Chapter 1731

Olivia and Edward had never quarreled before. He grew anxious whenever she teased him, feigning anger. Edward, a large, burly man, was direct and unromantic, but always kind to her—a trait Olivia cherished. Recently, his temper had worsened, a consequence she could understand after such a significant setback, but his words had been too hurtful. He'd told her to leave, to be with someone else.

"Who does he think I am?" she wondered. "Can you... repeat that?" she asked, her voice trembling. Her grip on her beer can was so tight it dented the metal.

Edward remained silent, perhaps regretting his outburst. He avoided her gaze.

Olivia took a deep breath, then looked at him. "Edward Sullivan," she began, "let me ask you again: Was it Alexander who pushed you at Burnwken that day? Are you sure of your recollection? Did he leave you there alone, in danger?"

Before he could answer, she continued, "No one else is here. I won't tell anyone what you said. It's between us. I just want the truth."

Her eyes shone with trust. She would believe him, as long as it came from him. All she wanted was the truth.

Edward met her gaze, but Olivia couldn't read him, couldn't see into his heart. She didn't know what he was thinking.

"What I wanted to say, I have said," he replied. "Whether you believe me is up to you." He turned his wheelchair and left the bedroom. This time, Olivia didn't stop him. She watched him go, thinking the man before her had become a stranger.

Beneath a dark cloth lay several neat rows of silver needles. The cloth was old, but the needles gleamed. Austin stared at them, trembling. "Uncle Dominic, are you—"

"Isn't this what you most wanted to learn when you were younger?" Dominic asked indifferently.

"Yes, but—"

Dominic, however, wasn't about to teach Austin acupuncture; he was about to use it on him.

"I can't determine what's been injected into you, or if it's poisonous," Dominic explained, preparing his tools. "Acupuncture is the only way to force out the toxin."

"Will I be normal again afterwards?" Austin asked hopefully.

For two days, though his seizures had lessened, he felt himself weakening rapidly. He didn't understand what was happening. He'd studied medicine for years, yet nothing matched his condition. He'd found no unusual drugs in his laboratory work. What kind of virus is this? he wondered.

Dominic picked up a needle, looked intently at Austin, and smiled. "Not necessarily."

Austin was speechless. Just as the needle approached, voices drifted up from downstairs. Dominic paused, went to the balcony, and saw Lily entering, conversing with a servant.

"Hey, you're just in time!" he exclaimed. He turned back to Austin. "Hold on!"