In the living room, Theo entered carrying a paper bag of breakfast. Seeing Maeve, he ran over and said childishly, "Mom, you're awake! Come and have breakfast quickly!"
Maeve, relieved not to see Byron, sighed. "Thank goodness he's not here!"
"Darling, did you go out?" Maeve asked.
"I did," Theo replied. "You were drunk last night and didn't eat much. I figured you'd be starving, so I bought you oatmeal."
Maeve was touched by his thoughtfulness. She pecked his cheek and sat down to eat.
"By the way," Theo said, tilting his head curiously, "I saw a man leaving just now. What happened? It's unusual for my cheap father to show up at this time." Maeve choked on her oatmeal. Wiping her mouth, she asked, "Did he see you?"
"No, he was walking quite fast."
However, that wasn't the case. Theo was short, and the paper bag partially concealed his face, so Byron hadn't noticed him.
"That's good," Maeve said sternly. "He came for protection money. He likes to kidnap children. If you see him again, run immediately. Do you understand? You're my only son."
Theo chuckled, thinking Maeve's reason was unconvincing, but he nodded. "Got it. Next time I see him, I'll call the police and have him arrested!"
"That's even better, darling. I'm glad you know what to do."
They ate, pretending nothing had happened. Maeve stirred her oatmeal, her headache worse than her hangover. She also had a hospital appointment later. "Damn it, Byron," she thought. "You almost broke my hip! Has he run out of sex partners?" She resolved to move on, despite the lingering pain, determined to prevent a repeat occurrence.
After breakfast, Maeve prepared to take Theo to the hospital to see Gilbert. Before leaving, she received a call from her studio; a client wanted to discuss an engagement.
This put Maeve in a difficult position. Gilbert's treatment couldn't be postponed, but she couldn't ignore a financially struggling studio's client.
"Mom, don't worry," Theo said gently, patting her hand. "Drop me at the hospital before going to the studio. I can handle it."
"No, I'm worried about you going alone," Maeve replied. Alexis and Jason were cunning; she didn't want Theo to struggle without her.
"Mom, don't worry," Theo reassured her. "I can handle things. If they plan anything nasty, I guarantee I can outsmart them!"
Maeve chuckled. That was true. Theo's shrewdness made him hard to corner. Her worry stemmed from her own chaotic state of mind.
Half an hour later, Maeve dropped Theo at the hospital, reminding him to call if needed, then drove to the studio. Theo immediately changed his appearance and entered the ward, hands behind his back. Alexis and Jason were already there.
A man sat on the sofa, reading "Profound Meanings of Psychology." He had dark hair, soft features, red lips, and a straight nose. He looked quiet and beautiful. Theo's eyebrows lifted. Isn't he supposed to be my brother?
"Dr. Chatterly, you're finally here!" Alexis exclaimed, smiling. "Dr. Walker said his senses recovered after the last treatment. This is all thanks to you!"
Theo nodded coldly. "I'm glad to hear that. I'll give your father the same treatment shortly."
"Okay, okay, okay! Thank you, Doctor Chatterly!" Alexis beamed.
Will looked up and saw Theo's altered appearance and the way he held his hands behind his back, like an elder. Something seemed fishy. He asked, "Do you have a medical license?" Alexis was stunned. This was unusual for Will, who typically ignored everyone except family.
Theo reached into his bag. "Hold on, I have several licenses. It's troublesome to find the right one," he said, feigning difficulty.
Will was puzzled by the pile of documents. How old is he? Can such a young man have so many qualifications?
Theo quickly found his medical permit and waved it before Will. "Look carefully. This is issued by the Erancia Royal Family." He immediately put it away before Will could examine it closely. This was deliberate.
"Alright, I should get back to work. Kids shouldn't cause trouble," Theo said, affecting a mature tone, and entered the room.
Will found it amusing. Aren't you too young?
The treatment lasted over ten minutes, observed by the recording medical team. Afterward, they questioned Theo, who answered thoroughly. Seeing Will standing quietly beside Alexis, Theo rolled his eyes. "Ma'am, I have some advice."
"Tell me, Dr. Chatterly."
"My treatment stimulates Mr. McDaniel's physical senses. However, mental therapy is equally effective. Are you willing to try it?" Theo asked, affecting profundity.
Alexis and Jason exchanged glances. "What do you want us to do, Dr. Chatterly?"
"Well..." Theo looked around. "Who among you is the person Mr. McDaniel loves most?"
It had to be Will. Even though born after Gilbert's illness began, Gilbert had long spoken of wanting a great-grandson. Byron had even chosen a name before marrying. Will noticed the sly look in Theo's eyes and felt apprehensive. What is he up to?
"I need the person Mr. McDaniel values most to speak to him daily. It will stimulate his mental activity," Theo explained.
Alexis turned to Will. "Will, are you willing...?"