Falling For My Ex's Uncle - Chapter 334: Chapter 334

This was the first time I'd seen Maddox lose his temper like this, ultimately abandoning his usual composed and refined demeanor. He didn't seem to care at all about the others being present.
'The people here aren't idiots. Zachary wouldn't lie. It's clear—someone must have taken advantage of the chaos to abduct him.'
'I don't understand. When we were away yesterday, Melody had the perfect chance to take Zachary without anyone noticing. So why did she choose today to make her move?'
'If it hadn't been for Alex's unexpected visit, Maddox would've gone to the office after breakfast, just like usual.'
Today, however, he left it to Isaac to go alone and stay at home.
'If Zachary is gone, I'll be the one taking the blame. But why is Melody acting so urgently? Does she know I'm planning to leave the Parks family, and now she's desperate, trying to make a move first?'
'Is she trying to use Maddox to take back the shares I held in the Parks Group?'
'Any rational person would realize that targeting me was not wise. Not only am I carrying a child from the Herrera family, but when it comes to the inheritance, even if something were to happen to me, the shares would go straight to Alex.'
'I thought it through, and the only way for her to get rid of Zachary and force me out of the Parks family is to make Maddox hate me and throw me out. It's the perfect way to kill two birds with one stone.'
"Laurel, where did you find Zachary?" Sophina leaned closer, her voice a whisper.
"In the room around the corner," I replied flatly.
Sophina looked confused, hesitating before asking, "But we searched every room on the third floor. We didn't find him."
"Don't overthink it. Zachary's safe now, isn't he?" I gently patted her shoulder.
"Laurel, I'll keep a closer eye on Zachary next time," she promised.
'I nodded, knowing Melody would likely stay quiet for a while, not daring to act recklessly again.'
After lunch, I considered stepping outside for some fresh air. I got up with Alex and called Sophina and Zachary to join us. As we reached the door, Drew followed us in case something unexpected happened.
Alex and I got into a private car. The atmosphere inside was heavy and silent.
"Laurel, are you planning to stay at the Parks family for long?" Alex's gaze fell on me, his eyes filled with a hint of curiosity.
'The sudden disappearance of Zachary was too strange, yet Maddox didn't seem to react strongly or investigate further. It is evident to anyone paying attention that something else was at play. With Alex's sharpness, there's no way he overlooked that.'
I leaned back in my seat, tilting my head slightly as I thought momentarily. "I probably won't be here much longer. Isn't the industrial park project in Nifelheim City starting soon?"
Alex nodded silently, his expression thoughtful. After a long pause, he asked quietly, "Then why did you go back to the Parks family in the first place?"
A shiver ran through me, unprepared for his bluntness. Surprised, I looked up at him, a smile tugging at the corner of my lips. "Because only a daughter of the Parks family is worthy of you," I said.
Alex froze, his body stiffening as his gaze lowered to me.
While he was missing, I had no choice but to enter the Parks family, despite it being dangerous, all for self-preservation.
'After all, I'm Maddox's biological daughter. Even if I had to force him to accept me, that bloodline connection would still offer me some protection.'
'The value I could bring was significant in a powerful family like the Parks family. In some ways, I was worth far more than Kailyn. But the truth was, my return to the Parks family wasn't just about self-preservation.'
I turned my head, deliberately avoiding his intense, probing gaze, and spoke softly, "Let's head to the traditional medicine clinic first."
Alex froze at that mention, and I saw how his hand tightened unconsciously on his leg. I could tell he was about to refuse.
'I knew what he was worried about—he was afraid his injuries would be exposed, and any weakness could become a fatal vulnerability.'
Before he could speak, I interrupted. "Don't worry. I've already sent Sophina to take Zachary to the mall to wait for us."
"I know you're worried about your injuries being discovered. But I'll be with you. It's just a quick check-up, maybe some medication. If you don't treat that wound on your leg soon, it'll only get worse. You may not care for yourself but should consider the future."
Alex's lips parted as if he wanted to say something but hesitated. Ultimately, he didn't refuse, merely nodding lightly in silent agreement.
Following the address from the business card, we parked near the traditional medicine clinic. After asking a passerby for directions, we walked down a narrow cobblestone path leading to a pair of red, weathered wooden doors.
The faded paint and intricately carved golden plaque suggested the place had been around for some time.
As I stepped inside, a delicate, calming aroma of medicinal plants filled the air, settling around me and easing my mind. An elderly doctor, his hair as white as snow, sat at a wooden desk, his reading glasses perched on the bridge of his nose as he carefully examined the materials before him.
At the sound of our footsteps, he looked up, his gaze warm as it passed through the lenses of his glasses. "Are you here for treatment?"
I nodded slightly, about to speak, but Alex beat me. "Check her, please. She hasn't slept well lately, and her energy is completely drained."
I followed his lead, softly adding, "Yes, doctor. Could you please take a look?"
The doctor rose from his chair and gestured for me to sit on a nearby examination stool. He placed his fingers lightly on my wrist and closed his eyes for a moment as he assessed my condition.
After a few seconds, he inspected my tongue, carefully checking my condition. His brow furrowed slightly. "Young lady, you're carrying too much on your mind. Your thoughts are knotted, weighing on your heart. You need to ease your mind. I'll prescribe some calming medications for you. Take walks outside, let your thoughts drift."
As he spoke, he began writing up a prescription.
Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Alex visibly relax. I took the prescription from him and then turned to the doctor. "Could you also check Alex? He was injured recently, especially his leg. It hasn't healed properly."
A flicker of panic flashed in Alex's eyes, and he was about to refuse when the doctor smiled and approached. "Sir, extend your hand."
The doctor examined his leg for what felt like an eternity, his expression gradually turning serious. "You've been careless with that leg injury. The wound wasn't treated properly, and you didn't take proper care of it. If you wait any longer, it could turn into a chronic issue."
My heart tightened as I looked at Alex. He kept his head down, silent.
"Please don't worry, doctor. Whatever medication you recommend, we'll follow your instructions to the letter," I said.
The doctor sighed, "Take these for now, but the injury on your leg will need acupuncture. We'll try two needles today to see how it goes."
After the treatment, we left the traditional medicine clinic.
"Do you feel anything in your right leg?" I asked.
Alex shook his head, his expression a bit downcast.
"Don't worry, take your time, it'll get better," I reassured him.
He looked up at me, forcing a bitter smile.
"The doctor showed me some massage techniques earlier. I'll do it every day from now on," he said.