Chapter 711

Tiffany placed needles on several major temples on her patient's body, a strange stillness settling over her. These points usually induced extreme pain, but this delicate man didn't even flinch. He seemed incapable of feeling pain.

Tiffany wondered, "Is his pain sensitivity dulled, or does he simply have an incredibly high tolerance?" She dismissed her doubts, casting a few more glances his way.

When the acupuncture session ended, Tiffany withdrew the needles. Night had yielded to dawn, a brilliant band of light rising on the horizon and spreading vibrant colors across the land. Exhausted, Tiffany stifled a yawn and returned to her guest room, collapsing onto the bed the moment her head hit the pillow. Before closing the door, she instructed the servants not to disturb her.

She slept soundly and dreamlessly, oblivious to the events unfolding in the master bedroom.

Daniel sat in his wheelchair, his usually calm face shadowed, his gentle eyes clouded, as if a dark current surged beneath the surface. The room was heavy with silence, the air thick and suffocating.

Christopher, the butler, coughed softly and bowed respectfully to Daniel, but this time addressed him not as "Mr. Cooper," but as "Mr. Hampton."

"Mr. Hampton," Christopher reported, "Mrs. Hampton has gone to sleep."

"Hmm," Richard murmured, idly toying with a small stone. This stone held the key to his feigned illness. He hadn't expected Tiffany to identify the problem so quickly and offer acupuncture.

'No,' he silently resolved, 'I can't let her leave. But I must do this without revealing my identity.'

Richard's brows furrowed as he strengthened his resolve. "The ore," he ordered, "bring it here."

Christopher's eyes widened. "Mr. Hampton, the ore has a much stronger magnetic field than this small one. Why would you?"

"Go," Richard commanded, his tone brooking no argument.

Christopher bowed and retrieved the ore, encased in an airtight glass cover to prevent its energy from leaking. A small piece could power Tech Building No. 9, but used on a human, it caused severe side effects, mimicking illness and making diagnosis nearly impossible.

Richard took the ore and said calmly, "Everyone, leave."

"Yes, sir," Christopher responded. Seeing that dissuading Richard would be futile, he bowed and left, noticing Richard removing the glass cover just before closing the door. He sighed. 'Why put yourself through this?'

Tiffany awoke in the afternoon, her stomach rumbling. After freshening up, she went downstairs.

A servant greeted her immediately. "Miss Kelley, you're awake. Lunch is prepared."

The servant pulled out a chair. A procession of servants entered, bearing plates of exquisitely prepared food: foie gras, prawns, vegetable salad, and various main courses—many of Tiffany's favorites before her pregnancy.

The aroma triggered a violent reaction, even though she was only slightly over two months pregnant. She knew her condition wouldn't improve until after the three-month mark.

Minutes later, Tiffany emerged from the bathroom to find the dishes removed. A servant bowed deeply. "I'm sorry, Miss Kelley. I'll have the kitchen prepare something else."

Tiffany reassured the servant. "It's alright. Just pasta with egg, vegetables, and tomato sauce."

"Understood," the servant replied, quickly informing the kitchen.

While waiting, Tiffany pondered. "Were the servants overly respectful? I felt like the mistress of the house, not a guest. Perhaps it's because Daniel is the sole heir, and they see me as a special guest for saving his life?"

Soon, a steaming plate of pasta arrived, exactly as requested. Tiffany ate it with relish, and the servants visibly relaxed.

Tiffany then intended to request a ride back to Luna Villa, but Christopher rushed in, his face stricken. "Miss Kelley, something terrible has happened!"

"What is it?" Tiffany asked.

Christopher reported urgently, "Mr. Cooper! His face is pale, he's sweating, and his condition has worsened. Please, you must come quickly!"

"How is that possible?" Tiffany frowned. She'd spent all night treating him, suppressing his illness. How could it have deteriorated so drastically?

"I'll go check!" Tiffany replied, heading upstairs immediately.

Christopher discreetly wiped a tear from his eye, giving himself a silent thumbs-up. 'My acting skills are still sharp!'

Tiffany found Daniel looking as if he'd been plunged into an icy cellar, his hands and feet ice-cold, yet sweating profusely. His heartbeat was even more erratic than before, practically impossible to decipher.

"How could this be?" Tiffany murmured, doubting her abilities. 'Could I have been so incompetent?'

Christopher asked with concern, "Miss Kelley, how is Mr. Cooper?"

Tiffany shook her head. "It's not good I might"

Before she could say she might not be able to cure him, Christopher interrupted, "Miss Kelley, Mr. Cooper's illness is in your hands! He's your only hope!"

Tiffany remained silent, lacking confidence. But Christopher was right; she was his only hope.

Christopher added, "Miss Kelley, your fee will be increased tenfold. The Cooper family will fully support your treatment!"

Tiffany thought, 'That's 400 million dollars'

Without hesitation, she replied, "Deal!"