Celeste and Annte retreated to the balcony after putting Eloise to sleep, each with a drink in land.
The gentle sommer night air caressed them, teasing loose strands of hair around Celeste’s temples.
Just as Annie retrieved her phone, a notification illuminated the screen. Herexpression shifted to one of shock as she read the message. “Mr. Wrenford Senior is being admitted to the hospital. Did you know anything about this?”
Celeste’s brow furrowed in surprise. She hadn’t received any news of this.
Armie quickly offered her the phone. Celeste’s gaze fell upon the message displayed on the screen.
Alaric had suffered a sudden episode of chest tightness the previous night, necessitating an emergency rush to the hospital. His condition had been stabilized for The time being, but he remained hospitalized.
Despite the seriousness of the situation, no one from the Wrenford family had seen fit to inform her. She could rationalize Adrian’s silence, given the superficial nature of their relationship. However, the silence from Damien and Margot was telling.
It reinforced the notion that they had never truly accepted her as part of their family unit..
“What are your plans? Will you be visiting him?” Annie’s land voice broke through Celeste’s thoughts.
Celeste tumed, meeting Annie’s curious gaze
Celeste possessed a deep knowledge of traditional medicine, a skill passed down from her grandfather, A renowned scholar, his medical expertise was equally Impressive.
from the age of seven, she had immersed herself in the study of various herbs, excelling particularly in their application and in the art of acupuncture
She had a foundational understanding of Alaric’s health and had even administered acupuncture treatments to him in the past.
“I will visit him at the hospital tomorrow,” Celeste stated, her expression clouding over. “He was the only member of the Wrenford family who ever showed me genuine kindness.”
“Alright. It’s the weekend, and I’m free from work. I’ll happily look after Eloise for you.”
Thank you, Annie.”
Meanwhile, at the hospital parking lot, Adrian opened his car door and slid into the rear seat. Joshua’s voice emanated from the driver’s seat.
“Mr. Wrenford, I spoke with the attending physician regarding Mr. Wrenford Senior’s condition. He suggested that traditional medicine might be the most effective course of treatment. He mentioned a specific individual, an expert in the field. He indicated that Mr. Wrenford Senior’s health could significantly improve if we could locate this person.”
“Who is it?” Addian’s grip tightened on his phone, his gaze lifting toward Joshua.
She was known as cloudy, a female traditional medicine practitioner. I understand her mentor was exceptional, though no name was ever mentioned. It’s likely her mentor has long since retired or passed away. Cloudy is said to be the only apprentice.”
Then find her.” Adrian’s voice was firm,
“But Cloudy vanished from the scene three years ago, Mr. Wrentoad. No one has been able to track her down since. She disappeared without a trace, much like Shelley, the emerald expert.
The simultaneous disappearance of both individuals three years prior was a stark clucidence a wave of bitter kony washed over Adnan, Why was it that the people he desperately souple always seemed to vanish into them air?
Joshua glanced in the rearview mirror, observing the darkening expression on the man in the backseat. He wisely chose to remain silent
“Why even bring her up if she’s impossible to find?” Adrian’s voice held a sharp edge.
