chapter87

If Lydia hadn't done that full-body acupuncture on Grandpa a couple days ago,

Lucinda's tonic would have sent him straight to the afterlife.

Cameron and Kylie both glanced at Lucinda, who was sitting on the floor, crying her eyes out.

"I'm sorry, Mom, Dad. I just wanted you both to be healthier. I never thought anything would go wrong. You two had the tonic and were fine, but Grandpa..."

She didn't finish, but the meaning was obvious. Grandpa's sudden reaction wasn't entirely her fault. After all, Cameron and Kylie had both taken the same tonic with no issues.

Kylie knew Lucinda was a good kid with a soft heart. She quickly walked over and gently helped her up. Lucinda, your sister isn't blaming you. She's just saying your grandfather's health is complicated. We need to be careful about what he eats or drinks."

Lucinda sniffled and nodded, looking pitiful. "I understand, Mom, Dad. I promise, I won't randomly make tonics for you anymore."

"Lucinda, your dad and I are totally fine. Don't blame yourself," Kylie said, her voice gentle. She really didn't want Lucinda to feel guilty. The girl meant well, even if things went sideways.

Suddenly, Cameron let out a sharp gasp.

Kylie spun around and saw sweat beading on his forehead. His face had gone pale, and he was holding one side of his jaw, clearly in pain.

Honey, what's wrong?" Her heart skipped a beat, and she rushed to steady him.

Cameron clutched his cheek, struggling to speak. "My... tooth. It just started hurting, all of a sudden. It's awful."

Lydia stepped forward, took his wrist, and checked his pulse. You overdid it with the tonics. It's making you inflamed. I'll give you both some medicine. Take it for a couple days and you'll feel better."

Kylie looked at Lydia, her nerves showing. "Lydia, do I have to take it too?"

She hated bitter medicine more than anything.

Lydia nodded. Just for two days. It'll help.

Watching all this, Lucinda's hands balled up tight. Anger flickered across her face.

She was sure Lydia was doing this on purpose. Her dad had always struggled with toothaches, and her mom wasn't even sick. Yet Lydia insisted it was the tonic's fault. She was obviously trying to make Lucinda look bad, and her parents were just believing every word. Why did they trust Lydia so much?

As Lucinda was fuming, the doors to the operating room swung open. Doctors and nurses rolled out Mr. Norwood, who was still unconscious.

Cameron and Kylie hurried over, anxiety written all over their faces.

Dr. Simpson walked up to greet them. Mr. and Mrs. Norwood, please relax. The surgery went perfectly. You have your little miracle doctor to thank. Without her, I really don't know what would have happened."

Pride and relief flashed across Cameron and Kylie's faces as they listened to Dr. Simpson praise their daughter.

We never thought she'd be so skilled at such a young age. Thank you and your team, too," Cameron said, his voice warm.

Dr. Simpson waved him off. "We didn't do much. The credit goes to her. You really should thank her properly. And one more thing-those herbs, no matter how valuable, shouldn't be thrown together in one pot like that. It's dangerous. It could have been fatal."

He shook his head, still in disbelief. Only the richest families would casually toss such rare herbs into a stew. If they'd used them properly, those ingredients could have helped so many people. What a waste.

Cameron and Kylie felt another jolt of fear run through them. They nodded quickly, full of gratitude.

After Mr. Norwood was settled in the ICU, Kylie suddenly felt lightheaded. She leaned against the wall, unsteady on her feet.