After Luke adjusted the bed to a 45-degree angle, he finally stopped.“This should be good,” said Luke, carefully watching Luca's condition. “Are you feeling unwell at all?”“No, this is fine,” replied Luca. Her back was pressed firmly against the mattress, and she felt a bit uncomfortable.“Luke, could you help me prop up the pillow?” asked Luca.“Sure.” Luke adjusted the pillow for her.Luca leaned back fully against the pillow and smiled. “This is much better.”“Let’s eat first.” Luke opened the meal that Aunt Neile had brought. As he was about to feed her, the caretaker spoke up, “Mr. Crawford, I can do that.”The caretaker felt a bit awkward. She had been hired to take care of Luca, but she had not needed to feed her or even buy meals for her. With Luca mostly lying down and not needing much, the job seemed almost too easy, and she felt a bit guilty about it.“No need, I’ll do it,” replied Luke. He was not planning to let anyone else take care of Luca.Luca added, “Miss,
After freshening up, Luca closed her eyes and murmured to herself, “If I sleep early, I'll make it through today, and tomorrow, I can go home.”Luke could not help but chuckle. Then, he tucked her in. “Yes, get some rest.”“But I'm worried I won't be able to sleep,” added Luca.“Are you feeling sleepy now?” asked Luke.Luca blinked her eyes, realizing she had started feeling drowsy while getting ready.“Johann prescribed a sleeping pill for you to take tonight, but since you didn’t rest much this afternoon, I gave it to you earlier. Just sleep if you’re feeling tired.” After that, Luke planted a kiss on her forehead.Luca mumbled a response and soon drifted off to sleep, helped by the medication.She slept for a long time.This time, her sleep was more restful than the previous night, with no dreams.When Luca woke up, it was already the next morning. Johann had come by early to check on her. Since her test results showed no issues, Luke asked the nurse to help with the di
Aunt Neile paused for a moment before continuing, “We don't have any at home, Ms. Craw. Are you craving some grapes? I can go get some now. Which kind would you like?”“Concord grapes,” replied Luca.“Alright, I'll go get them now.” Aunt Neile nodded and glanced at Queenie. Seeing how peaceful it was, she guessed Queenie might stay for lunch. She decided to buy extra groceries. Hence, she grabbed her shopping basket and keys before heading out.After Aunt Neile left, Luke turned off all the house's surveillance cameras. He double-checked to ensure there were no other listening devices and then nodded to Luca.Queenie let out a sigh when she noticed how cautious they were. “It must be hard on you, being so careful every time you’re about to talk about something.”“It's nothing. We're used to it.” Luca smiled and sat down beside Queenie.“Let me see if you're hurt anywhere,” replied Queenie, looking Luca over.Luca had not bled in the car accident, but Queenie noticed a bruise on
“How is it my problem that you got rear-ended?” Abel was silent for a moment on the other end of the line. He was well aware that Luca had been rear-ended and that she was now recuperating at Luke's home.“Not your problem?” Luca chuckled softly. “I know Karen had someone disguised as Silas, and that person was introduced by you. I had already convinced Karen that I couldn’t help Pierre, but then she kidnapped me, convinced I could. Mr. Abel, isn't this all your doing?”“Luca, it seems that staying around Luke has made you quite the accuser.” Abel shot back, naturally denying any involvement.Luca had no intention of forcing a confession out of him. She asked in a cold voice, “So, what's the real reason for your call?”“I need you to go to X City and help Shanks,” replied Abel.“If I go to X City now, it'll raise Luke's suspicions. Besides, I'm still recovering,” replied Luca in a lowered voice, surprised that Abel had chosen Kassy over dealing with Luke. She had expected him
The three kids exchanged glances and then sat back down on the couch.Aunt Neile said to the kids, “Make sure you behave. I’m heading off now. If you need anything, just give me a call, okay?”“Okay, Aunt Neile,” the three kids replied in unison.After Aunt Neile left the villa, the kids huddled together to discuss their plans.Luca had been resting at home for three days. As she got better, Nina and Percy's wedding day also approached.As a guest from the bride’s side, Luca, along with Rainie and Tommy, waited at the apartment with Nina, anticipating the arrival of the groom's party from Percy’s side.Once the makeup artist was done with Nina, everyone in the apartment gathered to see the bride.Rainie exclaimed, “Ms. Nina looks so beautiful today!”Nina smiled, adjusting the hem of her wedding dress, “Do I not look beautiful usually?”“You do!” Rainie nodded. “But today, you look the most beautiful. Mr. Percy will definitely be stunned.”Her comment made everyone laugh, a
As soon as Nina's words fell, a noise came from the living room.Luca said, “It must be the groom and his party arriving.”Nina became nervous. “What should I do? I feel even more nervous now, and it's hard to breathe…”Sue quickly reassured her, “Don’t worry. Think about how happy and fulfilling your life will be after this wedding. It’s a wonderful thing. Try to relax and take a deep breath.”Nina tried to take a deep breath but felt like crying. “The wedding dress is so tight. I can't breathe deeply.”Luca pressed an acupoint on Nina’s arm. “Do you feel better now?”Nina found it quite amazing. “Yes, much better. What acupoint is this?”“Just press it when you're nervous. Don't press too hard, or it might make your skin red,” said Luca, showing her where to press. “This spot is helpful.”“It really works!” replied Nina.A bridesmaid walked in, cheerfully announcing, “The groom has arrived. Let’s close the bedroom door.”“Okay,” replied Nina, gently pressing on the spot Luc
