Kael Renforth's plain attire and unassuming demeanor had everyone in the room convinced—he was nothing more than a useless freeloader, desperate for relevance in the Denvair family.
The apprentice healer sneered inwardly at the sight of him. This family is full of fools. If not for Celeste Denvair's repeated pleas, he and his master, Dr. Chou, wouldn't have bothered setting foot in this mess.
"True healers care for all under heaven. The ignorant, however, understand nothing," the apprentice said sharply, his tone dripping with disdain. "Dr.Chou is gracious enough not to stoop to your level, but I suggest you leave before you disrupt the treatment."
Lyria, Kael's wife, tugged at his sleeve, her expression pleading. "Let's go," her eyes seemed to say.
Kael's face remained calm, unreadable, as if untouched by the storm brewing around him. As he turned to leave, he uttered a single, chilling warning:
"If you use acupuncture, the Lady won't survive the day."
The room erupted.
"What?!"
Kael's words struck like a thunderbolt, leaving the family members stunned.
"Did he really just say that?"
For a moment, silence reigned, only to be shattered by a wave of outrage.
"How dare he curse her like that?"
"Unbelievable! What kind of man says such things?"
Even Celeste's sister Celine scowled in disapproval. "See, Lyria? I told you bringing him was a mistake! Look at the mess he's causing!"
Lady Denvair, the matriarch of the household, frowned deeply, her expression unreadable.
Eldrin Denvair, however, was quick to seize the moment, his anger flaring. "This accursed man shouldn't even be allowed in the Denvair family! I've said it before—divorce him! If Grandmother doesn't wake up, you can forget about managing Denvair Construction. I'll see that it goes to Calen instead!"
His son, Calen, stood smugly by his side, eager to fan the flames.
Eldrin wasn't letting the opportunity go to waste. Whether or not Kael's words had any merit, Eldrin could twist them to his advantage. If Lady Catherine's condition worsened, Kael's warning would be used as proof of his guilt—and a tool to wrest control of the family business from Lyria.
Lyria remained silent, her face pale but composed, as she led Kael out of the room.
Dr. Chou's apprentice glared after them, his frustration barely contained. How dare that man insult my master?
For years, Dr. Chou had dedicated his life to medicine, healing the hopeless and earning the respect of the world. He didn't need to defend himself—his reputation spoke for itself. But Kael's words were a blatant affront, and the apprentice burned with the need to prove him wrong.
"Are you going to treat her or not?" the apprentice snapped, tilting his chin defiantly.
Dr. Chou hesitated, his hands hovering over his case of needles. The insult lingered in the air, an affront to his honor.
"Dr.Chou please forgive him," Celeste begged, bowing deeply. "He spoke out of ignorance and concern. I implore you to proceed with the treatment."
To sweeten the request, Celeste discreetly slipped a card into the apprentice's hand. The gesture was clear: no matter the insult, the Denvair family valued Dr. Chou's expertise.
Dr. Chou sighed, his sense of duty overriding his bruised pride. He nodded and resumed his work.
The room fell silent as he prepared the silver needles, his movements precise and deliberate. With each needle placed, the tension in the air grew heavier.
Finally, the last needle found its mark—Lady Catherine's philtrum.
Everyone held their breath.
Suddenly, her eyes fluttered. A faint tremor passed through her body, and her ashen complexion warmed, color returning to her cheeks.
"She's awake!" Celeste exclaimed, rushing to her side. He clasped her hand tightly. "Mother! You're back with us!"
Lady Catherine blinked slowly, her gaze sweeping across the room. Her family stood before her, their expressions a mix of relief and apprehension.
When her eyes fell on Eldrin, her expression darkened, a flicker of disappointment crossing her face.
"Eldrin!"
Her voice was stern, weighted with the authority of years. To Eldrin, however, it sounded like a summons—a chance to justify himself and reclaim his standing.
Little did he know, Lady Catherine's awakening was just the beginning. What lay ahead would reveal truths that no silver needle could mend.