"My life-saver!" Daphne Beaumont repeated, her eyes bright with excitement as she hurried toward me.
I felt Nathaniel's hand tense against my back. The pressure was slight but unmistakable—a silent question. I gave him a subtle nod, letting him know I recognized her.
"Hello, Daphne," I said, offering a polite smile. "How are you feeling?"
She beamed at me, clasping my hands in hers. "So much better, thanks to you! I can't believe I ran into you here. I've been trying to find a way to thank you properly."
The older couple—presumably her parents—approached us. The resemblance was clear in their features, though their expressions were a mix of curiosity and gratitude.
"You must be Dr. Bella," the man said, extending his hand. "I'm Lawrence Beaumont, Daphne's father. This is my wife, Eleanor."
I shook his hand. "Juliana Johnson, actually. Dr. Bella is just my professional name."