Luca did not show them any courtesy. She knew reasoning with them here might cause a scene, but she also knew Anna and Jean would not agree to talk it out elsewhere.“You!” Anna was furious. “What business is it of yours if I attend my daughter’s wedding?”A few guests passing by could not help but watch them.Luca frowned, sensing that they might have already blown through the money Percy had given them. She turned to look at the attendant.“Security is on their way.”Anna, enraged, raised her hand to hit Luca.However, before she could, Luke caught her wrist. “Don’t you dare!”Anna was terrified when she saw it was Luke. She remembered the last time she tried to harm Bianca after things did not work out between her and Jean. Luke’s intervention had made her abandon that plan.“Let go! If you lay a hand on my mom, I’ll call the police!” Jean's anger flared the moment he laid eyes on Luke. However, he knew he was no match for Luke, so his bravado was all talk.Luke shove
As soon as Luca finished speaking, the wedding march started to play. The guests, who had been chatting just moments before, fell silent and turned to look behind them.The sunlight was perfect. The gentle breeze carried the scent of fresh grass, champagne, and desserts. A little boy and girl scattered the flower petals on the ground as they walked in. Nina walked slowly while holding onto Old Master Crawford's arm, entering the wedding venue.Some guests recognized Old Master Crawford and could not hide their surprise. They were expecting Nina's biological father to walk her down the aisle, but instead, it was Old Master Crawford.Seeing him brought to mind the time he had publicly acknowledged Nina as his god-granddaughter. They realized then it was not just a rumor. It was real.Many could not help but feel a pang of envy. Everyone here came from wealth or status.Yet, having Old Master Crawford as a god-grandfather was something to aspire to. After all, the Crawfor
Luke had never taken the medicine that could speed up healing, so his recovery was nowhere near as fast as the others from the Island of Despair.Luca did not respond to Gerald’s comment. Her gaze fixed on him with intensity.“No stitches,” said Luke, “I trust you.”Luca bit her lower lip.“But if you don’t stitch it, it might tear open,” insisted Gerald, staring at Luke’s wounds.Luke glanced at his injuries and shrugged, seemingly unconcerned, as though the wounds had nothing to do with Luca.“Stitches will leave scars.”“Are you afraid of scars? What kind of man doesn’t have a few scars on him? Scars are a symbol of manhood,” teased Gerald with a playful tone, “Scars show you’re reliable, that you can protect a woman.”Luke gave him a look as though he were an idiot, then his gaze shifted to Luca. “I don’t want too many scars. I’m worried my future wife might dislike them.”Luca’s heart sank at his words, but his lighthearted remark eased her sadness. Despite the severity
Luca could not help but tremble with heartache. She fought hard to resist the urge to rush forward.Everyone in the room had survived brutal training to make it out of the Island of Despair, and they could not help but shudder when they saw the scene. The sound of the whip felt like it was landing on their own bodies.Gerald closed his eyes, unable to watch any longer. It was too cruel for him to watch.The ten lashes felt like an eternity, stretching on for what seemed like a century.Luca looked at the drenched clothes on Luke. His eyes were red, and his shirt was so soaked that you could wring out the blood from it. Her hands were clenched so tightly into fists that the veins were bulging.Abel tossed the whip aside, looking at Luke’s disheveled state with satisfaction. He enjoyed the thrill of this bloody scene.He turned to Luca, noticing her reddened eyes, and smiled even more devilishly. “Hera is in the hospital now. You’ll go take care of her for the next few da
Luca instantly understood the situation. It was about Hera.Hera was someone Abel valued, possibly as a future corneal donor for Kassy. While Abel might not love Hera now, he certainly took her health seriously.In a calm tone, Luca explained, “She was hospitalized due to inflammation that caused a fever.”Abel furiously flung his half-smoked cigar at her. The glowing embers singed her clothes, leaving a small burn mark.She instinctively stepped aside.Abel roared, “What kind of care is this?! I told you to look after her! Is this how you handle things?”Luca was perplexed. When did he ever tell her to look after Hera?Besides, she did take care of her.”When Ms. Sanchez fainted last night, she already had a low-grade fever. I diagnosed her condition as inflammation and prescribed anti-inflammatory and fever-reducing medication. I also emphasized that she needed to take oral anti-inflammatory drugs. She didn’t trust me and threw out Mr. Shanks’ medication, which led to her con
