Chapter 10

Xavier's condition fueled an intense bloodlust and uncontrollable aggression. Leaving him alone with Isabella would be incredibly dangerous.

Darryl stepped forward, his face etched with concern. "Dr. Lovett, you don't understand—my son's illness is very complex"

George echoed his sentiment. "Exactly. If he lashes out, you wouldn't stand a chance."

Despite Isabella's medical expertise, they saw her as just a woman.

Isabella's gaze remained fixed on Xavier. She shook her head, her voice calm. "It's fine."

George tried to protest, but Isabella raised a hand to silence him. Looking him in the eyes, she said, "Trust me."

George hesitated. He knew Isabella better than anyone—once she made up her mind, it was final. Still, unconvinced, he warned, "Alright, but be careful. I'll be right outside. If anything happens, call me immediately."

Isabella's safety was George's paramount concern. Appreciative of his worry, Isabella nodded her reassurance.

Darryl, visibly uneasy, turned to Xavier. "You better control yourself. Don't you dare hurt her!"

Worry etched their faces as he and George reluctantly left, casting anxious glances back.

Once the door closed, Isabella focused on Xavier, who immediately barked, "Get out!"

His clenched fists and bulging veins betrayed his inner struggle. With fewer people present, the allure of blood intensified, its cloying scent a potent temptation. The sight of Isabella's neck ignited a primal urge.

Isabella remained unfazed. She casually seated herself on the sofa, her calm gaze unwavering. "I'm the only one who can cure you," she said steadily. "Are you sure you want me to leave?"

"You crave blood; your body fights this insatiable thirst. You're restless, easily agitated, prone to violence, and can barely eat—in fact, you've lost the ability to consume normal food," she stated.

Xavier's eyes widened in surprise. Every word was true! His condition had deteriorated to the point of relying solely on IV nutrition.

But a sneer replaced his surprise. "You could have easily learned all this from my father. Why should I trust you?"

Leaning back on the sofa, Isabella tilted her head, raising an eyebrow. "Then let me tell you a symptom no one else knows about."

Xavier sneered, unimpressed. "What could a woman like you possibly know? A symptom nobody else knows? Impossible."

But Isabella's next words silenced him.

"You don't have normal morning reactions anymore, do you?" Her gaze settled pointedly on his groin, leaving no room for misinterpretation. Xavier's face darkened.

"How does she know about this embarrassing issue? No doctor knows. I thought I was the only one," Xavier thought.

His brow furrowed, leaving him momentarily speechless.

Isabella smirked, her tone calm. "Right now, you only feel these symptoms. But gradually, you'll notice your body becoming numb, even stiff."

She matter-of-factly described his future. A chill ran through Xavier. He'd experienced moments of numbness that day, attributing them to posture. Now, recalling how often he'd sat similarly without issue, he realized the truth.

Chapter 10 (continued)

Eventually, he'd become a lifeless husk, facing death.

Her accurate description indicated knowledge of his condition.

Xavier took a deep breath, frustration mounting. After a pause, he asked in a deep voice, "Can you really cure me?"

Isabella shook her head, honest in her reply. "I'm not sure. I can only try."

Xavier let out a bitter laugh. "Then what's the point of you being here?"

She'd listed his symptoms with unnerving precision, only to admit uncertainty. It felt like a humiliation.

Raising an eyebrow, Isabella replied, "The IVs aren't stopping your condition's progression. At the very least, I can help suppress it. Whether or not I can fully cure you depends on your body's response."

Seeing his gaze soften slightly, she added, "I'll treat you with acupuncture for a few days, and you'll stop experiencing these symptoms. But I won't lie and say you're completely cured."

Xavier was stunned. His gaze grew more complex. His lips parted slightly, as if he wanted to speak but hesitated.

Isabella didn't wait. "With acupuncture—if you agree, I can start now."

Xavier's expression remained grim as he wrestled with his internal turmoil. "At this point, what do I have to lose? If death is inevitable, why not try?"

After a long pause, he uttered, "Fine."

Isabella wasted no time. She removed the IV, then pulled a small green pouch from her bag.

Inside was a thick, rectangular cloth containing neatly arranged silver needles. Sunlight glinted off the sharp needles, creating a cold, metallic sheen.

Taking a three-inch needle, Isabella smiled faintly as she noticed Xavier's hand, resting on the blanket, instinctively twitching away.

"Afraid of needles?" she teased.

His face darkened. He looked away, his voice sharp. "Who's afraid? Just get on with it!"

Isabella's eyes twinkled. "Take off your shirt," she instructed.

Without a word, Xavier quickly removed his gown. His tense muscles betrayed his struggle to control his impulses.

Isabella's fingers lightly brushed his back. "Relax. Don't fight it. Breathe deeply and close your eyes."

The soft touch stiffened him. He'd never been so close to a woman, and a shiver ran through him.

Determined to hide his reaction, he closed his eyes and forced himself to relax.

The first needle elicited a low grunt of pain. The sharp discomfort resonated deep into his bones, making him squeeze his eyes shut.

Isabella raised her eyebrows, impressed. She hadn't expected such stoicism. Most men would cry out in agony, but he only grunted.

She continued, her movements growing faster and more precise. Xavier's strained groans filled the room.

An hour later, Isabella finished. She stretched, then stood.

(The final character "色" is not a word or punctuation mark in any language I recognize and has been omitted.)