Irina's POV
Louise's expression contorted with frustration. "You're wasting precious time with your bogus remedies. Step aside. I'm performing CPR."
I shot her a withering look. "She collapsed from low blood pressure, and CPR is your go-to solution?" My tone cut through the air like steel. "Amateur."
Louise's cheeks flushed crimson. She'd just returned from an international medical conference alongside Erik Cross, and this unknown woman dared challenge her expertise? "Who do you think you are? Do you have any idea who my uncle is?"
"Couldn't care less." I continued my work, applying pressure to a vital acupoint. "Move aside, fraud."
Louise's hands balled into fists. "Alright, she fainted. But you honestly believe poking her with needles will make a difference? If traditional medicine actually worked, what would be the point of trained physicians? Kill her, and the blame falls on you."
Whispers spread through the gathering crowd.
"She has a point. Modern medicine is more trustworthy."
"Did you notice how she examined the pulse? That seemed professional."
When I continued to disregard her, Louise seized my arm. "Stop this instant, you charlatan."
My voice dropped to an arctic whisper. "Release. Me."
Two things triggered my fury beyond control: people who criticized traditional medicine, and fools who interfered with my patients.
Louise let go with a rough push. "Fine! Display your parlor tricks, then. Actually heal her, and perhaps I'll consider an apology."
I didn't flinch. "You'd better start practicing."
My hands worked swiftly, positioning three needles with surgical precision. The girl stirred, her forehead creasing slightly as a gentle moan passed her lips.
The crowd exploded with excitement. "She's coming around!"
Louise's mouth fell open. "Impossible... How did a few needles accomplish that?"
I didn't pause. Two additional needles appeared in my grasp, finding their targets in an instant.
Abruptly, the little girl's eyes snapped open—wide, bright, and focused. Her ashen complexion warmed as she gazed up at me, appearing almost ethereal.
Everyone stared in amazement.
"Unbelievable, she pulled it off!" Miguel, a spectator, erupted in laughter. "Five tiny needles and boom, she's conscious again?"
I methodically extracted the needles, cleaning the girl's arm with antiseptic. "Not random insertions," I clarified. "She lost consciousness. Target the correct points, and the body recovers."
Louise snorted, folding her arms. "Oh, spare me. This must be orchestrated. Since when does stabbing someone with needles cure anything? Classic traditional medicine fraud."
My stare could have melted steel, but before I could respond, the little girl spoke up in a voice both sweet and cutting. "Traditional medicine has existed for millennia. And you? You accomplished nothing. Perhaps you should return to your studies."
Louise stammered, her face turning scarlet. "What did you say?!"
The crowd erupted, laughter echoing around us.
I smirked, cleaning my hands. "The child makes a valid argument. You might want to crack those textbooks again."
"Worthless peasants! I don't have time for this nonsense," Louise snarled, spinning around to storm off.
A needle hissed past her ear, burying itself deep in a pine tree behind her.
Louise went rigid. One inch closer, and it would have pierced her skull.
My glacial voice sliced through the quiet. "Overlooking something, genius?" I smiled coldly.
The crowd tensed. That innocent-looking young woman suddenly emanated something menacing and lethal.
Louise gulped hard, feigning ignorance. "What are you after?"
"An apology." I tapped my forehead, grinning as if this were entertainment.
Louise's jaw tightened. This would ruin her standing. "I don't understand. And I don't bow to quacks. My patients require my attention."
A bystander sneered, "You're Erik Cross' niece? Christ, he'd be mortified."
Louise spun around and struck the man's face with brutal force. "Silence, garbage! The Cross family controls every medical facility in Hillview. Cross me, and none of you degenerates will receive treatment again."
The man's fists trembled with fury. "You! How dare—"
Louise, accustomed to looking down on common people, missed the deadly chill flickering in my eyes.
With a casual flick of my wrist, I launched a small pebble. Louise's legs buckled, and she collapsed with a piercing scream.
Searing agony shot through Louise's leg. Her face contorted as the nauseating snap confirmed her kneecap was destroyed.
She attempted to speak, to move, but her body betrayed her. Some unseen force had paralyzed her completely, leaving her powerless.
I approached, crouching until our gazes locked. "A competent doctor wouldn't botch such an elementary diagnosis," I whispered, my voice sharp as steel. "This isn't about your pride. Lives are at stake. And you? You're not merely incompetent.
"You're a stain on the medical field. Stay put. Reflect on your actions, if you possess any conscience."
Louise could only glare, rage blazing in her stare.
"Since you're connected to Mr. Erik Cross," I continued with icy composure, "I'll show restraint."
A glimmer of relief flickered across Louise's features.
"Remaining like this for a day won't be fatal." I observed her with a slow, ruthless smile. "After all, Ms. Cross, nobody forced you down. You chose to fall."
Louise released a choked sob, unable to articulate words.
"She deserves it," someone in the crowd grumbled.
"Absolutely, calling people peasants? She's a disgrace to physicians," another voice agreed.
A particularly vocal observer yelled, "Hey, everybody! Look at Anastasia's top medical student begging for pity."
Louise's face burned with shame, but she couldn't even retort. More spectators gathered to gawk, murmuring and gesturing. She yearned for the ground to open and consume her. Instead, she remained trapped, boiling with resentment.
That vindictive witch! Just wait. When we meet again, I'll make her suffer for this, she fumed internally.
I didn't give her another thought. If our paths converged again, I wouldn't show such mercy.
An elderly gentleman approached enthusiastically. "Young woman, with abilities like yours, you must descend from a lineage of traditional practitioners, correct?"
I hesitated as my skills hadn't been acquired effortlessly. Then I nodded. "Yes, my family specializes in traditional medicine."
"Does that mean you'll assist people like us when we need medical care?"
"Absolutely," I smiled genuinely, without any trace of the Specter Healer's typical detachment. "Visit 22 Willow Rodney. My practice welcomes everyone."