Chapter 1656:

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Ronan spoke in a grave tone. “Miss Wheeler’s spinal cord is completely damaged. This is an extremely challenging condition. Even if we proceed with surgery immediately, the risks are immense—worsened paralysis or severe complications could arise. Therefore, I strongly recommend opting for conservative treatment instead.”

Lindsay’s reaction was immediate, like the ground had crumbled beneath her feet. Her face turned ghostly pale, lips trembling as tears cascaded down her cheeks. Slumping in her wheelchair, she muttered in despair, “How did it come to this? What am I going to do now…”

Matthew’s brow furrowed deeply, his face etched with concern.

With concern, he turned to Ronan. “Is there really no way to fix this? Not even the slightest hope?”

Ronan shook his head, a heavy sigh escaping him. “With the current state of medical advancements and the severity of Miss Wheeler’s condition, finding a cure is nearly impossible. Complete spinal cord damage is one of the most formidable challenges we face.”

A tense silence hung in the room as Matthew absorbed the grim reality. After a moment, he murmured, “I understand.”

Stepping forward, he carefully tucked the test report into his hand. With a gentle pat on Lindsay’s shoulder, he said softly, “Lindsay, let’s head out.” Without waiting for a response, he wheeled her out of the consultation room.

Nearby, Stella had overheard everything. The diagnosis felt like a crushing weight on her chest, squeezing the breath from her lungs. Her gaze involuntarily drifted to Matthew. His face was a mosaic of emotions—helplessness, guilt, and a faint undercurrent of confusion.

The corridor stretched before them, oppressively silent, save for Lindsay’s quiet sobs, their sound echoing like a mournful cry through the empty hall.

Matthew paused, the weight of the moment settling like a heavy fog. He turned to Fernando, his voice cutting through the silence with the precision of a surgeon’s scalpel. “Reach out to other doctors overseas. If we find someone more suited to Lindsay’s needs, we’ll bring them to Seamarsh for a second opinion. If not, I’ll take her abroad myself for treatment.”

Fernando gave a quick nod, his reply sharp as a tack. “Understood, Mr. Clark. I’ll get on it right away.” As he made to leave, his gaze flicked to Stella, a glimmer of sympathy flashing in his eyes, followed by a soft, almost imperceptible sigh.

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Lindsay, overhearing Matthew’s plans, suddenly adopted a more considerate demeanor. She wiped away her tears, her voice thick with emotion. “Matthew, maybe… maybe I should just stick with Dr. Watts’ conservative treatment. You have so much on your plate with Prosperity Group every day. I don’t want to add another stone to your burden.”

Matthew gave a small, reassuring nod, his words measured. “I know what I’m doing. Don’t waste time worrying about it.”

His eyes lingered on Stella, who had remained silent through it all, and he added, almost instinctively, “And besides, Grandma’s been hoping to see you get better soon.”

The words landed like a stone in Lindsay’s chest, and a cold chill spread through her veins. She knew all too well how much Lucia adored Stella. If she recovered, it was no secret that Lucia would always favor Stella over her. But, wisely, Lindsay chose not to stir the pot; instead, she simply nodded, her acknowledgment faint but laden with unspoken thoughts.

At that moment, Stella’s phone buzzed, its shrill ring slicing through the tension in the corridor like a blade through silk. She glanced at the screen. It was Lucia.

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