Chapter 16
Judy placed the scopen the dining table before walking to the couch the
lown gracefully, presenting herself as the picture of charm and sweetness.
intrigued by Rebecca’s indiden boldness, Dunn an leaned forward with a cutous side. “Well, what is it that your want to ask?”
Bebevca besitated for a moment betere speaking firmly, “I’m very grateful that you bought me to key alter my father’s sacrifice, and Lappreciate your intention to help me grow, but right now, Tenly want to find my father’s last wish. The mission in six mentiis is critical for the country, and I’d like to join the unit as a doctor to hanat his legay.”
She paused briefe and added, “Astor school, I’ll retum within the next two years and make up for the lost time”
Duncan booked taken aback by het response. “You want to join the unit? Do you roller how hand life is in the unit? It’s stable right, and missions are especially near the beaders. If you’re serious, you’d have to undergo intense training, and I’mmint sure you’re prepared for that kind of challenge.”
e risky-
Baby’s expression darkened as she listened. She was surprised that Rebecca wanted to join the undt, suspecting she was only saying this to get closer to Christopher. She clenched her fists subtly toher previous lite, Rebecca was never like this. After leaving the countryside, Rebecca had been desperate to escape hardship. So, why would she now volunters to shop it?
Rebecca, unfared, answered calmly, “I’m not afraid of hardship or exhaustion. All I want is to complete my father’s mission.”
ΠΙ
Ruby’s soft voice suddenly clumed in, “M. Duncan, feel the way. My father was injured and left disabled, and it’s been hard for him to cope. I want to contribute in his place and serve the country, so I’d also like to apply to join the unit,”
Rebecca glanced at Huby, her gaze dropping baletly. She was shocked to hear that Huby wanted to join the unit too
Rebecca had done her homework–Christopher’s unit only needed one doctor.
Duncan, clearly surprised, looked between the two young women before being to Christopher, “cris, these women are truly remarkable. Back in i lved in tear and poveste.
the day, people.
“Now, with Orkney offering the best education in the country, they could focus no school instead of volunteering for something so demanding. It speaks volumes about Vaughn’s and Peter’s daughters.”
Christopher’s gaze shifted to Rebecca, unradable but intense. He had thought his responsibly ended unce Reber was safely bought to the estate. He was caught off guand to know she wanted to join the und
His mind wandered briefly to their cadercounter the vill He won it she was just trying to ride on his coattails, just as she had said.
Stebecca sensed his gaze and met his eyes without flinching. Foraminuent, they held each other’s stage. Her simple, makeup fire face was framed by a low ponytail, and her pale skin glowed with natural beauty, she booked so strikingly piece that it was almost disarming,
Duncan was hesitant, ready unsure about how to handle the situation. After all, it had been years shire his setitement, and the decision rested more on Christopher’s judgment.
Duncan asked, “Chris, what do you think? I remember your und does have an opening for a doctor right now, doesn’t it?”
Christopher’s voice was cold and detached as he replied, “The work in the unit is groeling, and the training is intense. I don’t think either of them is qualified. Dad, Ichickin’s beat it you make other arrangements for them”
Just as Christopher was about to leave the room, Rebecca famaly said, “I’m not afraid of hand work I’m confident I can do the job of a doctor”
Christopher tumed back, his eyes sharp and piercing. “Theard what you said back int village, he stated flatly, his tone carrying an unspoken warning. Rebecca flanked in confusson, trying to recall what he was releming to. Then, realization dawned on her.
Back in the village, she had said something to provoke Layla, bragging about how she would go in Orkney, latch onto Christopher, and live the life of a rich woman She could not believe that Christopher had overheard it, but it finally made sense why he had been so cold toward her all this time.
“I–L..” she stammered, but Duncan interjected
“All right, gids. 1 appreciate your willingness to honor your fathers, but this isn’t a small matter. If I were to recommend you, I’d be taking on a big responsibility. For now, stay here and get settled. We’ll revisit this Later.”
Doccan fumed to Rebecca and added, “You’ve lived in the countryside for years. Tomorrow, go into town and pick out some new clothes
Ruby immediately offered, “Mr. Duncan, I’ll go with Rebecca, know the area better.”
“That works,” Duncan agreed. “It’s good for you two to bond and lookout for each other like real sisters,”
After dinner, Rebecca found herself standing outside Christopher’s room. She took a deep breath and knocked on the door.
