Chapter 11

Xavier shifted his fingers, and pain immediately shot through him. It was less intense when he remained still, but even the slightest movement triggered intense pain throughout his body. However, he was surprised to find his mental restlessness significantly eased. The overwhelming bloodlust felt considerably weaker.

Slowly opening his eyes, Xavier glanced at Isabella, slightly shocked. He couldn't believe acupuncture alone had provided such relief. He'd tried acupuncture before, but nothing had worked, fueling his skepticism of so-called renowned physicians.

Sensing Isabella's gaze, he cleared his throat and said in a hoarse voice, "It's much better."

Isabella nodded knowingly. After waiting a while, she stepped forward and carefully removed the silver needles, one by one. By the time she finished, Xavier felt as though he'd been pulled from water—his entire body drenched in sweat, leaving him sticky and uncomfortable.

Noticing his discomfort, Isabella advised, "Avoid bathing and strenuous activity for now. If you're hungry, stick to light, liquid foods, only a few bites at a time."

Xavier nodded, slowly leaning back. This feeling of lightness and ease was unfamiliar and welcome. He looked at Isabella and said, "Thank you." Though his words were stiff, they conveyed genuine gratitude.

Isabella raised an eyebrow but didn't respond. She was surprised—this man was softening.

After packing up the needles, she headed for the door. The moment it opened, Darryl and George rushed in. Darryl, full of concern, asked, "How is he?"

Isabella nodded slightly. Just as she was about to answer, she noticed Jayden and Ivana lingering behind them. Isabella's lips twitched in annoyance. "They haven't left yet?" she thought.

Turning back to Darryl, Isabella remained calm. "For now, it's under control, but treatment must continue. He can be discharged and rest at home. I'll come by every three days for acupuncture, along with the prescribed medication."

Darryl, beaming with hope, eagerly asked, "So, he can be cured?"

Isabella gave a small nod. George immediately stepped forward, smiling and casually patting Darryl on the shoulder. "Of course! Dr. Lovett's reputation speaks for itself!"

His confidence surprised even Qin Heng. While George was well-connected, few would be so familiar with Darryl. It showed boldness. Darryl, however, seemed oblivious, visibly relaxing as though a heavy weight had lifted.

Darryl, reddening with emotion, his voice choked up, said, "Dr. Lovett, thank you so much! You can ask for any reward, anything in the world, and I'll get it for you!" He'd spent a fortune and countless hours seeking the best doctors globally. Even temporary relief was a beacon of hope—something the previous renowned doctors hadn't achieved. His son finally had a chance.

George was brimming with confidence. As long as Isabella was involved, no disease could stump her. Ivana, unaware of the specifics, felt only disdain. She sarcastically remarked, "Isabella, how dare you talk like that! What if something happens to Xavier? How will you clean up the mess?"

Chapter 11 (continued)

Isabella's eyes narrowed. Ivana is like a shadow that won't go away, she thought. Assuming Isabella felt guilty, Ivana quickly added, "You should apologize to Mr. Cox. He's a generous man—he'll forgive you."

Jayden sighed and stepped forward, his gaze on Isabella. "Bella, we haven't even seen how Xavier's really doing yet. Don't speak recklessly—it could delay his treatment." He didn't believe Isabella could cure Xavier. After all, she hasn't studied medicine for years. How could she possibly handle something as complex as Xavier's condition?

"Come on, don't make trouble. Just apologize to Mr. Cox, okay? And no more lies in the future," Jayden said, softening his tone as much as possible. He couldn't let Isabella's actions disrupt his plans.

George, furious at Jayden's attitude, shoved him aside, snapping, "Who do you think you are? What gives you the right to tell her what to do?" He was enraged. Isabella had stepped away from medicine for two years because of this idiot! Now, she was back, and he dared to interfere? If Jayden hadn't once been close to Isabella, George would have already punched him.

"Do you even know who she is? The renowned Queenie Lovett! She doesn't need your advice or interference," George added. Does Jayden even realize Queenie Lovett's status in the medical world?

The name "Queenie Lovett" hit Jayden and Ivana like a sledgehammer. They stood stunned and disbelieving.

Jayden was shocked. "Queenie?" He couldn't believe Isabella was the legendary healer who had disappeared for three years. Before inviting Carl, he'd tried contacting Queenie himself, to no avail.

Ivana's hand trembled so violently she nearly crushed her dress. Her body shook uncontrollably. So… Isabella is that person? The Dr. Lovett Darryl mentioned? No! Isabella can't possibly be that capable!

Ivana tugged Jayden's sleeve, forcing calmness into her shaky voice. "Jayden, Isabella must be lying, right?"

George let out a sarcastic laugh, his voice cold. "Are you two here for a joke? In a situation like this, you're accusing her of lying? Looks to me like you don't want Xavier to get better at all."

Darryl's gaze darkened. Jayden frowned, quickly retorting, "Don't make baseless accusations!"

Isabella laughed softly, drawing everyone's attention. She looked calmly at Jayden, her tone light but pointed. "Oh, so you understand what baseless accusations are?" From their first meeting, they'd accused her of causing trouble and demanded apologies. Now that George has turned the tables, they can't take it?

George sneered. "If you aren't trying to stop Xavier's recovery, then why have you been obstructing Queenie this whole time? Your teamwork is quite the clever little act!"

Cornered, Ivana hid behind Jayden, her frightened voice a whisper. "Jayden…"

But Jayden ignored her. His eyes fixed on Isabella, tall and unbothered, his gaze filled with complex emotions. Is she really Queenie? Even now, it's hard to believe. Is this really the woman who chased after me for ten years?

The truth was undeniable. Darryl had addressed him as Mr. Sampson and called Isabella Dr. Lovett. And with the Coxes' influence, they wouldn't seek help from an ordinary doctor. He should have recognized Darryl's treatment of Isabella.

Anger flared in Jayden's chest. He demanded, "Why did you keep this from me?"