The Prison-Made Queen novel Chapter 117

Hale instantly revived. He had just witnessed Leilani's skill firsthand. Holding the packet of herbs like a sacred artifact, he said, "Doctor, don't worry, I'll definitely be on time! From today on, you're my savior!"

Leilani shook her head and smiled as she watched him storm out the door. Such energetic patients were rare.

After sending Hale off, Pure-Spring Clinic was empty for the moment.

Checking the time, Leilani decided to use the downtime to visit the herbal market and finalize deals with the suppliers she had scouted earlier. She locked up the clinic and drove toward the wholesale market in the east of the city.

The area was lined with shops, the air thick with the scent of medicine. Stalls were piled high with all kinds of ingredients, from rare finds to common roots.

She had visited once before to buy small quantities for testing. This time, she came with a list for bulk orders.

The first few stops went smoothly. Leilani had already checked the quality and prices, so she paid the deposits efficiently. The owners were all smiles, promising on-time delivery.

However, when she reached the last shop, "Bounty Herbs," a problem arose.

The shop owners in the market all knew each other. Word had spread quickly that Leilani was a young doctor with money to spend who finalized deals quickly. Gilbert, the owner of Bounty Herbs, saw her youth and wealth as an opportunity to make a quick buck.

"Dr. Sloan, look at this Reishi mushroom. It's top-quality wild stock. You don't see this on the market often!" Gilbert was a man in his forties with small eyes that gleamed with shrewdness. He spoke with a salesman's grin.

Leilani picked up a slice of the Reishi and examined it. The quality was indeed good, matching the sample they had discussed previously. She nodded. "I'll take twenty pounds at the price we agreed on."

Gilbert rubbed his hands together, acting conflicted. He hemmed and hawed. "Ah, well... the market price has gone up recently. For the Reishi... I have to add thirty percent."

Intimidated by her glare, Gilbert instinctively pulled his hand back, but he didn't give up. "Look, how about this? I'll give you a discount. Just a ten percent increase? This Reishi is really hard to come by..."

"Not interested." Leilani didn't bother arguing. She pushed the door open and walked out.

Behind her, Gilbert shouted indignantly, "Dr. Sloan! Think about it! I have even better stock!"

Leilani got into her car without looking back, started the engine, and drove away.

In the rearview mirror, she saw Gilbert standing in the doorway, his face twisting with anger. Finally, he spat on the ground and turned back into his shop, cursing under his breath.

"Arrogant little girl. I was doing you a favor selling to you, and you dare refuse!"