Chapter 5 Returned Goods

"William, this Anna may not be the one we originally expected, but her medical skills are exceptional. She can treat your condition. I've decided to keep her here," Irene said with determination.

Medical skills? Exceptional?

His legs had been paralyzed after a car accident, and his body suffered from lingering aftereffects. Over the years, renowned specialists from around the world had examined him without success. How could this young woman possibly compare to those medical experts?

William's expression remained cold. "The Rice family dares to send an impostor to placate us. Clearly, they don't take the Sterling family seriously. Grandmother, please stay out of this matter. I'll handle it myself."

Hearing his response, Irene grew anxious and quickly asked, "What do you plan to do?"

William gave Anna a frigid glance. "Naturally, I'll send her back where she came from."

"Absolutely not!"

Irene immediately refused. "Anna has medical knowledge. Keeping her here is good for you. She cannot be sent away."

William had never seen his grandmother defend anyone so staunchly, which immediately put him on alert.

"Ms. Rice, what are your thoughts on this?"

Anna had grown impatient watching him wake up without thanking her for saving his life, only to create problems.

"I'll abide by your decision," she replied coolly.

Surprised by her lack of pleading, William paused.

"If I send you back to the Rice family..."

"Fine by me. When do I leave?" Anna interrupted.

William was momentarily taken aback before quickly regaining his composure. He realized Anna was clearly playing hard-to-get—a trivial tactic he'd seen many times before.

"Everyone out!"

At William's command, no one dared linger. Once everyone had departed, the bedroom door closed.

Watching William shut himself in, Irene grew increasingly worried. After the accident years ago, William had isolated himself in his room, refusing to step outside for an entire six months.

Victoria, standing nearby, hurriedly tried to console her. "Mother, William clearly isn't willing. Perhaps we shouldn't force this marriage."

Irene's previously unwavering resolve now faltered slightly.

It dawned on her that in her focus on William's illness, she had ignored his feelings. With this realization, she looked up at Anna. "Anna, my family has wronged you."

"You're too kind, Mrs. Sterling. William and I simply weren't meant to be. If that's the case, this engagement should be called off."

Anna spoke as she prepared to take her leave, though she felt a twinge of regret at missing the opportunity to find that doctor.

Just then, the tightly closed door opened, and William appeared before everyone in a black suit.

He glanced briefly at Anna. "Let's go," he said, before heading to the elevator.

Anna bid farewell to Irene. "Mrs. Sterling, I'll be taking my leave now."

Watching them both leave, Irene couldn't hide her concern.

Alexander rushed to the window and looked out. "Mother, they're going to the garage. The driver is with them, everything's fine."

Victoria quickly tried to comfort Irene as well, though internally she was nearly laughing. Anna had successfully suppressed William's condition with just one treatment—she might truly be his lucky charm. Unfortunately, William had pushed her away himself, and no one else could be blamed for that.

The atmosphere in the car was silent. William lounged in the back seat, while Anna sat up front in the passenger seat.

Soon the car arrived at the Rice family mansion and stopped. William looked outside, noticing the sounds of laughter and music coming from within the Rice estate.

The driver went to investigate, returning to report, "Mr. Sterling, the Rice family is hosting a party."

Anna inwardly rolled her eyes. They were celebrating too soon—and this time, she couldn't be blamed. It was William who had insisted on returning her.

"Hosting a party?" William's cool gaze slid over Anna. "Is it to celebrate Ms. Rice's successful substitute marriage?"

"You'll soon see their reaction," Anna replied, unwilling to elaborate.

'Still pretending,' he thought. Even at this point, seeing her continued stubbornness, William finally lost his patience.

"Get out," he ordered.

The car door opened, and the driver carefully maneuvered the wheelchair down.

When Jonathan learned of Anna's return, he glanced nervously at the guests filling the room, his expression shifting subtly. He instructed a servant. "Take Anna to the third floor."

The moment Anna stepped through the gates, she was intercepted. Without suspicion, she followed the servant through a side entrance, taking the elevator directly to the third floor.

"Isn't that Anna?"

Megan murmured to herself, watching the elevator. "Why is she back?"

"What are you looking at, darling?" A man embraced her from behind.

Megan turned to see her boyfriend, Jason Worthington. She pointed, "I think I just saw my sister."

"Sister?" Jason said playfully. "You mean your sister who grew up in the countryside? Didn't you say she married into the Sterling family today as your substitute? Why would she suddenly return?"

Megan frowned in confusion. "Who knows?"

"Let's go see," Jason suggested, taking her hand and heading toward the third floor. They intercepted Anna just as she was about to enter a room.

"It really is you." Megan looked her up and down. "Weren't you sent to the Sterling family? What are you doing here?"

Hearing voices outside, William lifted his hand slightly. The driver immediately released the wheelchair and stepped back, standing at attention.

When Anna remained silent, Megan crossed her arms and taunted, "Don't tell me the Sterling family rejected you?"

Anna replied calmly, "That's right, they rejected me. They want you, not me. So I've come back to exchange places."

"Who would want to marry that cripple? I have a boyfriend!"

Megan proudly pulled Jason to her side. "See this? This is Jason, heir to the Worthington fortune. My boyfriend!"

The voices from outside carried clearly into the room. The driver glanced anxiously at William, who maintained his composure despite the sharpening intensity in his eyes. The driver held his breath in fear.

Jason appraised Anna, a flash of admiration crossing his face. He hadn't expected this country girl to be such a stunning beauty.

With a playful smile, he extended his hand. "Hello there, Ms. Rice."

Anna gave him a brief glance without moving. "So this is why you refused to marry into the Sterling family?"