Lavinia looked lost, her eyes clouded with confusion. She had forgotten many things, and she was certain she didn't know anyone named Jacob. But her dad talked as if she should know this Jacob.
Lucian knew better than to push Lavinia's understanding too hard at this moment.
"You don't know him. He's just a friend of mine."
"That's a relief. I thought I had forgotten something important."
Lucian pocketed his phone and let Lavinia wheel him away.
...
At the Pollack family dinner table, silence enveloped the three of them.
Helen wrapped her shawl tighter around her shoulders, her eyes brimming with sadness.
"This child, she's had a tough life. Sexton, go contact that doctor you mentioned. See what it'll take for her to treat Lavinia. You've got the means, after all. Money is no object! If it could heal Lavinia, we'd spare no expense."
Sexton fretted over Lavinia's condition, uncertain if Noella would agree to treat Lavinia. He couldn't force Noella if she was unwilling, but he hoped Noella would consider it. He had come to trust Noella's medical skill above all others!
Helen was getting irritated watching him pace. "What kind of medical wizard is even beyond your reach?"
Jacob spoke up anxiously, "Dad, I can reach out!"
He could use his connections to get in touch with the medical prodigy, willing to offer anything for Lavinia's treatment.
Sexton found himself in a bind, caught between a rock and a hard place. He didn't want to pressure Noella. His eyes lit up as Noella walked in with Palmer, feeling as though providence had answered his call.
Noella handed a gift box to Old Mrs. Pollack, "Grandma Helen, my mom bought this for you."
Helen dabbed at the tears in her eyes. "Oh, thank you, dear."
Sensing the low spirits around her, Noella frowned slightly. "If I'm intruding, I can leave now."
Palmer caught Noella's wrist, keeping her there. He didn't want his family's issues to cause her any discomfort. Whatever it was, it should be discussed openly.
"What's going on?"
Sexton made up his mind and approached Noella, grabbing her hand. "Noella, I have a favor to ask of you!"
Noella was startled by his earnest look.
Grandpa Sexton had always been kind to her, and she could tell he was in a tough spot.
"Grandpa Sexton, what is it?"
"It's about Lavinia's condition. I'm really putting you on the spot here, but you're the only one I trust!"
Noella was surprised to hear that Sexton was referring to Lavinia's illness.
Jacob's disheveled appearance must have been because he found out Lavinia was still alive.
Jacob, in shock, asked, "Dad, is Noella the doctor you've been talking about?"
Sexton nodded vigorously. "If it weren't for Noella and Marcel, I wouldn't be here today. I trust her medical skill!"
Noella glanced around, noticing everyone’s expectant gaze fixed on her.
"Lavinia's brain tumor surgery carries a significant risk, particularly given her rare condition and psychological issues. Her central nervous system is more fragile than most. I've been working with Professor Calvin on a treatment plan. If I perform the surgery, the success rate is just over fifty percent."
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