Cedric was seething with rage. As a renowned medical expert, having his granddaughter seek treatment from an outsider felt like a direct insult to his abilities, implying he was useless.

"Fine then, Grandpa!" Francesca snapped, her cheeks puffing with anger. "Go ahead and cure me right now. I don't want to live with this condition anymore!"

Cedric immediately deflated, forcing an awkward laugh. "Fran, you know I've been researching your condition to find a cure. Just give me a few more years, and I promise I'll heal you."

"That's exactly what you said three years ago," Francesca replied, her voice heavy with sadness. "How many more years can I wait? I'm already 28. Do you want to watch me grow old with this condition?"

Tears welled up in Francesca's eyes as her emotions got the better of her.

Cedric's expression softened as he sighed. "You're right, sweetheart. It's my fault. But how can this young man accomplish what I couldn't?"

Francesca bit her lip and admitted, "I don