Once a Doormat Now Untouchable (Caleb and Sydney) novel Chapter 308

**Chapter 308**

Beside her, the middle-aged man emanated an aura of authority that seemed to have been forged through decades spent in positions of power. His presence was so formidable that it naturally created a barrier, keeping others at a respectful distance.

Alan stood a few paces away, raising his hand to beckon Sydney. “Syd, come here. I need you to examine Madam Hutton’s legs. We have to see if there’s still a glimmer of hope.” His voice was steady, but there was an underlying urgency that hinted at the weight of their situation.

The others in the room exchanged uncertain glances, their hesitance palpable.

After a moment of contemplation, the man’s brow furrowed deeper. “Mr. Conton, we came here today with the specific hope that you might be able to treat my wife.” His voice carried a mixture of desperation and expectation, a plea that echoed in the silent room.

It wasn’t that they were against allowing this young woman a chance; it was simply that Florence Doakes’s affliction had lingered for far too long. They had taken her from one hospital to another, and while the doctors had offered polite reassurances, the diagnoses had been unyielding—incurable, permanent paralysis.

Since that grim day, Florence had resolutely turned her back on the medical profession. It had taken a mountain of persuasion to convince her to make this final journey. If Sydney’s efforts fell short, the family feared Florence would never consent to seek help again.

Alan had spoken of Sydney as his protégé, one of the brilliant minds behind Sterling Corp.’s groundbreaking cancer treatment. Yet, the realms of research and practical treatment were worlds apart, and doubt lingered like a shadow.

Nevertheless, Sydney brushed aside their skepticism. She approached the wheelchair with a quiet determination, crouching down to meet Florence’s gaze. “Madam, may I examine your legs?” she asked, her voice gentle yet resolute.

The Huttons tensed, a collective anxiety gripping them as they silently prayed that Florence would agree.

“I’m willing,” Florence replied, her voice steady despite the years of disappointment. “But doctors declared these legs beyond help long ago. Are you certain you wish to proceed?”

“Absolutely,” Sydney affirmed, her conviction unwavering.

The Huttons gasped, their expressions transforming into something akin to awe, as if a precious gem had suddenly materialized before them.

Florence’s brows furrowed slightly in confusion. “Young lady, what did you just say?”

“Madam, your legs can be healed,” Sydney replied, her tone careful and measured. “However, it will require at least six months of treatment, with two or three sessions each week. Once we begin to restore sensation, you’ll need ongoing acupuncture for a while.”

She assessed the situation, estimating that signs of improvement could manifest in as little as four months, but she chose to allow for a more cautious timeline. Medicine was fraught with uncertainties, and setbacks were always a possibility.

The middle-aged man, his stern demeanor softening into barely contained excitement, gestured for a maid to assist his wife in sitting up. “Young lady, are you telling me you are fully confident in your ability to cure my wife?” His voice trembled with a mix of hope and disbelief, as if he were afraid to fully embrace the possibility.