The Great Medical Saint

He couldn't help but feel a stirring in his heart as his arm seemed to sink into softness. As they walked, Rachel swayed slightly, making it feel like a gentle massage. They encountered several members of the Carter family, and Rachel would pause to briefly chat with each of them before continuing on.

It was not until they entered their own courtyard that Rachel let go of Matthew's arm.

Her face was flushing. She could feel it burning with heat.

Matthew felt a little disappointed when his arm was left empty.

Rachel had likely just been putting on a show for others. It was all just an act. He realized that they hadn't known each other for long, and things were progressing quickly.

He wasn't particularly in love with Rachel, either. He still didn't know her well enough.

The touch earlier had merely awakened his physical longing for a woman's touch. It had been three years since he'd been with a woman. The slightest physical contact was enough to make him restless. Dinner was ready. It was a simple meal that consisted of chicken noodle soup and some appetizers.

Martin and Yvonne noticed that the two had returned. So, they got up from the couch and moved to the dining table.

Yvonne warmly invited Matthew to join them. "Matt, come have dinner with us."

Matthew thanked her and took a seat across from Rachel.

He waited for Martin to eat before he picked up his fork. Just as he was about to eat, Yvonne spoke up.

"Matt, I hear you're a doctor. Doctors don't make much money and don't have much power, which is quite different from Rae. I'm not asking you to help her, but please don't hold her back." Matthew frowned. Yvonne had been silent all this time, and now her first words were dripping with disdain. She had belittled him.

As he was about to speak, Rachel interjected, "Mom, it's not like that. He has helped me a lot."

If it hadn't been for Matthew's interventions today, she wouldn't have gained the support of the Lloyd and White families. She would have ended up losing her position as president. So, she was genuinely grateful to him.

Seeing Rachel defend Matthew, Yvonne glared at her. "You be quiet!"

Rachel responded obediently, "Okay. I won't say anything. You should eat too." She was worried Yvonne might say something else to embarrass Matthew.

Yvonne resumed eating. She occasionally glanced at Matthew, as if wanting to say something but holding back.

Rachel didn't eat much and soon excused herself to take a bath.

Yvonne seized the moment and put down her utensils. "Matt, your table manners are... bad. You should sit and eat properly. This is the Carter residence, and etiquette is important.

"My birthday party is coming soon. If you attend, you'll definitely ruin the family's image. Also, your profession, income, and family background are all lacking.

"When relatives and friends ask about you, I really don't know what to say. How about this? Don't attend my birthday. Go for a walk outside, and come back after the party." Matthew could feel his anger surging. This was too much. If this was the case, there was no need for him to stay with Rachel anymore.

He was looking for a girlfriend, not to be humiliated.

He stood up and was ready to leave.

Rachel, who had been worried about what Yvonne might say, rushed back down just in time to witness this scene.

She frowned and approached Matthew. "Matthew, I've drawn a bath for you. Go take a bath first."

Matthew hesitated. "I don't think I need it anymore."

Rachel smiled. "You must. Let's go get you some new clothes tomorrow. You need to look your best. The important guests from the White and Lloyd families will be attending Mum's birthday. You'll be the one to greet them." She said this to emphasize Matthew's importance to Yvonne.Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive © material.

Yvonne frowned. She thought Rachel was being too frivolous. Rachel wanted a mere doctor to greet the most important guests? Still, Yvonne didn't want to argue in front of Rachel.

Matthew shook his head. He refused the responsibility Rachel was trying to give him.

"Forget it. You can greet them yourself. Your mom said I would ruin the family's image and that my profession and income are a disgrace. She doesn't want me at the birthday party." Rachel confronted Yvonne angrily. "Mom!"

Yvonne hurried to explain, "I'm not opposed to the marriage your grandfather arranged for you. I just don't want him at the birthday party."

Rachel sighed. "Mom, all my uncles opposed me becoming the president. Quinn even directly told me that he's going to fight me for the position.

"To secure my position, I visited the Lloyd and White families, our most important partners. But I couldn't even get in the door.

"In the end, it was Matthew who helped me gain their support. Without his help, I would lose my position the day after tomorrow. Without his help, instead of being able to hold your heads up high, you and Dad would have gotten humiliated!"