Chapter 27
Dale was the most capable leader among the younger generation of Harringtons. Under his lead, the family was slowly regaining its former prominence.
Although they were no match for the mysterious Whites nor as affluent as the Fosters, the Guldners, and the Lennons, the Harringtons still held significant influence in Windmere’s
business circle.
Dale poured red wine into Lucius’ half-empty glass and asked, “Still troubled by family matters?”
Lucius raised his glass and lightly clinked it against Dale’s. “It’s not about family.”
Levi, who’d bribed Rex to poison Melvin and Kate, was now sentenced to spend the rest of his life behind bars. Although it wasn’t enough to erase Lucius’ bitterness, at least Melvin’s death had been avenged.
Changing the subject, Dale said, “I heard you signed Sonia. Was it for that piece of land, or have you taken a fancy to her?”
“You’re overthinking it,” Lucius said flatly.
Dale downed his drink before he continued, “Her eyes look so much like hers. I refuse to believe there wasn’t a personal sentiment involved when you approached her.”
Lucius’ grip tightened slightly on his glass. He seemed to be on the verge of saying something,
but he held back.
“Mrs. White’s leg injury wasn’t healed, and finding Phantom Healer’s whereabouts requires taking shortcuts through hacking. So, guess why Luc signed Sonia.”
Noah Jensen, who’d wandered over from a conversation with Finn, joined in and answered that question on Lucius’ behalf.
The Jeffersons had military connections, with Noah having spent years in the army himself. Straightforward and bold, he got along best with Lucius.
On the surface, the sociable and diplomatic Finn seemed like the center of their circle. But in reality, it was Lucius, with his unfathomable background, who was the true leader.
Finn asked, “Even with Sonia’s hacking skills, she couldn’t track down Phantom Healer?”
All of Lucius’ close friends knew about the tragedy that had struck his family.
A year ago, Melvin and Kate encountered a car crash, and Melvin had shielded Kate with his body at that critical moment.
That crash left Melvin with a broken spine and shackled him to the bed in pain before he died months later. Kate suffered leg injuries in the collision and was confined to a wheelchair for
life.
Having lost Melvin, Lucius couldn’t bear to lose Kate, too.
Multiple hospitals had declared her condition hopeless, but he refused to accept that. He was determined to help her walk again, no matter the cost.
Rumor spoke of a healer in traditional medicine, said to work miracles with 13 silver needles. Be it blind, mute, or crippled, people walked away whole from those needles. That was how the nickname-Phantom Healer Thirteen Needles-came to be.
To avoid trouble, Phantom Healer always concealed their appearance and gender whenever they had to show up for treatments. Every healed patient only spoke of their astonishing medical skills, so no one knew their name, gender, or whereabouts.
Over time, Phantom Healer Thirteen Needles became a legend in traditional medicine.
At Finn’s question, Lucius shook his head gloomily. “I’m starting to doubt Phantom Healer
even exists.”
Dale agreed. “After searching for so long with no clues, Phantom Healer is likely just a myth people built up.”
Noah suddenly asked, “Luc, have you heard of King K?”
Dale’s interest was sparked. “The founder of K Net?”
Finn laughed. “Like Phantom Healer, King K is another figure who lives only in the legends.
