I Stopped Waiting and Started Loving novel Chapter 268

The smile on Nathaniel's face vanished entirely. He scoffed coldly. "Biased? I am merely using today as an opportunity to return these to their rightful owner."

He looked at the wooden box in Bonnie's hands, a trace of bittersweet nostalgia flashing in his eyes.

"These manuscripts have been passed down through the Hayes family for generations. Years ago, your grandfather entrusted them to me for safekeeping. Now that I am returning them to his granddaughter, does anyone have a problem with that?"

The older disciple paled, immediately silenced.

Nathaniel's gaze swept over the room, his tone dripping with frost. "I imparted my life's work to you so you could save lives, not so you could stare jealously at your peers and squabble over status. You've studied healing for years, yet your hearts have only grown smaller."

Guilt washed over the faces of several disciples, and they quickly lowered their heads.

Nathaniel set his teacup down with a sharp clink. "Let me make this perfectly clear. From this day on, Bonnie Hayes is my disciple and your peer. If any of you dare to use your age or seniority to bully or ostracize her, then you have forgotten the oaths you took when you entered this hall. And I have no need for such disciples."

No one dared to argue.

Yet, the glances darting toward Bonnie didn't soften.

They simply couldn't fathom how a girl this young and striking could survive the grueling path of their profession.

This line of work was agonizingly hard, tedious, and demanded profound patience. The younger and prettier someone was, the easier it was for them to be lured away by the glittering distractions of the outside world.

Bonnie, however, just stared down at the ancient texts in the box, a lump forming in her throat.

These belonged to her grandfather.

For the first time in six years, she felt an overwhelming certainty that her grandfather hadn't truly left her behind.

Noticing her emotional state, Nathaniel's expression softened. He signaled for a smaller wooden box to be brought over and handed it to her.

"Take this, kiddo. The rite is complete. From now on, you are Nathaniel Thorne's final disciple."

Bonnie took it with both hands. Inside rested a custom diagnostic cushion.

It was small but exquisitely crafted from ebony, with fine silver wire inlaid around the edges. Carved into the center was a delicate 'Hayes'.

She traced the engraving with her fingertip, her chest tightening with an overwhelming warmth. "Thank you, Master."

Nathaniel waved his hand dismissively. "Go chat with the others. Get to know them. We'll eat soon."

"Okay," Bonnie nodded.

Nathaniel stood and slowly made his way toward the back hall.

It was a tradition. Once the master left the room, the younger generation was free to socialize, allowing the newest disciple to exchange contacts and build a supportive network.

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