Chapter 157

Pandey was speechless. "Len, stop," Max interrupted. Ilearly glared at Paisley, but she was too exhausted to argue. Soaked to the bone and surrounded by strangers in her own house, she felt uneasy. Without a word, she began pulling the silver needles from Max's leg, ignoring medical protocol. Blood spurted as she yanked them out.

"What are you doing?!" Len roared, fists clenched, but he hesitated.

After removing all the needles, Paisley said, "Alright, you can leave now." Normally, Max would need forty minutes of rest, but Paisley wanted them gone. To everyone's astonishment, he stood unaided. Len stared, dumbfounded. Max's leg usually crippled him with pain.

Max himself was shocked. A warmth had spread through him as the needles were removed, the pain receding. He looked at Paisley, amazed. "How can I thank you? Can I pay you?"

Paisley waved him off. "Forget it. Just leave." It had been a coincidence; she'd only helped him because she'd feared hurting him.

Realizing his earlier rudeness, Leo bowed deeply. "I apologize. I was wrong." He hadn't expected Paisley to actually treat Max.

"I couldn't cure your leg, only ease the pain. It'll return," Paisley said.

Max nodded, understanding. The pain was usually excruciating. "I live next door, in Harrowfell. If you need anything," he offered.

Paisley was surprised; he was the Montera villa owner. Finally, they left.

Maria watched them go, uneasy. "Paisley, they seem…off."

Paisley agreed. "Let's avoid them." Maria nodded, a little disappointed.

The next day was Millie's birthday party at Serena's kindergarten. Paisley took Serena to the garden restaurant Vivian had suggested. A hostess guided them through winding corridors to the main hall. It was spacious, with rocks, bridges, and flowing water. Serena loved it.

Millie’s party was in a pavilion at the hall's south corner. A long wooden table sat in the middle, a stream flowing through it, fish swimming, and dishes drifting along the current. Paisley was impressed by Vivian's exquisite taste.

They arrived at the appointed time, but the party was already underway. Only two seats remained, at the very end. Paisley and Serena took them, joining Millie and her mother.

Serena shyly handed Millie her gift. "Happy birthday," she whispered. It was her first time giving a gift, and she eagerly awaited Millie's reaction.