Xena was stunned. She had not been selected, so why was Seth requesting to see her? It did not make sense.


    "Thank you, we''ll be right there!" Belle quickly responded before turning to Xena. "Mdy, it''s strange, but why question it? Your grandfather''s life is at stake."


    Xena agreed. This was not the time to overthink things. As they were about to enter, Felix walked out of the room. Despite passing each other, he did not say a word.


    "Did he get picked? Talk about dumb luck," Belle-muttered. Xena did not dwell on it and went inside.


    "Hello, Dr. Fingle," Xena greeted.


    Seth remained seated as he said with a smile, "No need for formalities, Lady Summers. I''ve heard about your grandfather. I wanted to let you know that after I treat these ten patients, I''lle to your home." Though overjoyed, Xena could not help but ask "If I may ask, Dr. Fingle, why are you willing to see my grandfather?"


    A flicker of confusion crossed Seth''s face. But, given he was experienced at his job for a long time, he quickly replied, "Someone put in a good word. I couldn''t refuse. You may go now."


    As they left, Xena spotted Felix in the lobby and murmured, "Could it have been Felix?"


    Belle immediately dismissed the idea. "Impossible! Mdy, how could Felix have connections with someone like Dr. Fingle? Even his Dragon Alliance membership wouldn''t be enough." 1 But Xena seemed convinced. Ignoring Belle, she walked right up to Felix. "Felix, did you ask Dr. Fingle to treat my grandfather?"


    Just as Belle was about to scoff, Felix replied, "That''s right." Belle was shocked to hear his


    answer.


    Xena''s expression turned conflicted. She was at a loss for words. To use such a massive favor for Curtis'' sake... Her impression of Felix changed once again.


    "You''re bluffing! Mdy asked a simple question, and you''re taking advantage of it! What if we took you to confront Dr. Fingle right now? How would you save yourself then?" Belle mocked.


    When faced with Belle''s challenge, Felix looked at Xena and replied, "I happen to know his apprentice. Regardless of our rtionship, we share amon goal, which is your grandfather''s health and recovery."


    In truth, Felix was trying to make Xena understand that Curtis'' condition was beyond most doctors'' help. He worried that one day, without his knowledge, Xena might bring in someone who not only could not help but might worsen Curtis'' condition. Then, all nine rare herbs he had collected would be for nothing.


    "Thank you. I won''t forget this favor. I''ll repay you someday," Xena said.


    As they left, Jack returned from the bathroom. His expression was full of curiosity. "Wow! Do... do you know that beautiful woman?"


    Felix shook his head. "No. She just had a question."


    Jack was disappointed. Though he knew he had no chance with someone like Xena, even just sitting at the same table for drinks would have been amazing if Felix at least knew her.


    "Felix really has incredible dumb luck. He just happened to know Dr. Fingle''s apprentice," Belle muttered.


    After Xena heard Belle''s muttering, she frowned as they left Herbal Haven.