Under the Heiress' Facade

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The next day was the monthly meeting.

After finishing her report, Sarah reminded, "Hera, Ryder and Walter haven't delivered any herbs this month. We're out of most herbs. But there are several patients awaiting them for their treatments."

"What's going on?" Hera asked, stifling a yawn.

"I called them, and they said that the yield was poor this month. Plus, the recent rains have affected supply. I also reached out to other suppliers, but none of them have these herbs either," Sarah explained.

Most of the clinic's herbs were supplied regularly by reliable suppliers. Ryder and Walter had always provided good herbs, so the clinic mainly collaborated with them. However, to prevent situations like this, they had other suppliers too.

If one supplier didn't have the needed herbs, another would. But this situation seemed unusual. While these herbs were rare, they shouldn't be impossible to find.

"I just asked my old employer, and they don't have these four herbs either," Nina Swan added.

She and Sue Jingles were hired after Everly left.

"I checked online, and there's gossip that all suppliers have sold all their stock of these four herbs to the Chime family at three times the market price," Sue said.

The meeting room fell silent. Everyone instantly understood what was happening. It was Everly's doing!

Everly was in charge of the medicinal meals, was familiar with the clinic's inventory, and knew which herbs were frequently used. She was well aware

of the herbs used to treat coughs and colds, as well as those that helped with pain, paralysis, and other more severe illnesses.

Most of the clinic's patients suffered

from severe conditions, so the herbs

were in high demand. Not having

them in stock would affect the patients' recovery and might even

harm the clinic's reputation.

Wayne, sitting at the far end of the table, clenched his fists under the table to control his anger.

Catherine's expression darkened.

Ever since Everly left, she had often

worried about how she was doing. Hearing that she had joined the Chime family was hurtful enough: But Everly was now actively working against them. Catherine was so overwhelmed that she suddenly felt faint and collapsed.

"Grandma!"

"Mrs. Jones!"

Hera immediately caught her, with Sarah and others rushing over to help. Hera checked Catherine's pulse and frowned. They carefully moved Catherine to another@oom to lie-down.

"Is Mrs. Jones going to be okay?" Wayne asked anxiously.

"Her blood pressure spiked," Hera explained. "Isla, bring me my acupuncture kit."

Wayne pursed his lips and stepped aside.

"Got it." Isla quickly returned with the acupuncture kit.

Hera pricked a few needles, and Catherine soon regained consciousness. Hera advised her to rest before returning to finish the meeting.

"Maybe I should check the nearby clinic to see if they have any of the herbs. We could buy some for emergency use since I know two patients need them today," Sarah suggested.