Canaan was poised to fight back to protect Maria when he noticed Maria tugging at his clothes.

“It's fine. I'll handle this," Maria whispered, so quietly only Canaan could hear.

“That won't do, Maria. He's a top-notch medical master, rumored to be at the seventh or even eighth grade," Canaan whispered back, anxiety in his voice.

Maria smiled upon hearing this.

"Eighth grade of healer? That's not a big deal," she muttered to herself.

"Trust me," Maria said in a calm tone.

With those words, she brushed past the bewildered Canaan and approached the main guests.

Halting two meters from Mr. Barnes, she inquired, “Kent, in what ways do you need my cooperation?"

At that moment, Mr. Barnes, Barbara, and Mrs. Jenkins were equally shocked.

Kent? Was this Mr. Barnes’ first name? Barbara and Mrs. Jenkins exchanged surprised glances, turning toward Mr. Barnes, who seemed quite taken aback.

It had been years since Mr. Barnes heard someone call him by his first name.

The name itself wasn't extraordinary, but the real question lingered in the air. How did Maria come to know it?

"Do... Do you know me?" Mr. Barnes asked, his voice low.

Maria didn't respond directly. Instead, she let out a soft chuckle.

It was a faint, almost forced sound as if it barely made its way through her teeth.

“Maria! How dare you address an elder by his first name? Apologize to Mr. Barnes immediately!" Mrs. Jenkins exclaimed, her voice filled with shock and anger.

"Relax," Mr. Barnes interjected calmly, waving his hand to show he wasn't bothered by Maria's informality.

Deep down, he was wondering if Maria knew about the surgery he had performed on her decades ago. Was she investigating his true identity for revenge?

But when Mr. Barnes looked into Maria's eyes, he saw no hint of hatred. So, it wasn't about revenge.

Maybe Maria was just well-informed and intelligent. That made sense.

After all, Maria was smart and had a great memory. How else could she have outperformed Barbara, whom he had trained so diligently?

Yet, Mr. Barnes thought intelligence alone wouldn't save Maria from the trap he had set for her.

Smiling, Mr. Barnes remarked, "Don't worry. The task is quite simple."

He then asked Maria to sit cross-Legged on the ground.