Luca placed her hand on Hera’s other wrist, checking her pulse. “Her condition is worsening. The inflammation in her body has intensified.“I prescribed her medication. Those are Mr. Shanks’ formulations, and they're highly effective for reducing inflammation. It shouldn’t be getting worse.” Gerald pursed his lips before finally speaking up. “Luca, when I was cleaning yesterday, I saw that Ms. Sanchez had thrown all the medication you prescribed into the trash. She didn’t take any of it.”Luca was speechless.She had been questioning whether the medicine was ineffective or if she had made an error in diagnosis. It turned out that it was Hera herself who had sabotaged her treatment.“What should we do now?” asked Gerald.“There’s no other option. She needs to go to a hospital,” Luca decided firmly. “Her condition is serious, and since she doesn’t trust my treatment, the hospital is her best choice.”“Can’t you help her just this once?” pleaded Gerald, “I mean, she looks really b
Luke stayed silent, letting the chilled beer cool him down, washing away some of the lingering heat.Gerald glanced around to make sure no one was nearby before leaning in and speaking softly to Luke. “Actually, I’ve seen it.”“Seen what?” Luke could not be bothered.Lowering his voice even further, Gerald whispered just loud enough for the two of them to hear, “I’ve seen you going into Ms. Craw’s room quite often.”Luke’s expression sharpened instantly. A cold glint flashed in his eyes.He had been so cautious. How had Gerald noticed? Was he bluffing?Luke narrowed his eyes and said nothing.His aura grew colder by the second.Gerald, sensing the rising tension, shrank back slightly and quickly added, “Relax, I’m not going to tell anyone. If I wanted to report you, I would’ve done it already.”Luke’s expression eased slightly.Gerald continued to reassure him, “I’m not one to meddle. Look, I haven’t said a word about you, and I even stood up for you during that whole thing
“Sure.” Luca was unsure why he was suddenly interested in the volunteers. She led him into the room where the volunteers were.Luke noticed that the volunteer’s legs were covered in needles.If Johann saw this, he would probably make a big fuss about it.Luke watched as Luca carefully removed each needle, checked some of the volunteer’s nerve functions, and offered a few reassuring words before picking up a tray filled with medical waste and leaving the room.Once they were outside, Luke, not having seen the volunteer's previous condition, asked, “Were his legs completely immobile before?”“Yes. He said it was an injury caused by a machine malfunction at the factory. It hadn’t been treated properly for years. By the time he was sent here, his family didn’t have time to help with massages, and his calves had atrophied. But now, as you can see, the muscles are gradually recovering, and he’s starting to regain sensation. In another week or two, his legs should be able to move.” Luca
“Yes.” Luca nodded. “You have a mild fever and some inflammation in your body.”Hera was surprised. “Inflammation? Where?”She often mingled with men, so every few months, she made sure to get a check-up to avoid picking up any unwanted diseases. Her previous check-ups had all been normal, with no signs of any illness.“You've been getting along well with the boss these days, haven't you?” Luca did not say it outright but hinted at it. She then glanced at the thermometer, seeing that her temperature had returned to normal.Hera understood and widened her eyes. “You're saying I have inflammation there? That's impossible.”“Your body can't handle too much.” Luca did not want to go into too much detail. She looked up and saw that the IV was nearly done. She rose to her feet, removed the needle, and pointed at the medicine on the side. “Your body won't have any major issues. Don't worry. Here are the anti-inflammatory pills for the next three days. Take them, and you should be fine.”
Gerald was relatively strong. However, he tried to avoid touching other parts of Hera's body, making it quite difficult to carry her. By the time they reached the third floor, he was out of breath.Luca, however, seemed to handle it better than he did.“Ms. Craw, aren't you tired?” Gerald could not help but ask as he set Hera down on the bed, panting.Luca glanced at him and replied, “I'm not tired because I'm not worried about touching other parts of her.”Gerald, whose hands were on his hips, was out of breath and muttered, “This is the first time I've realized how exhausting it is to carry a woman upstairs.”After positioning Hera properly, Luca took her pulse and frowned. “Did she mention feeling unwell earlier?”“Yeah, but wasn't she pretending? She was crying, throwing a fit, and making a scene downstairs. It was quite the performance,” Gerald recalled, chuckling at the memory of Hera trying to cling to Luke and failing.Luca switched to her other hand to take Hera's pulse
Abel did not have much of an impression of Lucius. However, he believed he would not lie to him. If Lucius had actually done something to betray him, he would not have been foolish enough to admit that Hera had tried to seduce him.Abel studied his face. Lucius was not handsome, and his physique was not any different from the other people in the organization. His gaze then shifted to Hera. “You didn’t do anything?” Hera could feel the chilling intensity in his eyes, and she could not help but shiver.“A man had to step forward to file a complaint because you were harassing him, Hera. Have I been too lenient with you?” Abel continued, his voice light, almost indifferent. Still, the underlying menace was unmistakable. Despair filled Hera as she shot a resentful look at Luke. How could he be so ruthless, pushing her toward the brink of destruction?“Hera, look at me,” Abel commanded coldly, his hand suddenly gripping her chin, forcing her to meet his gaze.Hera knew she had no