Chapter 39

Outside, the waiting crowd grew impatient, but George remained calm, leaning against the corridor window. The silence reassured him that Isabella was safe. He watched Shawn and Cheryl pace nervously, their worry evident. He sighed. "Mr. Cooper, please have a seat. I estimate it will take a little longer."

However, the Coopers remained restless, their anxiety palpable.

Inside, Jack remained in the same position he'd been in when Isabella subdued him. He was intensely itchy and uncomfortable, sweat pouring down his face. He felt he was suffering more than death itself. Blinking at Isabella, he silently begged for mercy.

Finally, after an hour and fifteen minutes, Isabella looked at Jack and softly asked, "Are you still planning to attack me?" She produced another silver needle, twirling it between her fingers. Sunlight glinted ominously off the needle.

Enduring excruciating agony, Jack stared at the needle with fear. This woman is a demon! he thought. Enduring this pain is worse than letting her treat me—at least I won't be tormented like this. His eyes blinked rapidly in desperation.

Isabella nodded with satisfaction. "Alright, but let me be clear: next time, it will be three hours, then six I'll double the time," she paused, a smirk spreading across her face, "because I have all the time in the world."

Jack was horrified. If given another chance, he would never provoke this terrifying woman.

Isabella withdrew the needle, and Jack felt a surge of relief. He frantically scratched the itchy areas of his body until he felt some comfort. However, he dared not retaliate. The experience had been too painful.

Isabella, pleased, said, "Get up and follow me."

The door, tightly sealed for nearly two hours, finally opened. Shawn, seeing Isabella unharmed, breathed a sigh of relief. The Coopers rushed forward, worry etched on their faces. "How is he?" they asked.

"Don't worry. He's fine," Isabella said gently, stepping aside to reveal a meek Jack, who showed no trace of hostility.

George smiled, realizing Jack had received his just deserts.

Just then, Isabella said, "George, where's the room you prepared?"

George, grinning, quickly led the way. "Right this way!"

The sauna room's temperature had been pre-set, and a pot of simmering medicine sat in the corner. Isabella turned to Jack as she entered. "Go in and undress."

Jack stiffened, disbelief in his eyes. "I won't—" His protest died when he saw the needle in her hand. He swallowed hard and complied.

George, who had anticipated a humorous scene, lost his smile under Isabella's piercing glare. He rubbed his nose and turned to the Coopers. "Mr. and Mrs. Cooper, the treatment is beginning. You should" He gestured for them to leave.

Shawn understood Queenie's (presumably Isabella's nickname or title) rules. "Dr. Lovett, we'll leave this to you. Let us know if you need anything." Though worried, they left.

Once the door closed, the treatment began. Isabella poured the medicine onto the sauna stones, and steam rose instantly.

Jack stood there, flushed, his hands clenched. He avoided Isabella's gaze.

When Isabella finished pouring the medicine and turned, she saw him still standing there. "Aren't you going to take your shirt off?" she snapped.

Jack fidgeted, his hands hovering over his shirt buttons.

Isabella picked up her silver needles. "Want to experience that again?"

At her words, Jack quickly undressed. "I'm taking it off! Just don't do it again!" The thought of repeating the discomfort outweighed his embarrassment.

Initially, Jack felt awkward, but Isabella ignored him. Only when she stood behind him and inserted needles into his nerves did he feel a sharp sting, tensing his muscles.

"Stay still and relax," Isabella's calm voice soothed him.

Feeling the needles pierce his skin, Jack realized he could still move and sighed with relief, his anxiety easing.

Isabella's hand was steady as she quickly and accurately inserted needles. Soon, he felt like a porcupine.

He didn't find it painful, but the heat was overwhelming. Combined with the sauna's heat, he felt he might burst.

An hour passed. When Isabella emerged, her clothes were soaked, and she felt exhausted.

George rushed to help her, concerned. "Are you okay?"

Isabella waved him off and sat on a bench. In a hoarse voice, she said, "Water."

The room was hot, and even she was struggling.

George quickly brought water, and Isabella drank it, feeling rejuvenated.

Shawn and Cheryl rushed over, anxiety etched on their faces. "Dr. Lovett…" They hesitated, unsure what to ask.

Isabella met their gaze calmly. "It's nothing serious. He needs more treatments." Jack's illness hadn't developed overnight; a single treatment wasn't enough.

Shawn and Cheryl sighed with relief; Cheryl's eyes brimmed with tears. She knelt before Isabella. "Thank you, Dr. Lovett. I'll never forget your kindness." Isabella was their family's savior.

Isabella instinctively moved to the side. "What are you doing? Please get up." She helped Cheryl to her feet. "Saving lives is my duty. You don't need to do this."

"I know, but we must express our gratitude. Without you, my son might never be cured," Cheryl said emotionally.

Isabella smiled and glanced toward the room. "He'll be out in three minutes. Why don't you check on him?" Cheryl's face lit up. Shawn nodded. "I'll go," he said, his eyes glistening.

Half an hour later, Isabella showered and changed, feeling refreshed.

Downstairs, she saw Shawn approaching with a smile. "Dr. Lovett, it's time to eat. Dinner is ready."

Isabella glanced at the darkening sky. She was about to decline when she saw a woman walking through the gate of the Cooper villa.

Chapter 30 (This chapter seems out of place; it should be included where it fits chronologically within the narrative, or it needs an explanation for its sudden insertion).