The Double or more Life of the Fake Heiress (Mirabella)

Conrad glanced at his mentor, hesitating a bit before saying, "But these

prescriptions might be a bit too strong."

The vice president set down the paper he was holding, his voice carrying authority without anger. "Since when did you become so cautious?"noveldrama

Conrad lowered his gaze slightly, replying softly, "I'm just worried about any unexpected side effects."

"Even the Pharmacists' Guild doesn't make miracle cures for everything. Surgeries can lead to infections. Do you think any medicine can guarantee zero adverse reactions? Do I really need to teach you that?" The vice president gave Conrad a sideways glance, speaking with a cool detachment.

"I guess I was overthinking it," Conrad admitted, lowering his head.

The vice president propped his elbow on the table, fingertips lightly massaging his temple. Suddenly recalling something, he looked up, "There's only a month left until this year's evaluation. You won't let me down again, right?"

Clenching his hands by his side, Conrad's eyes turned steely. "Don't worry, Master. I promise this year will be different. I'll definitely outperform Devon."

The vice president gave a slight nod, waiting a moment before adding, "Your talent is on par with Devon's. Prepare well. If you hit any snags, don't hesitate to ask me."

"Got it," Conrad nodded. "I'll head out now."

The vice president waved him off.

With the prescription list in hand, Conrad walked out, his mind swirling with thoughts of the upcoming evaluation. Each December, the Pharmacists' Guild held a simple test-whoever concocted the best-rated medicine gained higher rank privileges. Last year, Conrad had lost to Devon, Mr. Boyd's top apprentice. Naturally, the vice president didn't want his apprentice to keep losing to the president's. It was a matter of pride.

Understanding this, Conrad felt the pressure mounting. Back at the Keller family home, aside from making medicine for Romero, he was preoccupied with what to create for next month's evaluation. So far, he hadn't come up with anything noteworthy, which left him feeling down after finishing Romero's medicine.

When he reached the living room, he found his cousin sprawled on the couch, lost in her phone with headphones on, oblivious to the world.

Conrad, lost in thought, suddenly remembered something. He walked over to his cousin and sat down nearby, calling out, "Sophia."

Sophia was deep into her game, the volume cranked up on her headphones. She either didn't hear him or chose not to respond.

Conrad frowned, irritation flickering in his eyes. He tugged off her headphones. "Can't you hear me?"

The phone screen went dark suddenly, and Sophia paused, looking up with annoyance. "What's your problem?"

Today, Conrad wasn't in the mood to argue. He crossed his legs and said, "There's only a month left until the evaluation. Shouldn't you be focusing on your studies instead of gaming all day?"

"None of your business," Sophia sneered, putting her headphones back on, clearly uninterested in talking.

Conrad's temper flared. He snatched her phone and tossed it onto the marble coffee table with a thud.

Sophia stayed frozen in her gaming pose for a moment before her fingers twitched. She looked up, her face expressionless, staring at Conrad.