Book Trk
Chapter 99
Chapter 99
The next day, Gwendolyn was up at dawn with dark circles under her eyes and a hint of redness that betrayed her lack of sleep. She helped Nicolette whip up a hearty breakfast before returning to wake Howard.
She found Howard already freshened up and ready to start the day.
“Mr. Chadwick, breakfast is ready. After we eat, I’ll take you to Mr. White’s place. He’s got a knack for medicine that puts me to shame,” she said with a half–smile.
Howard paused briefly, then nodded, “Sounds good.”
He maneuvered his wheelchair toward the dining room.
Gwendolyn fluffed the pillows and straightened the sheets, her hands stumbling upon a small box. With widened eyes, she inspected it only to quickly stash it back where she found it, pretending nothing had caught her attention.
“Gwen, darling, breakfast is getting cold!” Nicolette called out.
“Coming!” Gwendolyn replied, walking out the door to join Howard at the table. She sat down, pushing around her oatmeal and scrambled eggs with a side of bacon, clearly lost in thought.
Howard threw her a glance, sensing her evasive gaze and uneasy demeanor.
“I’m full. Mr. Chadwick, let’s head next door to Mr. White’s,” Gwendolyn said, grabbing a box of milk and some vitamins as she went out the door, Howard following in tow.
Next door, they approached a quaint two–story brick house with a rustic little yard. A wooden picket fence encircled it, and various flowers bloomed in the garden.
“Mr. White! I’m back!” Gwendolyn called out cheerily, pushing open the gate and stepping
inside.
An elderly gentleman in a green tracksuit emerged, his lean figure moving with surprising agility. His gray beard and distinguished demeanor gave him an almost mystical air, his complexion radiating health that belied his years.
“Ah, Gwen, you’re back,” he said, taking the gifts and setting them aside, his piercing eyes then studying Howard.
“Good day, Mr. White. I’m Howard, Gwendolyn’s husband,” Howard introduced himself with due politeness.
Enoch, as Mr. White was known, grunted acknowledgment.
“Mr. White, he’s had an accident, and his legs have taken a bad hit. I thought you could look at them,” Gwendolyn said with a hopeful smile. “It would mean a lot to us.”
10:49
Enoch’s face remained stern. “You’ll help me prepare some medi
tend to him he instructed.
“Of course! Gwendolyn agreed.
Enoch led Howard inside, his expression softening as they were alone. “From the Chadwick family, eh? Deep waters run in your family. Were you investigating me before?”
My apologien, Mr. White,” Howard said earnestly. “It was an accidental discovery, and I have covered your tracks.”
Enoch’s demeanor eased further, “Don’t use Gwen for your ends. I’ve kept my Identity from het for a reason. Text content © NôvelDrama.Org.
“I have no intention to use her, nor will I disclose anything to her,” Howard assured.
“Let’s see your hand,” Enoch said casually.
“Thank you for this,” Howard replied, placing his hand on the armrest provided.
After a thorough examination, Enoch spoke, “The girl’s treatment plan wasn’t wrong. It’s just that her acupuncture technique needs refining. I’ll take over for the next fortnight, and she can observe.”
Howard was essentially turning into a teaching tool.
“It’s an honor,” Howard replied humbly.
Enoch’s attitude warmed, and he began the acupuncture on the therapy bed.
“Gwen, come in!” Enoch called. “Help me prepare a medicinal bath.”
“On it!” Gwendolyn said, stepping in with a spring in her step.
Two weeks later, as Warren’s seventieth birthday approached, the evening lights of Bayridge City sparkled amidst the towering skyline.
Atop a skyscraper, a posh party for the sons and daughters of wealth was in full swing. Bainbridge and Vivien were basking in the attention and flattery of their peers while Valor sipped his drink silently, watching the spectacle with a cold gaze.
One of Bainbridge’s lackeys, Jimmy, blurted out, “I heard Howard’s hiding out in the sticks! He’s scared, ducking away from Bainbridge!”
“He better stay hidden for life! Otherwise, I’ll make him the biggest joke if he sets foot in Bayridge City again. His wife’s hot, too! What a waste on a cripple. We might as well have a go!”