Chapter 1268

She'd never done anything like this before. Her nerves were a mess-her heart pounded so loudly she could barely hear herself think.

Josefina's voice cut through the tension, cool and steady. "Wilson, a bet's a bet. Time to own up."

Wilson's face twisted in protest. “How am I supposed to know you really cured Zachary? Maybe his headache's just taking a break!"

Josefina didn't miss a beat. She turned to Dr. Tian, the alternative medicine expert. "Dr. Tian, you know your stuff. Could you please check Zachary and see how he's doing?"

Dr. Tian nodded, stepping forward. “Sure.”

Zachary rolled up his sleeve, offering his arm. Dr. Tian took his pulse, silent and focused. After a long moment, Dr. Tian stared at Zachary in disbelief.

"Well, I'll be. Zachary's headache really is gone."

Zachary grinned. "Dr. Tian, remember last time I came to you? I asked if anything could fix my headaches, and you said you were out of ideas. Hearing you say I'm better now, I can finally relax."

Dr. Tian looked at Josefina like he'd just struck gold.

What a find.

He was practically glowing with excitement. “Josefina's medical skills are beyond mine. She's truly gifted!"

Mr. Marquez chuckled. "I knew Josefina could do it. She's always been humble- never one to brag for nothing."

Wilson just stood there, words stuck in his throat.

He was the one who'd talked big. He was the one who should've kept his mouth shut.

He tried to sneak away quietly.

But Josefina called him out before he got far. "Wilson, isn't it time to pay up?"

With everyone's eyes on him, Wilson froze in place.

Mandy smirked, "You're not trying to run away, are you?"

Wilson's face went bright red. "No way!"

Mandy just raised an eyebrow. "If not, then stick to the bet."

Wilson dug his heels in. "You all say Zachary's fine, but what if it comes back? Josefina said it'd be a

permanent

fix

not just a quick

patch-up."

Josefina shot back, "So what do you want? Wait until Zachary's old and gray to call it settled?"

Wilson opened his mouth, but nothing came out. He was out of arguments.

Zachary scratched his head, embarrassed to say anything.

Wilson tried one last time. "You can't prove Zachary's cured for good."

So, in his mind, he didn't have to do anything. No way he'd lose—no way!

Mr. Marquez stepped in. "Wilson, you know how good Dr. Tian is. If he says Zachary's fine, why don't you believe it? Here's an idea-let's take Zachary to the hospital and get a whole panel of experts to check him out if they all say he s fine, will you admit you lost?"

Let's see what excuse you come up with then.

Wilson was cornered. His classmates whispered and stared, and Josefina looked

like she already knew she'd won. He felt like he was about to crack.

Josefina added, "If you want a top specialist, I'll find one for you."

All she'd wanted was to help out quietly, but Wilson had to show up and start something.

Fine. If he wanted to make a scene, she'd make sure he'd think twice before trying again.

Sometimes, you need to make an example out of someone.

If anyone else was planning to mess with her, they'd better reconsider.

At the same time, Josefina stayed alert, watching for anyone in the crowd with a hidden agenda.

Sure enough, someone tried to pull something.

She didn't catch who, but at least now she had a lead.

Josefina's voice went cold as she

voice

1.n

turned to Wilson again. "Wilson, kneel down and apologize. Call me 'Aunt Josefina' three times and. admit you were wrong. Do that, and I'll let you stay in school. If not, whền the experts show up, you'll be out, one way or another."

Wilson clenched his fists, wishing he could just disappear. This was worse than

losing any bet.