h4Chapter 371: Visiting The New Lab/h4

    "The audacity of that doctor to think he could override us with his masculine rubbish."

    Susan wouldn’t stop talking about the humiliated doctor as Rodney drove them in the direction of home. Her voice had that sharp, animated edge she got when she was riled up, hands moving in emphasis as though the air itself needed to be told off.

    Athenaughed in response, though inwardly she suspected her younger friend had developed a rather keen fascination for the doctor.

    Well, anything to keep her talkativenessing back, Athena thought, listening half-attentively while her mind wandered. She considered whether the time was finally safe enough for her to check out her newb.

    Ewan had texted her the address and details that fateful day when she’d been forced to relocate, and she had yet to see it, to see the care that was so typical of Ewan.

    "Drop me at Wino’s Junction," she spoke up to Rodney when Susan paused for a few beats—a rare and valuable silence Athena seized before her friend started in on another tangent; probably this time about Damian believing his psychiatric degree was enough to put him on top of the world.

    She loved his confidence, she admitted to herself. She just didn’t appreciate being on the receiving end of his boots.

    "Are you going somewhere?" Susan’s light dimmed for a moment, brows furrowing.

    "Yes. I want to check out theb. You interested?"

    Susan nodded without hesitation. Just like Athena, she had been sent home by Aiden as well that day, thetter insisting on reducing the risks of the newb being found out.

    A couple of minutester, Rodney was driving through the street opposite the junction, maintaining his earlier speed so as not to arouse suspicion among the residents. Most were outside their houses with their children, ying games or catching up with neighbors.

    Athena looked around, letting herself absorb the environment Ewan had chosen for theb. She had to admit—this was perfect. A street built for families, quiet and self-contained. Morgan’s sponsors wouldn’t see iting.

    She watched these new faces watch her, despite Rodney’s steady pace, probably wondering which family she could possibly belong to, which household had her as a rtive or friend.

    A little girl with a colorful tube around her waist waved shyly at her, and before Athena could help it, she returned the wave, a tentative smile tugging at her lips.

    "It’s safe to say Ewan knows what he’s doing, as always," Susan chimed, just as taken in by the scenery.

    Thendscape was well-kept, with neatly trimmed hedges and bursts of color from flowerbeds along the road. There was a calming effect in the air, a peace Athena loved instantly. It would help her work.

    When the car stopped in front of House 14—thest house on the street—Athena noticed a neighbor already waiting on the porch, a tray in her hands. She was a brte,te thirties perhaps, with two children under ten years old, clutching her long skirt.

    Athena hesitated, wondering if leaving Rodney in the car would send the wrong message. She decided to let him follow as they walked up the short flight of stairs to the porch, their approach drawing curious stares from other neighbors.

    "Hellooo..." The unfamiliar woman’s voice was warm, breezy, and up close, Athena saw that the tray held a pie sprinkled generously with chocte chips.

    Had this been sitting in the refrigerator, ready for just such an arrival? Had they been anticipating her? Did Ewan inform them of her pending arrival?

    "Hello," Athena returned with a genuine smile, admitting to herself that the woman’s infectious expression was difficult to resist.

    "My name is Geraldine," the woman began, extending her hand. "And these are my children, Noah and Lilian."

    Athena shook her hand warmly, winking at the smiling Noah and the pouty Lilian before introducing herself and those with her.

    "I am Doctor—"

    "Athena," Geraldine interrupted. "We are aware. We couldn’t believe it when we saw you driving through. Well, I couldn’t believe it when Maxine called to tell me you were here. I had to rush up to confirm we have the celebrity doctor in our midst. When will your children be joining you?"

    Maybe never, Athena mused, licking her lower lip as she recovered from the unexpected question.

    "Soon. I’m still considering the decision yet, as you can understand..."

    Geraldine nodded enthusiastically. "Of course. These two affect most of my decisions, even more than their father." She gave a yful, womanly wink that made Athena smile again.

    Her eyes, however, caught sight of more people heading toward the house. Oh, Lord—she hoped she wouldn’t have to call in the agents to act as bodyguards.

    "I hope you don’t mind..." Geraldine’s voice pulled her back. "It’s just that we don’t see this every day. You’ve been such a source of inspiration and help to so many of us here—myself included. You saved my mother. I’m not sure you’d remember her, but she was one of your first patients. So please, pardon us for just today."

    Athena’s smile softened, and she rxed. She could greet a few fans—especially ones bringing trays of various sizes.

    "Who are these behind you?" Geraldine asked.

    "Oh, sorry... pardon me." Athena turned to Susan, who was wearing aical expression while watching the approaching neighbors, and to Rodney, who looked mildly lost.

    "This is my goddaughter, Susan, and a close friend too." Her voice took on a gentler tone as she touched Susan’s arm lightly.

    Geraldine was more than happy to shake Susan’s hand and wee her warmly.

    "And this is Rodney, a friend of mine."

    "Is he a doctor too?" Geraldine asked, taking Rodney’s stiff hand in hers.

    Athena resisted the urge to shrug. "Yes. A good one, at that."

    "Wow. You wouldn’t know how pleased we are to meet you, Doctor Athena..." Geraldine continued as more neighbors came up the porch, their faces bright with gratitude.

    They handed over tters of baked goods—pies, cookies, bread rolls—most of which Rodney ended up holding.

    Thest to offer their wee was a couple eager to hug her, to her mild shock. But she understood when they thanked her profusely for saving their three-year-old son from the Grey Disease.

    The boy, bubbly and bright-eyed, whotched onto her gown and refused to let go, as if sensing the depth of the goodness she had given him.