Cherished By Seven Sisters by Melvin Houle

Chapter 360 Removed From The Equation

Alas, the Chanaea Traditional Medicine Association struggled to find the elusive experts they sought,

like searching for needles in a vast haystack.

In this moment, the sight of Marley, the unwelcome visitor from Kepraria, stirred a tempest of emotions

within Reuben and his colleagues. Their frustration was evident, but what truly added insult to injury

was Marley’s entourage.

Marley had not come alone; he was accompanied by a diverse group of mentees, a deliberate and

provocative display. Among his followers were individuals from Jetroina, Venria, and even some of

Alendor descent.

This calculated move was a blatant taunt aimed at the very heart of the Chanaca Traditional Medicine

Association’s pride.

Behold, acupuncture thusiasts from across the globe have chosen to apprentice under me, a mere

outsider from Kepraria, rather than seek tutelage from you, the purported birthplace of acupuncture.

How can you ownership of acupuncture when its disciples flock to me?

claim

Unable to contain his rising fury, Axel retorted with a flushed face, his voice heavy with indignation,

“Marley, your arrogance knows no bounds. My previous defeat was a mere lapse; dare you face me

again?”

Marley’s response was dismissive, his sneer laden with contempt. “A vanquished for has no standing to

challenge me again,” he jeered.

His true motive soon became apparent as he revealed his intention to challenge the so–called Dr. Lund

of Jadeborough, having heard tales of their unparalleled skill in acupuncture.

A hush fell over the crowd as Marley’s challenge echoed in the air, a challenge that bore an uncanny

resemblance to past events.

History seemed poised to repeat itself, with Marley once again throwing down the gauntlet, much like:

he had done years ago when he first humiliated Axel and, by extension, the entire association.

The tension was palpable as glances were exchanged, many eyes settling on Caylie with a mix of

skepticism and resignation.

The disbelief in Caylie’s abilities was a bitter truth they all shared, rendering them speechless in the

face of Marley’s provocation.

Can we not explain to Marley that it was just a misunderstanding?

Caught between a rock and a hard place, the Chanaeans feared that any attempt to clarify the situation

would only be seen as cowardice, further tarnishing their reputation.

Reuben fixed Duncan with a look that conveyed a multitude of unspoken thoughts, his voice tinged

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Chapter 360 Removed From The Equation

with a blend of disappointment and reprimand. “Duncan, there was a time when I envisioned bestowing

upon you a distinguished title within the ranks of our Chanaea Traditional Medicine Association,

especially given your wealth of experience. But the path you’ve chosen to tread this time around has

gone beyond acceptable limits”

The skepticism in Reuben’s eyes was evident, his conviction unwavering that the tales surrounding the

so–called Dr. Lund of Jadeborough were nothing but a fanciful narrative spun by Duncan.

In Reuben’s view, Duncan’s esteemed standing in the community meant he had the power to easily

sway public opinion. The mere act of Duncan proclaiming Caylie as Dr. Lund and being under her wing

as her mentee was sufficient to deceive the masses, regardless of the reality of her abilities.

The undercurrent of Reuben’s accusation suggested an ulterior motive behind Duncan’s actions, a

narrative that echoed Axel’s earlier insinuations.

The implication was that Duncan’s support for Caylie stemmed from a personal connection rather than

professional merit

They speculated that Duncan might not be robbing the cradle, but perhaps Caylie held a intimate

position in his life, such as a granddaughter–in–law.

more

In their minds, Caylie’s ambitions were driven by a desire for recognition and the prestige associated.

with the title of Dr. Lund. Duncan, playing into this vanity, ostensibly assumed the role of her disciple.

thereby amplifying her stature as a medical practitioner of divine caliber.

These conjectures and assumptions were rooted in a deep–seated mistrust towards Caylie and her

credentials, casting Duncan’s actions in a questionable light.

The implication of Reuben’s words was clear: they held Duncan responsible for this breach of trust, to

the extent of considering his expulsion from the esteemed Chanaea Traditional Medicine Association

Duncan, at an age when most would seek solace in retirement, had instead decided to return to the

practice of medicine at Apricot Hall.

His impressive past and contributions to the field of traditional medicine could have secured him a

respected position within the association, similar to an honorary professorship at a university.

However, Reuben and his colleagues saw Duncan’s recent endeavors as not only jeopardizing his own

reputation but also compromising the integrity of the association.

They were unwilling to stand by and watch someone of Duncan’s stature tarnish his reputation through

what they perceived as reckless and misguided actions.

Understanding the full weight of Reuben’s words, Duncan felt a deep sense of disillusionment wash

over him. With a heavy heart and a resigned shake of his head, he replied, “Mr. Patel, considering your

position and choice of words. I see little value in providing any further explanation. It seems that my

presence within the Chanara Traditional Medicine Association has become more of a burden than a

benefit. Perhaps it is best if I remove myself from the equation altogether.”