Chapter 56

The little girl, startled, instinctively hid behind Whitney’s shoulder. Her voice, still soft and compliant, mumbled, "Oh, okay." But her wide eyes darted towards Isabella, brimming with curiosity.

Isabella could barely contain her delight. How could this little girl be so adorable? she thought.

Suddenly, the room's atmosphere turned awkward. Gwenna glanced at Sarah, hesitation in her eyes. She wanted to say something but swallowed the words. Finally, she sighed softly. "I'm going for a walk," she announced.

Sarah watched helplessly as Gwenna left. Panic surged through her. "Mom, you can't leave! Don't let her touch me!" she blurted.

Gwenna paused, but then steeled herself and walked out. Sarah didn't see the tears welling in her mother's eyes.

Despair gripped Sarah's heart. What will happen to me once Isabella begins her treatment? Is this really the end for me? she thought, fear coiling around her.

Whitney, holding Rachana, hesitated before approaching the bed. His eyes remained downcast, avoiding Sarah's gaze. He whispered, "Sarah, I'll be waiting outside with our daughter."

Sarah clenched her eyes shut, her heart breaking. She had lost all hope in them. Today, I will die on this hospital bed, she thought bitterly. Tears slid from the corners of her eyes, disappearing into her hair. She gritted her teeth, forcing out a single word: "Leave!"

Whitney's heart twisted. No one worried more about Sarah's condition than he did. He loved her more than anything, and seeing her in such agony was like having his heart carved out piece by piece. Yet, there was nothing he could do.

Holding Rachana, Whitney cast one last glance at Sarah, his eyes filled with sorrow, before turning and walking out heavily.

Samuel's deep gaze landed on Isabella. His voice was low. "My father?" he asked.

Their eyes shifted to Hoy, who still glared at Isabella with barely contained rage.

After a moment, Isabella broke the silence. "It's fine if Mr. Howerton stays here." As long as he doesn't interfere with the treatment, it doesn't matter, she thought.

Samuel nodded slightly. "Alright," he replied before stepping out of the room.

Outside, the waiting people exchanged anxious, silent glances. Inside, Isabella moved towards the bed.

Sarah's face twisted with anger as she glared at Isabella. "Isabella, if you want to marry into the Howerton family, there are plenty of other ways. Why are you playing with my life?" Is she really so desperate to marry into wealth that she’ll go to such lengths? she thought. I should have kicked her out the last time, she regretted.

Isabella didn't respond. She simply pulled a chair to the bedside and reached out to check Sarah's pulse.

Sarah flinched, waving her arm frantically. "Stay away from me!" Clearly, she didn't want Isabella closer.

Isabella sighed softly. "Ms. Howerton, I advise you to stop struggling—it will only make things harder for you." I just want to get this over with and leave as soon as possible, she thought.

Of course, Sarah wasn't about to listen. Her resistance grew stronger, her voice hoarse with desperation. "Don't touch me! You won't have the opportunity to hurt me!" she yelled. Lying paralyzed, her hands were the only things she could move. If Isabella messes up this treatment, I’ll lose more than the use of my hands—I might lose my life, she thought.

Hoy stared at Isabella, his voice thick with menace. "Ms. Stout, as long as you promise not to act recklessly, I'll pay any price you ask." He’s totally surrendered to my demands, Isabella thought, but she wasn't in the mood to argue.

She pulled out a silver needle and, without warning, inserted it into Sarah's shoulder.

The moment the needle touched her, Sarah's body froze. Her eyes widened in terror. I can't move. This loss of control… What is happening to me? Sarah's mind spiraled into panic. Always tough, her voice trembled as she whimpered, "Isabella!"

Isabella didn't seem to hear her. She placed her delicate, pale fingers on Sarah's wrist, focusing on her diagnosis.

Sarah's panic deepened. It's like hitting the air with my fists, she thought, anger and frustration bubbling up. If Isabella would just be reasonable…

After a long moment, Isabella finally spoke, her voice calm and steady. "Your condition isn't serious. A few acupuncture sessions, and you'll be fine. Don't worry so much."

Sarah was furious. "Am I worried about my illness? I'm worried about you!"

Her teeth ground together in frustration. For a moment, she wished she could bite Isabella.

Isabella found herself amused by Sarah's outburst. She pressed her tongue lightly against her teeth and nodded. "Fair enough." Right now, I’m scarier to her than the illness itself, she thought.

Sarah exploded. "How can you still laugh?!" I’ve never met anyone more shameless than Isabella. If I survive this, I’ll make sure she rots in prison!! she thought.

Not bothering to respond, Isabella shrugged and began arranging her needles on the bedside table.

As Sarah watched those gleaming silver needles, her fear swelled. I’m scared, Sarah realized.

She swallowed hard and, in a shaky voice, offered, "Isabella, if you stop now, I'll give you half of my company. How about that?" Money is worthless if I’m dead! she thought.

Hoy, seeing Isabella's determined expression, realized she wasn't bluffing. He issued a cold warning. "If you harm my daughter, I'll make sure you suffer a terrible fate!"

But Isabella didn't flinch. She picked up another needle and inserted it into Sarah's body.

Hoy's eyes turned bloodshot, like a beast ready to tear her apart.

Isabella ignored him and continued with the treatment, her hands moving faster and faster, her focus unwavering.

Hoy and Sarah stopped yelling, their faces pale as they watched Isabella work. We can’t stop this now, they thought grimly.

Half an hour later, Isabella finally stopped. She lifted her head to meet Sarah's despairing gaze. "Ms. Howerton, try moving your fingers," she said softly.

Sarah didn't want to acknowledge her, but her fingers twitched involuntarily. Sarah was speechless. This feeling of hating her yet having her body obediently follow her commands made her uneasy.

Isabella gave an encouraging nod. "Now try moving your toes."

Sarah scoffed internally, throwing Isabella a disdainful look. "My toes? My lower body's been paralyzed for so long. A few needles won't change that!"

But to her shock, her toes moved. Sarah's entire expression froze. Her eyes widened in disbelief. Did my toes really just move? she thought. She tried again, wiggling her toes, and there it was—movement. It worked! she thought, overwhelmed by joy. A flood of relief and happiness washed over her. "I… I can move," she stammered, her voice trembling with emotion.

(The final "曲 08" appears to be unrelated and possibly a formatting error.)