Chapter 190
Maria barely nodded before spotting Paisley’s knowing look. Marta, scratching her head, laughed nervously. "Oops, I assumed you'd agree. You're so compassionate—you helped Max last time, right?"
Paisley arched an eyebrow. "Remember his name, do you? Reconsidered him, have we?"
Maria chuckled, remembering her earlier wariness. "Well, neighbors… you get to know them."
"Maria, is she coming?!" Leo’s frantic voice blasted from the video intercom. He looked stressed. "My boss… he can’t hold on much longer!" Maria’s anxiety mirrored his; she recalled Max's excruciating leg pain. "Paisley!"
"Mom, go now! Max is suffering!" Serena urged.
Paisley, speechless, headed for her study.
"Paisley!" Maria shouted.
"Mom!" Serena echoed.
"Tools," Paisley muttered, rolling her eyes, before disappearing.
Maria smiled and reassured Leo, "She'll be right over."
At the neighboring villa, Leo waited anxiously. His face lit up at Paisley’s arrival. "Thank you! This way, please."
Paisley followed him inside. The villa was minimalist yet vintage, exuding understated wealth. Every detail spoke of immense riches. Anyone who could afford this Montera villa wielded considerable influence. Maria hadn't exaggerated about the men; Paisley counted eight, clearly trained professionals, grim-faced and alert, guarding the owner.
Paisley avoided lingering glances, following Leo to a second-floor bedroom. A strong medicinal scent hit her—potent body-strengthening drugs. How frail was Max?
The man on the bed was curled in agony, his veins bulging, lips tight, eyes bloodshot. Yet, he forced a weak smile at Paisley’s arrival. "Sorry to trouble you," he whispered. He hadn't wanted to bother her, a single mother, in a house full of men. Usually, he endured the pain, but Harrowfell's damp chill intensified it unbearably. Leo, unable to watch, had disobeyed his orders.
Paisley smiled faintly and approached. The patient’s gender was irrelevant; he needed help. She sat, lifted his pant leg, sterilized her needles, and began, mirroring her previous treatment.
Tension filled the room. Leo barely breathed, his gaze flitting between Paisley’s needles and his boss’s face. Then, to Leo’s astonishment, the writhing stopped. Max visibly calmed. Leo couldn't conceal his amazement. Montera’s best acupuncturists hadn't achieved such results.