Shattered Then Healed By His Love (by Haley Blanton) novel Chapter 131

Chapter 131 Who Dares Stop Her Now

The man was dressed in a black suit; his hand, pale and slender, gripped the handle of the umbrella. As the umbrella tilted slightly, his impossibly handsome yet cold face emerged bit by bit through the mist, searing itself into everyone’s vision.

James stood behind him, stepping forward to take the umbrella from his hand.

Marcus moved to Natalie’s side, his sharp gaze settling on Victoria. “You’re the one trying to throw her out?”

Victoria faltered, Marcus‘ powerful presence forcing her to take a few steps back until she stood in line with Jackson.

Jackson pulled her behind him, his expression grim. “Uncle Marcus, no one is forcing her to leave. It’s just–after Natalie treated grandfather, not only did he fail to improve, but his condition worsened. Under these circumstances, we can’t possibly let her keep treating him.”

Marcus‘ brows furrowed, his voice low and dangerous. “She’s the doctor; or are you?”

“I…..”

Jackson froze, speechless.

Marcus‘ expression darkened to the point of frost. “I’d like to see who dares stop her.”

Natalie turned her head toward him, a ripple spreading through her heart.

For the first time, she felt what it was like to have someone standing firmly in her corner; it felt… incredible.

At that moment, the medical expert Victoria and Jackson had called for finally arrived.

Seeing the tense standoff, the doctor didn’t dare speak, merely standing by quietly, waiting for instructions.

Marcus cast a glance at the expert before shifting his eyes to Natalie, his tone softening noticeably. “James, take Ms. Foster upstairs.”

James dipped his head quickly. “Yes, sir.”

Natalie followed James up to the third floor, the voices of heated argument trailing behind her.

“Uncle Marcus, we really can’t let her treat grandfather again! Her skills are nothing more than parlor tricks, she can’t possibly save him!”

“Did you forget what the attending physician said at the hospital?” Marcus‘ gaze turned icy as he glared at Jackson. “Do you need me to repeat what was said about her skills?”

“If her skills were really that good, grandfather wouldn’t be in this state…”

Marcus reached out and yanked him forward by the tie. “If you don’t even trust your own wife, it’s no wonder things between you ended up like this.”

“Mr. Collins, please, let’s talk this out. There’s no need for violence.”

Victoria, visibly tense, couldn’t hide the anxiety etched across her face.

Catching on to her unspoken urgency, the two of them quickly propped Gabriel upright.

At that exact moment, the door opened, and Marcus stepped in.

Natalie, completely focused, didn’t even look up. She moved behind Gabriel, found the exact acupoint, and inserted another needle with practiced case.

A second later, Gabriel coughed.

Blood gushed from his mouth.

The sight froze everyone in place–Marcus, Jackson, and Victoria alike.

The tension in the room spiked; every face turned grim, except for Natalie, who remained steady as water, continuing her work without pause.

“Why is he coughing up blood? What’s happening?” Stella’s hands trembled as she held onto Gabriel, her grip tightening instinctively.

“Uncle Marcus! I told you she wasn’t up to it, but you insisted on letting her treat grandpa- now look what’s happened!” Jackson stormed into the room, panic tightening his expression.

“This condition can only be treated through the meridians,” the doctor observing finally said, cutting through the heavy silence. “I’m no expert in alternative medicine, but I’ve studied enough to know what I’m seeing. The blood is most likely a good sign–his chest must have been congested, which explains the trouble breathing. The bleeding suggests the blockage is starting to clear…”