Chapter 4 Mother Gets Attacked

“It might sting a little—bear with it, okay?” Norton said as he administered the second injection. “Here, place this pillow against your chest. With this next needle, the blood statis in your lungs will be completely cleared in half an hour,” he added, handing Lucille the pillow. True to his word, thirty minutes later, Lucille's lungs were cleared, and her complexion improved dramatically. Her already striking beauty became even more radiant. “I need to perform another round of acupuncture to stabilize your three meridians and seven vessels. These injuries are critical, and the next step involves rebuilding the meridians and vessels entirely. For that, I'll need sixteen rare medicinal herbs to process into pills. I don't have them on hand, but I promise to get them within two days!” Norton explained. “Can you really rebuild my meridians and vessels?” Lucille asked, curiosity creeping into her voice. This treatment method was unlike anything she had ever encountered. “Of course I can, but it won't be easy,” Norton replied, his focus unwavering. By now, Lucille's body was almost entirely covered in silver needles, and Norton worked meticulously. Throughout the process, Lucille reclined silently, stealing occasional glances at him. Her heart began to settle into an unprecedented calm, and for the first time in years, memories of her violent past faded into the background. After a decade of war and chaos, this tranquil moment felt like a gift. She closed her eyes and let herself savor it. An hour slipped by unnoticed. “Miss Jadeling,” Norton said finally, “I've stabilized the three meridians and seven vessels. I'm about to remove the needles now. How are you feeling?” Lucille looked better than she had in years, her vitality fully restored. Yet, despite her physical recovery, her expression remained troubled. She knew Norton would heal her injuries in no time, but that only brought her closer to facing the immense pressure waiting for her at home. Noticing her downcast look, Norton frowned. “Miss Jadeling, is something wrong? You don't look happy.” “I'm fine,” Lucille replied softly. “I feel much better, Norton. Thank you.” “What are you talking about?” Norton said firmly. “You're already my wife. Why would you say something like that? Your injuries are serious. I may have cleared the blood stasis in your lungs and stabilized your meridians and vessels, but you need to avoid strenuous activity. Rest plenty, and don't get upset.” “That's all for today. I need to head home to check on my mom. I'll come back tomorrow to continue your treatment!” he said. “I've also prepared a list of dietary recipes and prescriptions for you,” he continued. “I'll buy them for you and have them delivered later today. Until your wounds are fully healed, you must stick to the diet and medicine I've prescribed!” Lucille's heart warmed at his words. For the first time, she understood what it felt like to be cared for. “Thank you, Norton,” she said gently, her gaze softening. “Just write the recipes and prescriptions down for me. I'll have Serene pick them up later.” “And once I'm feeling better, I'll go home with you to visit your mother,” she added. “All right,” Norton said with a nod. “Remember what I said—rest well and stay in good spirits.” He quickly jotted down the recipes and prescriptions and handed them to her. Just as he was about to leave, his phone rang. The number was unfamiliar, but he answered without hesitation. “Are you a relative of Martha Doyle?” came a woman's unfamiliar voice. “Yes, I'm her son, Norton. What happened to my mom?” “She's dying. Get to the General Hospital immediately!” Boom! The words hit Norton like a thunderbolt. Before he could ask for details, the call ended abruptly. “Miss Jadeling, I have to go. My mom's in the hospital—something's happened to her. I need to see her right away!” Without waiting for a response, Norton dashed out, leaving the room in haste. Moments later, Serene entered. Seeing Lucille's radiant appearance, she couldn't hide her surprise. “General, you look so much better. Did you spend the night with Norton?” “You didn't listen to my advice, did you? Now it's too late!” Serene's voice cracked as tears streamed down her face. She had been standing outside the room the entire time, afraid to enter without permission. She hadn't known Norton was treating Lucille's injuries. “Stop crying,” Lucille said firmly, handing Serene the recipes and prescriptions. “Keep these safe. From now on, follow these instructions when shopping for groceries and medicine. Now get the car ready. Norton's