"Come on in, everyone," Demi said from the doorway, waving them inside.
The West clan filed into the room one by one and dropped their gifts onto the floor. Meanwhile, Margaret and Timothy went upstairs to unpack their new purchases.
Demi herself lugged a teapot over and began serving tea. In fact, she had the tea ready well before the West family arrived.
"All right, Demi, have a seat. They can help themselves if they're thirsty," Benedict said, trying to stop her from fussing over everyone.
Demi poured a cup of tea for each of Benedict's seven guests and even poured one for herself before settling onto a single armchair.
"Dr. Moone, we were meant to visit this morning to make it proper," began Millie politely. "But my dad mentioned you only had time this evening. And since you've got classes tomorrow, we could only come now."
"That's fine," Demi replied with a relaxed smile.
"My dad also told us we owe you for helping him out a couple of times," added Laura.
"Yeah. Thanks," the other siblings chimed in.
"It was nothing," Demi said coolly, unfazed by their praise.
"So, how's my dad doing? Can you fill us in?" Zara asked next. The siblings, assuming Demi was a woman, preferred to discuss his condition with her.
"Mr. West Senior's not in the best shape. I'm sure his previous doctors have already mentioned that," Demi explained.
"Then, why did you have him discharged?" Zara snapped, clearly upset. The other five siblings frowned in agreement.
"After my needling therapy, his condition has stabilized. Plus, the medication I gave him ensures he's not in any serious danger," Demi said, taking a slow sip of her tea.
The siblings exchanged uneasy glances.
"Are you trying to score brownie points here?" Laura teased with a half-smirk.
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