Chapter 124

"Smell it?" Shane visibly relaxed. He was fine as long as he didn't have to drink the strange concoction. But looking at the steaming pot of dark liquid, his doubts resurfaced. He had facial paralysis, not a sinus infection, and was skeptical that inhaling the smell could cure his illness.

"Forget it," he declared. "I've never heard of curing an illness by just smelling something. That's absurd."

Jeffrey, however, intended to make Matthew look foolish. Smiling, he persuaded Shane, "Mr. Wright, give him a chance. Even if it doesn't cure your illness, at least he'll give up." He shot a knowing glance at Shane.

Shane nodded. "Fine. I'll just do it to kill time."

He leaned over the pot, bringing his face close to the rising steam. The smell wasn't strong, but the steam was searing hot. He immediately jerked his head back.

"I can't do this. It's too hot!"

"This is your only chance to be cured," Matthew interjected. "Otherwise, medication will leave you with permanent issues—crooked features. It's up to you."

Crooked features? Seeing Matthew's serious expression, Shane realized he wasn't joking. A wave of horror washed over him. He couldn't imagine living with a crooked face. How could he face anyone?

He leaned over the pot again. Jeffrey scowled from the couch, nearly snickering. How could smelling rotten leaves cure an illness? Matthew was clearly pulling his leg! He was certain Matthew would look foolish after thirty minutes. Rachel watched Matthew with furrowed brows. She knew his medical skills were exceptional, but this method was bizarre. She, too, had lost hope.

Shane sweated profusely from the heat. He wanted to stop, but forced himself to endure the remaining ten minutes.

With a minute left, Jeffrey could wait no longer. "Mr. Wright, that's it. Time's up."

Clad in sweat, Shane grabbed a towel and wiped his face, complaining, "What the heck is this? I'm dying from the heat!"

Jeffrey rose, unconcerned. He knew the treatment was a joke and wouldn't work. Striding to Matthew, he began scornfully, "Dude, Mr. Wright smelled the rotten leaves for fifteen minutes, and nothing happened. What do you have to say now? You better know your place, Matthew. You're just a stupid driver. Do you really think you're a doctor? Don't be ridiculous."

Matthew remained impassive, intently watching Shane. After wiping his face, Shane tossed the towel on his desk and glared at Matthew.

"What the fuck was that? I've never believed in traditional medicine. Only traditional medicine could practice such an absurd treatment! You might as well get me to down buckets of salt water! This is feudal superstition at its best. You've treated me like a fool, making me sweat all over. Do you think I have nothing better to do? Ms. Carter, it's impossible for me to continue working with you. Leave now!"

Rachel sighed. As expected, the method hadn't worked. "Matthew, let's go. There's nothing else to do here."