mother is in the hospital—I need to go see her!” Her commanding tone left no room for argument. The temperature in the room seemed to plummet as Serene snapped into action. Grabbing the recipes and prescriptions, she rushed out to prepare the car, her movements brisk and efficient. Meanwhile, Norton had already arrived at the General Hospital. After a quick inquiry at the reception desk, he found his mother's room number and sprinted toward it. Soon, he was standing outside her room. To his surprise, a group of people was gathered outside. The moment they saw him, they surrounded him. “You're Martha's son, aren't you? Perfect timing. Hurry up and pay the money—a hundred thousand!” “What money? Who are you? What did you do to my mother?” Norton demanded, his tone sharp and full of suspicion. “What money? It was for protection, obviously. Your mother, that stubborn old woman, refused to pay the protection fee, so we had no choice but to break one of her legs,” one of them sneered. Boom! His mother's leg had been broken? Smack, smack, smack! Consumed by fury, Norton launched himself at the group. With precise strikes, he brought them all down, leaving them groaning on the floor. Without sparing them another glance, he stormed into the hospital room. Inside, his mother lay unconscious on the bed, her body battered and covered in blood. The sight twisted his heart with guilt and torment. D*mn it! I should've gone home last night! “Mom, I'm so sorry!” Norton whispered, tears streaming down his face. But he quickly steadied himself. He examined her injuries and found that, beyond the broken left leg, she was covered in cuts and bruises. Acting immediately, he performed acupuncture to stabilize her condition. Just then, one of the men Norton had beaten earlier burst into the room. “You b*stard! It's bad enough that your d*mn mom didn't pay us, but then you had the nerve to attack us?” the man yelled, his voice dripping with anger. He thundered, “Do you even know who I am? I'm Bjorn, and I work under Mr. Howard Zulker. Your stubborn mom dared to refuse our protection fee? Breaking her leg was a kindness! And now you have the gall to hit us? Are you looking to get yourself killed?” At Bjorn's words, Norton's rage flared once more. Without hesitation, he roared and struck out with brutal speed, sending Bjorn and the others flying. They landed hard, sprawled across the floor, groaning in agony. Norton held back his full strength, mindful that they were in a hospital. He didn't want to go on a killing spree. But he knew that if he hadn't restrained himself, a mere look from him would have left them crippled—or worse. “Howard,” Norton said coldly. “So it's you again. This time, your life is in my hands.” Norton's mother had always been his greatest weakness. With his father absent for most of his life, she had been his anchor, and they had relied on each other through everything. Anyone who hurt her would face his wrath—and Howard was no exception. “D*mn, this kid's strong!” Bjorn groaned. “Call Mr. Zulker for backup. We need to take him down!” As Norton stood over them, their pitiful cries filled the air. At that moment, Lucille and Serene arrived and quickly found the hospital room. “What are you doing here?” he asked. Her sudden appearance caught Norton off guard. “How's Mrs. Qualls? Are her injuries serious?” Lucille's worry was plain on her face. “Her leg is broken, but I can fix it,” Norton said, his voice firm but weary. “Ms. Jadeling, your injuries haven't fully healed yet, and moving around is hard for you. You should go back and rest. I'll need to delay your treatment for a few days—I need to focus on my mom first. But thank you for coming to see her.” Lucille's expression darkened in disapproval. “What kind of nonsense is that? You're my fiancé, which makes your mom my future mother-in-law. If she's hurt, how could I not come to see her? Do what you need to do, and leave the rest to me,” she said, her tone brooking no argument. “By the way,” she added, her eyes narrowing, “what was going on with those people outside?” Norton's heart warmed at her determination, but he kept his composure. “My mother was their target, Ms. Jadeling. I can handle this on my own. It's best if you head back.” “Enough with the chatter,” Lucille interrupted firmly. “Focus on treating Mrs. Qualls. Serene and I will wait outside. If you need anything, just call for us.” Her commanding tone left no room for debate. Without another word, she turned and left the room, Serene following close behind. Moments later, Howard and Lillian appeared, flanked by several bodyguards.