Chapter 87
Chapter 87:
Doctor Julius Mitchell
Pushing his way through the crowd, Fraser reached Selena’s side. Upon seeing her pale and weakened state, his expression grew deeply serious.
He regarded Selena with intense concern and turned to the group of girls clustered around her. “What happened just now? How did Selena end up collapsing like this?”
Jenna regarded Fraser with a hint of suspicion. “And who might you be? What do you want with her?”
Fraser, visibly anxious and hurried, explained, “I’m Fraser Horton. Selena must have mentioned me before. I’ve known her since she was very young!”
One of the girls slapped her forehead in realization. “Oh, right! Selena has talked about a friend who’s like an elder brother to her.”
Before anyone could continue, Fraser quickly interjected, “Exactly, that’s me! And this is my friend Julius Mitchell, a distinguished doctor from another city. He’s here in Inewood for a medical conference. Given Selena’s serious condition, could we possibly let him check on her?”
The urgency in Fraser’s voice, coupled with Julius’s professional appearance—white coat and emergency kit in hand—made them appear trustworthy.
Selena’s friends exchanged tentative glances, their faces reflecting a mixture of concern and cautious optimism. Just then, Selena, cradled in Jenna’s arms, began to cough harshly, her breathing labored and weak.
The sight of Selena struggling for breath alarmed Jenna and the rest, heightening their sense of urgency.
As the gravity of the situation sank in and with no ambulance in sight, they realized that waiting might endanger Selena further.
After a moment’s hesitation, they cleared a path for Fraser and Julius.
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Realizing that prompt medical attention was paramount, they reluctantly agreed to let the newcomers intervene. Fraser’s lips briefly curled into a relieved smile, but he quickly recomposed himself into a look of grave concern. He turned to the doctor behind him and implored, “Julius, Selena is like a sister to me. Please do whatever you can to save her!”
Julius nodded, his voice steady but serious. “Absolutely, Mr. Horton. I will do everything within my power.”
Nearby, Ashton observed the exchange with skepticism. While it wasn’t overt, he noticed a subtle shift in Julius’s demeanor—a flicker of tension in his eyes that seemed to hint at underlying motives.
Furrowing his brow, Ashton stepped forward. “Dr. Mitchell, are you able to diagnose what is afflicting Selena at this moment? What are your plans for treatment?”
Julius, momentarily flustered by the direct question, paused before responding.
Before Julius could answer, Jenna, clearly wary of Ashton, expressed her displeasure sharply.
“Mr. Baldwin, this is not the moment for your inquiries. Selena is in a critical state. Please, refrain from interfering with the medical attention she desperately needs!”
Fraser added with a supportive smile, “Exactly, Mr. Baldwin. Dr. Mitchell is a highly esteemed medical expert. He’s fully capable of managing Selena’s medical situation. You can trust in his abilities.”
However, Ashton pressed on with a critical question. “Why did you bring a medical expert to the university so suddenly?”
Fraser, caught off guard by the blunt inquiry, paused. Before Fraser could concoct a response, Jenna intervened once more.
“Mr. Baldwin, can you not see the gravity of Selena’s condition? Why exacerbate the situation? Please, let the doctor do his work!”
With Jenna’s stern rebuke, the crowd around them began to side with her, expressing their discontent toward Ashton.
“Why is he questioning the doctor instead of helping? He’s a teacher, not a medical professional!”
“And what right does he have to doubt a qualified expert? It’s like he thinks he owns the place!”
“How did the school even hire someone like him? I’m glad he’s not in my department—I wouldn’t attend his classes!”
As the murmurs of disapproval intensified, Ashton’s expression became even more resolute.
Before Ashton could articulate his side, Fraser intervened, playing the role of peacemaker. “Everyone, please remain calm. Mr. Baldwin is understandably concerned about Selena’s welfare, which is commendable. His skepticism, given the unexpected nature of our visit, isn’t unfounded. Instead of reprimanding him, we should acknowledge his dedication to student safety.”
As he spoke, Fraser offered Ashton a smile that was polite yet tinged with a subtle challenge. Though it was meant to pacify, Ashton clearly sensed a provocative undertone in Fraser’s demeanor.
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