Hiding Behind Her Superficiality by Kyla Olson

Chapter 429 Be My Apprentice
Elspeth was determined to find Callum and ask him directly.
Suddenly, Haris' expression changed dramatically. "You can't go out," he said.
"Why can't I go out?" she asked.
"That Winthrop kid is going to marry Jasmine soon. If you go out, it's likely to ruin the wedding," he said.
Hearing that, she clenched her fists quietly. "What if I try to leave?"
"If you leave, there are only two possibilities. One, you will be treated coldly by that Winthrop kid and then escorted back here.
The other possibility is that you will die outside from an illness. Miss, I've examined your body. I'm afraid you don't have much
time left," he said.
On the other hand, Elspeth had been experiencing chest pain and shortness of breath for the past few days, and she knew her
condition was deteriorating daily. So, she had thought of indulging in some happy activities during her final days. However, she
never thought she would be taken there.
"No matter whether or not he despises me, I still want to ask him." She made up her mind in her heart. If Callum asks me to
leave, I will do so without remorse.
"That Winthrop kid has spent a lot of effort to ask me to cure you, and if you mess it up by going out now, he will be distraught."
Following that, Haris rubbed his beard, his smile tinged with remorse. "Although this exchange of interests is not very ethical,
Jasmine is very fond of Callum, so I had no choice."
He knew she was considering what he said, so he stepped forward to pat her on the shoulder. "Miss, I know this is quite unfair to
you, but she's my precious granddaughter. My wish is for her to be happy. Nevertheless, the bright side is that I will do everything
I can to treat your illness."
After hearing his words, her heart was filled with mixed emotions. She couldn't describe how she felt, but her heart ached horribly
when she learned Callum sacrificed his love for her to find a cure for her illness. Moreover, he had deliberately kept a cold
attitude toward her the whole time to make her give up and make the entire act look real. She had even been fooled by him.

At that moment, memories of the past flooded her mind, and she felt a crushing weight of guilt. She felt terrible for saying those
heartless words to him.
"Don't worry. I won't keep you locked up forever. After they get married, I'll let you leave. During that time, I will have cured your
illness. Then, you will be healthy again, and you can fall in love with a better man," Haris said.
A better man... Who could be better than Callum to Elspeth? Although she wanted to go find Callum immediately, she knew that
the treatment opportunity was something he had worked hard for. If she left without any consideration, it would ruin everything he
had achieved.
"You don't have to feel guilty. Callum is blessed to marry my granddaughter. After spending time together, he will naturally
discover Jasmine's good personality—"
However, she had already accepted the outcome with a heavy heart. No matter what, I think it is best to cure this illness first.
With that thought, she turned around and found a chair to sit on.
He was amused by her unexpected reaction. "It seems you have settled on a decision. So, are you going to stay?"
"Yes, Old Mr. McGrath. Please help me cure my illness." Then, she dropped the load off her shoulder momentarily and gave him
a radiant grin in exchange.
Afterward, he looked at her cheerful expression and felt a little regretful. "You're also a good girl, but unfortunately, you're not
destined for him."
When Elspeth heard that, she shook her head. "No need to say that. You've already done so much for me. I'll make sure to repay
you once I leave." Even though Haris had his granddaughter in mind, she knew he would save her life, and she would never
forget that.
Later, he sat beside her, looking at the steaming pot of medicinal herbs in front of them, lost in thought. "By the way, I could tell
from what you said earlier that you know medicinal herbs," he said.
"Female ginseng decoction. It contains female ginseng, cinnamon twig, peony, wild ginger, licorice root, clematis, and jujube
dates. With the weather becoming cold, it's easy for the body to get sick. So, it's better to wear warm clothes." After that, she
frowned when she saw that the man only wore a thin suit.
On the other hand, his eyes lit up when he heard her words. "Even though the female ginseng decoction has a simple recipe, it's
rare for someone like you to know all the ingredients so clearly. Miss, tell me, have you studied traditional medicine before?"

Nonetheless, she had nothing to hide in front of such an expert. "Yes, I studied traditional medicine for two years with my mentor
when I was abroad."
Then, Haris touched his chin with an intrigued expression. "Can you tell me who your mentor is?" he asked.
"My mentor is Sonny Schwartz," Elspeth said.
After hearing that, he was no longer surprised but rather shocked. "That old geezer actually took you on as his apprentice?"
After all, they were both masters in traditional medicine, so it was only natural for them to be acquainted with one another. Before
she uttered those words, she had already anticipated his response and surmised that animosity existed between them.
"Yes, I'm not sure why he wanted to take me on as his apprentice."
Suddenly, he widened his eyes and inquired, "Did that old geezer offer to take you as his apprentice?"
"He forced me into it by crying, throwing a tantrum, and even threatening to die."
After hearing that, Haris was so shocked that he almost choked on his saliva. Sonny, that old geezer, is selective about the
people he associates with and possesses a domineering personality. This is one of the reasons why so few people in the
community of traditional medicine like him. However, it is shocking that he would even consider taking someone on as an
apprentice, let alone resort to such coercive tactics. With that, he said, "Miss, I underestimated you earlier. You must be really
talented."
On the other hand, Elspeth didn't want to think about her traumatic experience of being forced into becoming Sonny's apprentice.
So, she quickly changed the subject with a laugh. "That's all in the past."
Soon, he had a bold idea. "Miss, would you be interested in becoming my apprentice?" He had two ulterior motives for wanting
her to be his apprentice. If Sonny is invested in someone, he will treat them like a precious treasure. However, if I were to take
away his 'treasure,' the old geezer would throw a fit, which would be entertaining to watch. Moreover, this young lady is
exceptionally gifted, and I hope to impart my skills to her.
Meanwhile, she didn't understand why all these old men wanted to take her on as their apprentice. "I don't—"
Afterward, he laid out the most enticing condition. "If you're willing to be my apprentice, I will impart all of my medical knowledge
to you."

Elspeth's mind began to wander after she heard that. Since McGrath Family specializes in treating difficult and complex
illnesses, I may be able to learn something beneficial for treating my mom's condition.
"Okay, I'll be your apprentice," she said.