Chapter 16 Are You a Member of the Ross Family?

To be precise, Edward was staring at Nanci. The emotions in her eyes were incredibly sincere, unlike before when she faced him, perfect yet seemingly veiled with an unknown emotion, making it all seem unreal. The door closed.

Simon finally decided to put the box down and turned to look at Nanci, his shrewd eyes twinkling with teasing. "Even I wouldn't dare to speak so confidently. Where did you get such confidence, young lady?"

Nanci blinked, "Mr. Mills, it seems you are the one lacking confidence, hence asking for my help!"

He snorted coldly, "Cut the smooth talk! Since you suggested this, you must know something about the Ross family. Keeping you here might prevent some accidents!"

Indeed, Simon's decision was wise as these insects were truly difficult to control. As the black little bug slowly crawled into the old man's skin, the usually calm man suddenly jolted, his gaunt face turning dark as he began to struggle violently.

Seeing the situation deteriorate, Simon quickly pulled out a silver needle, ready to plunge it down. Nanci swiftly stopped him, then drew another needle and inserted it into a different acupuncture point.

He glared at her, shouting, "What are you doing? If this continues, his body won't withstand it, and he'll die!"

Nanci replied, "No, he won't." Her voice was clear and cold, unexpectedly bringing a sense of calm. While speaking, she drew another needle and swiftly inserted it into another point. Her movements were quick, without any hesitation.

Simon was initially terrified, but then he noticed that although her needling seemed random, each point was precisely targeted, and her skill nearly matched his. As several needles went in, the bug seemed to stabilize, and it began to move in an orderly fashion. Nanci then slowly withdrew her hands.

"Didn't you see the contingency plans I attached to the materials I gave you, Mr. Mills?" she asked, not accusing but somewhat puzzled.

Simon, known for his cautiousness, how could he have missed that? When he answered, his face looked somewhat troubled. "Though I'm not familiar with using poisons, I am skilled in acupuncture. The plans attached were purely homicidal!"

He had glanced at them and then dismissed them. Nanci frowned, silent for a moment. "The procedure I just performed was according to that plan. Did I kill anyone?"

He pressed his lips together in silence, not uttering a word. Regardless, Nanci did not pursue further. She just watched the old man's reactions on the bed, estimating the time, silently withdrawing the needles.

She then manipulated the movement of the bug with her needles, her actions skilled and effortless. The whole process was lengthy, lasting over three hours.

When the final step was completed, Nanci forced the bug out with a needle and collected it back into the box, exhaling deeply. Though she could have left the bug inside the body, since she was involved, she aimed for absolute certainty.

Simon watched her for a long time and finally asked, "Are you a member of the Ross family?"

Nanci paused before she replied, "Yes."

His gaze lingered on the prescription, then he asked another question, "Did Dr. Lancy prescribe this?"

Dr. Lancy was a leading figure at Ross Clinic, yet rarely seen by others. She never engaged with medical organizations nor mingled with peers. Her fame came from her sharp statements recognized by international medical bodies and her innovative insights into complex medical issues. She only treated patients based on her mood. On good days, she would make house calls. On bad days, she wouldn't blink even if someone died in front of her.

People knew very little about Dr. Lancy, and it was these rumors alone that had earned her the title of "the Serpent of Grace".

Although Simon was asking about Dr. Lancy, his gaze was fixed on her. A bold guess came to him. If it was indeed a formula prescribed by Dr. Lancy, and given Nanci's proficiency with it, she must be Dr. Lancy. From the moment Nanci acted, she had anticipated his suspicion. She remained silent for a moment, then spoke ambiguously, "Since Miss Underwood knows Brian, it's not surprising they know Dr. Lancy. But, in this city, many are searching for Dr. Lancy. Sir, if you're not sure, you should speak cautiously to avoid causing trouble for others."

Simon's eyes gleamed slightly. "Don't worry. I'm well aware of such matters."

"For the sake of your reputation in the medical field, this stays between you and me. I won't let a third person know," Nanci wisely agreed, continuing along his line.

He laughed heartily, his suspicions clearing up in his mind.

He looked into those forcibly calm eyes, more convinced than ever. "For a man of my age, reputation doesn't matter too much. If you want to keep it a secret, you'll have to agree to a condition."

Nanci fell silent.

Hours had passed since the treatment in the room began, and the people outside were particularly anxious.

Sally grew increasingly impatient, glancing at Edward and muttering under her breath, "Why haven't they come out yet? Could that woman have caused some trouble?"

Amelia, also anxious, instinctively retorted, "Don't spout nonsense. Unlike you, she will never cause trouble!"

"Amelia, how well do you know her to defend her like this? I have perfect scores in theoretical knowledge, and you dare compare me to a nobody?"

"But Mr. Mills chose her, an indication that she's more capable than you."

"You..." Sally was left speechless.

Edward's cold gaze swept over Amelia, then suddenly he asked, "Miss Underwood, you seem to know Nanci well?"

Amelia snapped back to reality, her eyes wary as she looked at Edward.

"Of course, we're good friends."

"I've never heard her mention you before." Edward's tone was light, as if making small talk. "If I had known she was so close to Brian's friend, I wouldn't have had to go through so much trouble to find him."

He intended to discuss Brian but was caught off guard by Amelia's next words.

Almost without thinking, she affirmed, "You indeed found out too late."

Edward was lost for words.

"How did you get in touch with Brian? Can I have his number?" He changed his approach, getting to the point.

Amelia, seemingly careless but sly, blurted out a lie. "His email address is listed on the website, so I emailed him directly. By offering the right amount of money, he agreed to help me."

"Nonsense!" Sally scoffed dismissively.

Amelia shrugged. "Believe it or not.”

Edward paused for a few seconds, then asked again, "You said earlier that your transactions were straightforward?"

Amelia nodded. "Yes. Why?"

"What benefits can you bring him? What do you all trade?"

The question hung in the air. Gordon was also puzzled.

Brian's contact was easy to find online, but usually, most requests were sent without a reply.

He knew his daughter well, and now she claimed she had long-term dealings with such an influential figure?

What were they trading all along?

"Exactly! Amelia has nothing but her looks. She must have maximized her advantages. Otherwise, what else could she trade?" Sally chimed in sarcastically.