Chapter 26
After she finished speaking, a flicker of displeasure flashed in Lena’s eyes.
Jaxon listened quietly, then shifted his gaze to Sally beside him. His voice was cold but laced with suspicion, “Did you actually perform acupuncture on father?”
Sally lifted her eyelids slowly, enunciating each word with calm precision, “Given Grandpa’s condition, acupuncture from traditional medicine is the only treatment that fits right now.”
“But Grandpa’s condition isn’t stable yet,” Brad snapped angrily as he stepped forward, his tone sharp and accusatory.
“This hospital is the best in Westmere. Even their top experts haven’t dared to try acupuncture on him—and here you are, rushing in like you know better? What if something goes wrong? Can you take responsibility for that?”
Jaxon frowned, his brow knitting tightly as he asked Sally pointedly, “Is what they’re saying true?”
Sally didn’t flinch under his gaze. Her clear, steady eyes locked onto his as she replied solemnly, “Yes. It’s true.”
How
sure are you?” Jaxon’s voice dropped low, scrutinizing her like a judge.
“Absolutely certain. One hundred percent.” Her tone left no room for doubt.
Jaxon was shocked by her words.
He’d checked with the attending doctors last night. Even the hospital’s head of traditional medicine hadn’t dared to risk acupuncture on his father. The only chance for recovery was to find that exceptional female practitioner called Skya–and Sally’s knowledge of medical arts was a complete mystery to him.
“You’re really putting your neck on the line, huh?” Brad sneered, darkening. “Grandpa’s hanging by a thread–he’s been unconscious for two whole days. Even the experts here can’t do much. And you’re throwing around empty boasts like this?”
His harsh words broke through Jaxon’s thoughts. Shaking himself free, he fixed his gaze back on Sally, but she remained silent, unruffled.
“That’s right,” Lena chimed in, cutting through the tension. “Grandpa’s condition is grim. Even if you’re confident, you should’ve at least informed his attending physician. What if something goes wrong? What then?”
Sally’s voice dropped even lower, measured and steady, “At Grandpa’s age, his blood vessels aren’t what they used to be, which is why modern meds are slow to work. But acupuncture can speed things up significantly.”
“Then you should’ve told the doctor-
“I said I’m confident I can save him, that’s why I went ahead.” Before Lena could protest further, Sally cut her off cold.
Her clinic wasn’t open yet, and though she had her medical credentials, Grandpa was still hospitalized. If the attending doctors knew she’d taken it upon herself to perform acupuncture, they’d never allow it.
That’s why she kept quiet.
“Sally, if- Brad tried to say more but was interrupted by Jaxon stepping in first.
“Enough. If Sally says she’s confident, then let’s wait for the acupuncture to finish before saying anything else.”
He glanced toward the door, then quietly slipped past Brad and stood by the entrance.
Brad shot a glare at Sally, darkening with displeasure. Why was Jaxon always defending her? And it wasn’t just once or twice
anymore…
Jaxon placed his hand lightly on the door, cracking it open just enough to peer inside. His father was indeed undergoing acupuncture. The steady rise and fall of his chest told him he was only asleep, not unconscious. He could tell the difference.
Closing the door, Jaxon turned back to Sally with a narrowed gaze. “How much longer?”
Sally glanced down at her phone and replied without hesitation, “Fifteen minutes.”
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10:24 AM
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Chapter 26
He said nothing more and headed down the hallway to take a seat. Just then, Grandpa’s attending physician appeared.
“Mr. Zale, I didn’t expect to see you here.” The doctor smiled faintly as he nodded toward Jaxon’s direction.
“Yeah,” Jaxon replied softly, his voice low.
Brad grabbed Lena’s arm, pulling her aside with a smirk, clearly ready to watch the drama.
The doctor was about to enter the room when Sally suddenly stepped forward, blocking the doorway. “You can’t go in yet.”
The doctor’s smile froze. “Miss, I’m Howard’s attending physician. I come for rounds at this time every day to check his condition. Please don’t obstruct my work.”
“Grandpa is resting now,” Sally didn’t move. “Please come back in fifteen minutes.
Sally’s years of medical experience made her well aware of the consequences of unauthorized treatment inside a hospital. If the doctor found out, he’d be forced to stop her.
More importantly, any complications would create unnecessary trouble for the hospital. Better to avoid it altogether.
JMiss, who exactly are you to the patient?” asked the doctor. “His condition is serious and requires regular checks. If you continue to interfere, I’ll have to call security.”
He reached for his phone. At that moment, Brad sneered from the side, “She’s the one who gave Grandpa acupuncture without permission.”
“What?” The doctor’s eyes widened, shooting a sharp look at Brad before turning back to Sally. “Who are you? How dare you perform acupuncture on a patient without authorization?”
“I’m, technically speaking…” Sally lifted her hand and pointed at Brad, “his wife.”
The doctor’s arrogant demeanor faltered slightly once he realized Sally was family. But his tone remained stern. “Mrs. Zale, Howard’s condition isn’t something any average traditional medicine doctor can handle. Even our top experts here haven’t dared try acupuncture. How can you take such a risk?”
“Grandpa’s condition can’t wait. Every minute counts, and delay means more danger. I hope you understand my urgency.” Sally’s voice was calm but carried a quiet steel.
The doctor hesitated. “But what if something goes wrong? I’d be responsible-”
Before he could finish, a deep, velvety voice cut through the tension. “Do what she says.”
Sally turned her head to see Jaxon, who had remained silent until now, finally speaking.
“But, Mr. Zale…”
“Mrs. Zale says she needs fifteen more minutes,” Jaxon continued. “Wait the fifteen minutes, then you come in and check on him. If anything happens, I’ll take responsibility.”
His words stunned Sally–he was standing up for her, plain and simple.
The doctor faltered. “L…”
“Since Jaxon has spoken, what’s there to hesitate about?” Brad, out of nowhere, suddenly chimed in.
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