Chapter 9

The Welsh residence was located in the wealthy hillside area of Arcadia, surrounded by gardens. The building featured carved beams, painted rafters, and emerald tiles on crimson walls that blended understated elegance with a sense of deep luxury. The Welsh family was divided into two branches. The main branch lived in the Welsh residence with Robert, while the second branch resided in the city. Steven had moved out to live in Villa Del Ven alone, but due to his recent injury, his family moved in to care for him. At 6:00 pm, the sun dipped in the west as the sky darkened. Jolene pushed Steven through the long corridor to the banquet hall. The lights were bright, and shadows flitted across the room as people moved about. Maids were setting up a long table with savory dishes, while a high-pitched loud voice urged them to work faster. "That's your Aunt Julia, the eldest uncle's wife. She's clever and capable, and she values her ego over anything else," Daphne whispered to Jolene. "Her name is Julia Frey, but many call her Julia Fear behind her back, for how fearsome she is. "The man sitting on the couch is your eldest uncle. He's ruthless, hypocritical, and smooth-talking." Jolene made a mental note that not one of them sounded like a good person. Julia turned and saw the second branch of the family entering. Her tone dripped with sarcasm as she sneered, "You've finally arrived. Seeing Steven in a wheelchair, I almost feel sorry for him." She had narrow, sharp eyes and a pointed chin, looking nothing close to a pushover. "Julia, your words are still sharp as ever," Daphne coldly responded. "I just love speaking the truth," Julia said with a smile, looking Jolene up and down. "So, this bumpkin is your daughter-in-law? A bumpkin with a cripple, what a match made in heaven." She clicked her tongue. She kept using terms like "cripple", stabbing the second branch's sore spot. Natalie couldn't hold back and snapped, "Aunt Julia, did you forget to brush your teeth this morning? Your breath stinks. Won't it knock out Uncle Antione later?" "How dare you talk to your elders like that! Is this the second branch's idea of family upbringing?" Julia's eyes narrowed as her expression darkened. "I just love speaking the truth," Natalie retorted with her hands on her hips. "Your skin's getting as thick as callous." Enraged, Julia raised her hand to slap Natalie, but Natalie wasn't one to be easily hit. She grabbed Julia's hand and twisted it, making her cry out in pain. "What's all this fuss?" An elderly man in a dark cyan suit leaned on a tiger-headed cane. His eyes were sharp and spirited, exuding vitality. Next to him stood a proud-looking Bradson and a scholarly middle-aged man. "Dad." "Grandpa." Everyone dared not cause more trouble. "Take your seats." With Robert's command, everyone gathered around the dining table. Robert began, "I gathered you all here today to announce something. The main branch has found Xavier Zimmer, Gabriel's apprentice. In exchange, the second branch will give the project to the main branch and sign this project transfer agreement.'" After his words, the main branch members were visibly pleased, while the second branch felt aggrieved. It made sense for families to support each other, but Robert's insistence on linking it to profits made it hard for the second branch to accept. Julia chuckled. "Could it be that you're unwilling to hand it over, Daphne? Does this mean Steven's legs aren't as important as the project?" "You!" Daphne was furious. Her chest was tight with anger. On one side was Steven's hard work, on the other his legs. Gritting her teeth, she said, "Steven's legs are more important, but we need to verify it first." Robert sneered, "So, you don't trust me. Dr. Zimmer, please check my grandson's legs." "Yes, sir." The thin, shrewd doctor, Xavier Zimmer, lowered his head in response. Xavier squatted down and opened a medicine kit to reveal a set of needles gleaming coldly in the light. Jolene noticed they were all gold needles, the kind that collectors would cherish. Xavier rolled up Steven's trousers and took a three-edged needle to pierce the LI10 acupoint. The needle pierced one inch, followed by two inches deep. He was going to go deeper. If the needle went beyond two inches, it would hit a blood vessel. Xavier's use of needle pricking to draw blood was correct, but the timing was off. It could worsen Steven's condition. A skilled doctor could observe changes in the flow of energy, either through experience or natural talent. Jolene was the latter, and she could grasp moments when the energy flowed in or out. "No! This isn't right…" Jolene tried to stop him, causing everyone to look at her with a myriad of expressions on their faces. Xavier smirked dismissively. "Are you trying to teach me how to do my job, young lady? I've been practicing medicine for over 40 years. When I first picked up a needle, you didn't even exist." The members of the main branch of the Welsh family sneered, "Are you worried that Steven will abandon you if he regains the ability to walk, you bumpkin?" Just as Jolene was about to explain, a hand grabbed a strudel and stuffed it into her mouth, the fingers brushing against her lips. The rich juice burst as she bit down. "I've always loved the strudels at our family dinners. Try it and tell me if it's good." Steven calmly took a napkin to wipe his fingers. Meeting his calm gaze, Jolene instantly recalled his words from home. "Stand behind me and don't speak no matter what happens." "Please continue, Dr. Zimmer. She's young and doesn't understand. She's just worried about me," Steven said coolly. Xavier inserted the needle two and a half inches into Steven's leg and twisted it to expand the angle. Dark, clotted blood seeped from the needle hole. He withdrew the needle and confidently declared, "Mr. Welsh Senior, I can treat his condition! Mr. Steven should feel some sensation in his legs now." A glint flashed in his eyes. "Yes," Steven responded. He could sense the difference between Jolene's and Xavier's treatment. Jolene's technique was more comfortable. "Dr. Zimmer has truly surpassed Dr. Ashton! Steven, go ahead and sign the project transfer agreement!" Bradson eagerly placed the document in front of him and thoughtfully handed him a pen. There was no other choice for the second branch now. They could only sign the contract in exchange for Steven's healthy legs. Jolene bit her lip, the strudel in her mouth losing its flavor. She placed her hand on his arm, fuming and feeling her heart ache for him. She could treat him too. There was no need to give up the project. Steven couldn't believe how Jolene still did not trust him. He ignored her and picked up the pen to sign his name in bold strokes. After signing, he calmly remarked, "The project is yours now, Bradson. But the Gibbs family's land still hasn't been acquired." Horizon Group and Welsh Corporation were collaborating on the Future City project to create a world-class high-tech smart town. The plan covered five square miles, including the Gibbs residence, which they stubbornly refused to vacate. Bradson folded the document and mockingly said, "That's because you don't have what it takes to acquire just that small piece of land. When we hold the groundbreaking ceremony, I'll invite you to watch." Julia grinned broadly, showing her gums. "You all might not know this, but Bradson is friends with Henry. He has already introduced Bradson to his father. The Gibbs family only has one son, Henry Gibbs." The Gibbs family was famous for doting on their son. "What a coincidence." Bradson raised his flashing phone triumphantly. "Mr. Gibbs is calling. He must be agreeing to move. What was a tough nut for you is a piece of cake for me." To show off and humiliate Steven, he turned on speaker mode for everyone to hear.