"Wait..." Before Alexis could finish, Byron vanished from the staircase.
Alexis looked troubled. She wondered why Byron was so reluctant to marry Lynn. She thought, "Could it be that he's afraid Will will object? I need to convince Will first."
Back in the study, Byron finished reading the itinerary Archer had just sent. He thought for a moment, then sent a voice message: "Cancel all plans for tomorrow and the day after. I'm taking Will to the resort to relax."
Archer replied, "Alright, Mr. Byron. I wish you and Mr. William a happy weekend." He sighed, already feeling the sting of his thinning hair and the lack of a weekend off.
On the weekend, at Lashton Sanatorium, Gilbert remained in a coma. The McDaniel family had hired a top-notch medical team to provide constant care, hoping for his recovery. Years had passed with no sign of improvement. His face was haggard, his body thin and frail.
Maeve felt a lump in her throat.
After Theo checked Gilbert's pulse, Alexis immediately asked, "Dr. Chatterly, how is he? Do you have a solution?"
Theo, hands clasped behind his back, said in a surprisingly mature voice, "He's simply slept too long; his bodily functions are deteriorating. The longer he sleeps, the lower his chances of waking up. He has, at most, six months left."
Alexis and Jason, initially skeptical, exchanged shocked glances. Gilbert's condition was strictly confidential, known only to the McDaniel family and the medical team. Yet Leo's words mirrored the doctors' prognosis.
Jason's demeanor changed. He asked anxiously, "Can he still wake up?"
"Sure," Theo replied confidently. "Stimulate his acupuncture points through acupuncture and massage, gradually awakening his five senses. He'll wake up within a month."
A doctor scoffed. "Arrogant child! Even Hippocrates wouldn't dare claim to wake Mr. Gilbert in a month."
Theo remained calm. The doctor ignored him, addressing Jason and Alexis: "Mr. Jason, Mrs. McDaniel, we've tried everything, including acupuncture, to no avail. Are you seriously letting this child meddle?" He thought, Can this brat even hold the needles steadily? Does he know all the acupuncture points? How dare he make such outrageous claims!
Jason hesitated. He was already wary of a miracle doctor so young. The doctor's words further dissuaded him; he feared worsening Gilbert's condition.
Maeve's eyes held mockery. Stepping forward, she took Theo's hand. "Mrs. McDaniel, Mr. Jason, this is your family's decision. However, Jaylen and my son have developed a treatment plan with at least an eighty percent success rate. Understanding your hesitation given his age, we'll take our leave."
As Maeve and Theo were about to depart, Jason relented. "Ms. Chatterly, please wait. I didn't mean to doubt your son's abilities."
Alexis added, "We wouldn't question your or Jaylen's abilities. Please rest assured."
Afterward, Alexis verified Theo's credentials with the Chatterly family. Theo was indeed Jaylen's top student— exceptionally talented. Jaylen's involvement further eased their concerns.
Maeve looked hesitant. "Son, what do you think?"
Theo offered a solution. "Mommy, since it's Jaylen's request, let's show him respect."
"All right, then."
Alexis and Jason breathed a sigh of relief.
The acupuncture session lasted less than half an hour. The medical team, initially dismissive, watched in admiration.
"His hand is steady. He's been practicing for over a year," one whispered. "How old is he? At his age, I was playing in the mud!"
The skeptical doctor remained dubious. "Mr. Gilbert is weak. Acupuncture should be gradual. Intense treatment isn't suitable."
"His senses are deteriorating; gradual treatment won't help," Theo explained. "My method is harmless and yields rapid results."
The doctor's eyes lit up. "Ingenious! Why didn't I think of that?"
Although the session was short, it was taxing. Theo yawned, and Maeve held him. They bid farewell to Alexis and Jason, promising to return next weekend.
At the door, Alexis caught up. "Although you're unwilling to accept payment, please accept this." She handed over a VIP resort card.
Maeve hesitated but accepted after hearing it was child-friendly.
No one knew the hardship Maeve had endured four years prior. She left with Theo, vowing never to interact with the McDaniel family again if not for Gilbert.
They reached the resort early. Theo slept soundly until they arrived.
"Mommy, where are we?"
"A resort," Maeve smiled. "Let's relax for two days." They hadn't had a getaway in a long time. While Maeve enjoyed the jacuzzi, Theo opted for the arcade.