Chapter 12 Holistic Medicine
Caleb held his watch, his eyes shut as he sat in quiet reflection
As they passed a certain point, his eyes, which had been closed, flicked open just a fraction. The slight curve at the corners of his eyes hinted at something almost playful, and his deep, dark gaze appeared as vast as a sea of ink.
A faint smile tugged at the corner of his lips.
What the…
Did he just…smile?
Dominic, who had
ad been watching him in the rearview mirror, froz
froze in
in disbelief
He had been following Caleb for a long time, but he never imagined this reserved, hard–to–read man could show such a
reaction.
Have I imagined it!
Dominic rubbed his eyes, trying to clear the confusion, and glanced back in the mirror. Everything appeared normal again.
I was really mistaken….
Caleb–reserved, detached–can’t possibly smile, right?
Caleb raised his hand and gently massaged his temples. His voice was lazy as he spoke, “Let everyone know that the Quades are back in Cloudhaven and on the edge of financial collapse. Let it spread.”
Dominic blinked, baffled.
When have the Quades fallen on hard times?
When have their fortunes taken a turn for the worse?
It didn’t take long for Dominic to catch on. The financial mess would expose everything hidden. He grinned. “Understood!”
He added, “By the way, Caleb, tomorrow morning, Mrs. Teresa and Mig. Myrtle are going to visit the Moores. Are you planning to go with them?”
“Visic” Caleb raised an eyebrow, a mocking glint in his eyes.
Dominic understood what Caleb meant and chuckled. “Don’t worry, Caleb. Ruby is a kind–hearted woman. Since she’s willing to forgive the fake sister who replaced her, she’ll stand by your side no matter what.
Dominic had great respect for Ruby. He believed she was loyal and would never abandon anyone, not even if she knew the Quades were in financial trouble. She wouldn’t back out of her engagement.
Caleb didn’t respond. His fingers continued to trace the watch, moving with a precise, almost methodical rhythm.
The walk from the casino to the Leif family’s basement apartment was still a bit long. It took them about 20 minutes to get
there.
By the time they arrived, it was already past 3:00 AM.
“Goodnight, Jocelyn.”
“Goodnight, Uncle Richard
The following morning. Shana was up early, preparing breakfast. She made chicken soup and, concerned that Jocelyn might not like it plain, added a couple of boiled eggs to go with it.
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Chapter 12 Holistic Medicine
chicken soup!”
Richard laughed. “I just got my bonus this month! Besides, Jocelyn’s at that age, she needs something nutritious”
He then added, “Oh, and where’s my dear niece? Let me go get her for breakfast!”
His dear acce!
Shana froze, shocked
Is Richard referring to Jocelyn as “niece!
Just last night, he called her all sorts of things, and now he’s suddenly addressing her as his niece?
Am I imagining this?
At that moment, Jocelyn walked in. “Morning, Mom. Morning, Uncle Richard.”
Shana, still trying to process what was happening, asked, Jocelyn, where did you go?”
Finished
“I went for a jog,” Jocelyn replied. The original Jocelyn’s body had been in poor shape, her limbs weak from lack of exercise. After just a few laps, she would already be out of breath. But Jocelyn wasn’t in a hurry. She planned to take it slow and rebuild her strength.
Richard grabbed Jocelyn’s arm, leading her to the table. Jocelyn, I got fries and burritos. And some milk for calcium–just what you need while you’re still growing!”
Thanks, Uncle Richard.”
The scene felt like a typical family moment, with Richard doting on his niece.
Shana rubbed her eyes in disbelief. “R–Richard are you sure you’re not coming down with something?”
Richard chuckled. “Shana, you’re overreacting. Jocelyn is my niece! Who else would I spoil if not my own niece!”
Shana, still unsure, remained silent. But without any solid proof, she couldn’t accuse Richard of anything.
The meal passed in a blur for Shana.
After breakfast, Jocelyn set her utensils down and looked at Shana. “Mom, you don’t look too well. How about I take you to the hospital later?”
Shana smiled dismissively. “No need. I’m fine.”
Going to the hospital would be expensive, and she didn’t want to be a burden.
Jocelyn persisted. “If you don’t want to go to the hospital, let me check on you. I know a bit of holistic medicine.”
“You know holistic medicine?” Shana asked, her eyes widening.
Jocelyn gave a small gesture. “Just a little.”
Jocelyn was a renowned miracle worker in her world. Besides, the original Jocelyn was an heiress. The hobbies of the wealthy were diverse and always unexpected, so it wasn’t surprising that she knew a little about holistic medicine.
