Chapter 1446 
Dr. Funke glanced at the hand she had placed against the door, a smirk playing at the corner of his mouth. “Five minutes? What can you possibly fix in five minutes?” 
“Thalassa gave her word she’d introduce you to an apprentice today, and she’s not one to break a promise. Dr. Funke, I get that you’ve only just met Thalassa and you aren’t quite familiar with her yet, but I can vouch for her character. There’s no need to doubt her integrity. How about a little trust?” Lydia, who had been silently observing from the sidelines, finally spoke up. 
Dr. Funke’s demeanor towards Thalassa was a tad too stern, bordering on harsh. Even though he was a renowned physician, using the threat of withholding medical care to pressure someone else was beyond unreasonable. 
This approach was quickly souring Lydia’s impression of the doctor. In her mind, doctors were selfless heroes, dedicated to healing and saving lives. The idea of a doctor demanding such preposterous conditions before agreeing to provide medical care, or using threats against a patient’s family, was unheard of to her. 
Dr. Funke’s gaze shifted to Lydia, his expression unyielding, his eyes scrutinizing her. “And who might you be? Since when do you get a say here?” 
“I…” Lydia started, her expression faltering for a moment. She stepped forward, ready to have it out with Dr. Funke. Having served in the military, her sense of justice was unwavering, and when she got serious, it was as if she was gearing up for a fight. 
Sensing the situation escalating, Thalassa quickly interjected, standing between Lydia and the doctor. Her eyes were imploring Lydia to keep her cool. 
They needed Dr. Funke to treat Lysander now. Offending him was not an option. 
Taking the cue from Thalassa’s look, Lydia took a deep breath, reined in her temper, and shifted her gaze away, no longer wanting to witness Dr. Funke’s insufferably arrogant demeanor. 
Turning back to the doctor, Thalassa spoke up “I didn’t get the chance to introduce her earlier. This is the apprentice I’ve been meaning to introduce to you. Her name is Lydia. She’s served seven years in the military, highly disciplined, and a quick learner. You wouldn’t want an apprentice who’s fond of coming in late and leaving early, right?” 
“Lydia, huh? But she looks like she could be a linebacker, not exactly the sweet type,” Dr. Funke remarked with a cursory glance at Lydia 
“Are you looking for an apprentice or a date?” Lydia retorted, her straightforward nature getting the best of her. 
“I’m in the market for both,” Dr. Funke replied unabashedly. 
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Chapter 1446 
Lydia’s eyebrows knitted together in annoyance. “Just so you know, I agreed to be your apprentice but nothing more. So don’t get any other ideas!” 
“I haven’t decided on taking you on as an apprentice yet,” Dr. Funke countered. 
Thalassa felt her heart sink amid their verbal spar. The situation with Hertha was still unresolved, and now there was this new complication. 
Just as Lydia was about to snap back at Dr. Funke, Thalassa stopped her, her voice a mix of pleading and negotiating, “Dr. Funke, please, can you spare me five minutes? I need to make a quick call and I will be right back to explain everything.” 
Dr. Funke shot her a look, “Go ahead.” 
“Thank you, Dr. Funke,” Thalassa said, nodding in appreciation. 
Without leaving the room, Thalassa dialed Alaric’s number in front of both Dr. Funke and 
Lydia. 
The phone rang only once before it was picked up. “Mr. Falconer, Hertha was in a car accident last night. She’s at Starhaven Hospital now, and I have no idea what her condition is. I can’t leave right now, could you please go check on her?” 
“What? I’m on my way!” Alaric’s voice came through the phone, laced with urgency and 
alarm. 
Thalassa could hear the screech of tires from Alaric’s abrupt stop. 
Before Thalassa could say another word, Alaric had hung up. 
Hearing Alaric’s promise to head to the hospital straight away gave Thalassa a slight reprieve from her worries: