Joshua fell into immediate silence, the weight of Adrian’s sharp query hanging in the air. "Try to ask around again. Alaric’s condition is concerning. We need to stabilize him as quickly as possible. If we can’t find Cloudy, bring in a skilled acupuncturist to help clear and regulate his meridians," Adrian instructed, his voice softer now, his gaze drifting toward the window. The night sky was beautiful, yet his inner turmoil was palpable.
"Understood, Mr. Wrenford. I’ll have someone look into it right away."
A moment later, Adrian spoke again, his tone laced with inquiry. "Has Damien or that woman visited the hospital since Alaric became… ill?"
It took Joshua a brief moment to process before understanding which woman Adrian was referring to. "Mr. Damien did bring Ms. Vale to see Mr. Wrenford Senior, but there has been no sign of Ms. Marin. It’s likely Mr. Damien never informed her about Mr. Wrenford Senior’s condition."
Adrian didn’t say anything further. It struck him that her decision to seek a divorce was perhaps a wise one.
The following morning, Celeste carefully packed her acupuncture needles and hailed a cab to the hospital after Annie sent her Alaric’s room number. The hospital ward was deserted when she arrived; Alaric was the sole occupant.
"Alaric." A warm smile spread across Alaric’s face upon seeing her. "Celeste, I was just about to call you! I didn’t expect you to be here so soon." Celeste placed her bag of tools on the bedside table and lowered her gaze to meet Alaric’s. "I only learned late last night that you had been hospitalized."
"I just regained consciousness. The hospital staff informed me that I was rushed in the day before yesterday due to chest tightness. I’ve been unconscious for the past two days. I recall a similar episode three years ago. You were the one who treated me with acupuncture and helped me recover. I was hoping I could ask for your help again."
"That’s why I’m here." Celeste settled into the chair beside his bed before gently taking his wrist to feel his pulse. His condition was indeed not optimal; however, she believed that with time and appropriate acupuncture treatments, his health could improve significantly, potentially more effectively than relying solely on modern medicine.
"Alaric, I’m going to begin now. Let’s get your meridians flowing again."
"Okay!"
A knock echoed at the door just as Celeste finished carefully inserting the needles and was allowing him to rest. Before anyone could answer, the door was abruptly pushed open. Celeste’s gaze lifted at the sudden noise, and she saw Damien and Lucy standing in the doorway.
Damien frowned as he took in the scene. "What are you doing, Celeste?"
The acupuncture session required another few minutes, and Alaric had just fallen asleep. It was crucial that he not be disturbed. Celeste quickly moved toward them, her voice lowered as she spoke. "Please step outside with me for a moment."
As she walked past him, Damien swiftly reached out and abruptly seized her wrist. His expression immediately darkened with anger. "Celeste, do you honestly believe you are qualified to perform acupuncture on Grandpa with your subpar medical skills? Are you trying to kill him?"
"Exactly," Lucy added, standing beside Damien. "Ms. Morin, do you even possess a valid medical license? How dare you perform acupuncture on Mr. Wrenford Senior without the proper credentials?"
"This is the last time I will say this. Alaric needs peace and quiet to rest. Please leave the room immediately," Celeste stated firmly, yanking her wrist free from Damien’s grasp and striding toward the door. Damien and Lucy had no choice but to follow her out.