MainNovelChapter 188 "Yes, it's beautiful," Manley nodded, though he couldn't bear to spoil the little girl's excitement.
Suddenly, Citrine looked up at him, her expression serious. "Uncle Manley, your legs aren't completely beyond hope. They can be healed." Hearing Citrine say that, Manley didn't respond right away, but something inside him softened.
He reached out and gently ruffled Citrine's hair, his voice full of fondness. "Thank you for trying to comfort me, Citrine. But I've already accepted things as they are." "I'm not just trying to comfort you," Citrine explained earnestly. "It's the truth." "Citrine, I've been like this for years now. I'm used to it. Even if I can't stand up again, it's alright." By the end, Manley's eyes clouded over completely. He knew all too well- perhaps better than anyone-how desperately he wanted to walk again. Over the years, he'd consulted countless top doctors, and every single one had told him there was no cure. He'd given up hope long ago.
Citrine gazed at him for a long moment before she finally spoke. "Uncle Manley, the Viridis Medical Institute just opened a branch in Havencrest. I'm sure they can help you." At the mention of the Viridis Medical Institute, a visible shadow passed over Manley's face.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇt"Viridis Medical Institute isn't someplace you can just walk into," he sighed. "Every day, thousands of wealthy people are lining up for a chance. People likedon't even get close." Even though the Carmichael family wielded considerable influence in Havencrest, it wasn't enough to open doors at an international medical center like Viridis. Pulling strings and backdoor favors simply wouldn't work there.
On the day of Viridis's grand opening, he'd tried to see the director himself. He waited an entire day, but never even got a glimpse of the man.
A few days later, he tried again, only to be told that appointments for this year and the next were already fully booked. The earliest available slot was two years away.
He could wait-he had plenty of patience. But his legs couldn't.
Since returning from Viridis that day, he hadn't stepped outside his home.
Lost in thought, Manley was startled when a pale, delicate hand suddenly appeared in front of him, holding out a card.
He stared in surprise at the card in Citrine's hand. "What's this?" he asked, curiosity piqued.
"Uncle Manley, this is a VIP card for Viridis Medical Institute. It's for you," Citrine replied with a bright smile, pressing the card into his palm.
Manley turned the card over several times, examining it closely. The distinctive Viridis logo was unmistakable. His heart skipped with hope.
"Citrine, where did you get this?" he asked, looking up at her in shock.
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏmCitrine hesitated for a moment before fibbing, "The director of Viridis is a friend of mine. He gave it to me." Manley had spent years in the business world; he could tell she was lying, but chose not to call her out.
"I can't accept this, Citrine," he said firmly. "What if you need it someday? This card could be a lifesaver."
Citrine burst out laughing. "A lifesaver? Uncle Manley it's not like it's a magietaken in a video game."
Sensing he might still refuse, she added, "Don't worry. I have a whole stack of these lying around in my room, just gathering dust. Please, take it." "You have a stack of these?" Manley's eyes went wide, almost as if he couldn't trust his own ears.
"Of course," Citrine replied matter-of-factly, as if it were nothing out of the ordinary.
For a moment, Manley was at a loss for words.
In the end, he quietly accepted the card.
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