I don’t even have a medical license.”
Hearing this, Clarkson’s eyes filled with disdain. He gave Kayden an incredulous look and sneered, “Oh, so you’re just a ‘blackjack’ doctor?”
Kayden nodded slightly. “That’s one way to put it.”
Clarkson burst into laughter. “I see. I thought you were some internationally renowned expert. Hah! These so-called doctors are all the same-heal one patient by sheer luck and boast about it for the rest of their lives.”
Mr. Westfield chimed in with a chuckle. “I know someone like that. A few years ago, he got lucky with one case and hasn’t stopped bragging since. He hasn’t cured anyone else since then, but it seems he plans to ride that one success forever.”
Clarkson’s gaze returned to Kayden, his tone mocking. “Tell me, young man, are you one of those frauds as well?”
The group clearly held traditional medicine in contempt, exuding an air of superiority as they ridiculed Kayden.
Kayden, unperturbed, smiled faintly. “Do you often feel bloated after meals, with your stomach swelling uncomfortably? After a while, it turns into sharp, twisting pain, as if your intestines were tied in knots. Sometimes, you might even feel a pinching sensation in your lower back, like two clamps gripping you tightly.”
His tone was calm, his words measured.