Chapter 230: Elena Ward Gave a Slight Nod

"Good day, Mr. Kingsley."

Elena Ward gave a slight nod, her gaze steady as she regarded the man before her.

Julian Kingsley acknowledged her with a cool nod. "Dr. Ward, follow me." He gestured with detached politeness, his tone distant.

The university president hurried after them, his brow furrowed. "How has the old man been these past two days?"

"Not well." Julian Kingsley shook his head, his voice heavy. "Experts from across the country have examined him, and they all say the same thing—he's in a vegetative state. Some claim he might wake tomorrow, others say he may never regain consciousness."

He paused, casting a pointed glance at Elena. "The last doctor we consulted was a renowned traditional physician, descended from imperial court doctors. He administered acupuncture twice—to no effect."

Elena pressed her lips together. The implied jab was unmistakable.

They passed through a corridor and entered the inner courtyard. The moment the door opened, the thick scent of medicinal herbs and stale air assaulted them. Elena couldn't help but frown.

Several elderly physicians were gathered around the bed, engaged in heated debate.

"I told you acupuncture was a mistake! Now not only is the old man still unconscious, but his mouth is twisted too! Some 'renowned physician'—more like a quack!"

"One wrong move with acupuncture can be fatal. At his age, he shouldn't risk his reputation like this."

The university president paled and pushed through the crowd. "Let me see!"

Elena followed, falling into step beside Julian Kingsley. The man deliberately shifted half a step away, his eyes filled with distrust.

The elderly man on the bed was gaunt, his once-peaceful face now distorted by a lopsided mouth. Drool trickled down his chin.

The president took a towel from a nurse and wiped his father's face with trembling hands. For the first time, he questioned his decision to bring Elena here.

"President Kingsley," one of the senior doctors said gravely, "the old man can't endure any more reckless treatments. It's best to avoid unverified remedies from so-called miracle workers."

Leah Young couldn't stay silent. "Dr. Ward is formally employed by the military hospital!"

Every eye turned toward them.

Elena stepped forward calmly. "President Kingsley, may I examine him?"

Her composure eased the president's nerves slightly, and he moved aside.

Elena took the old man's frail wrist. As her healing force flowed through her, the diagnosis became clear—rage and grief had festered into illness. The old man chose not to wake. The previous doctor's acupuncture hadn't been wrong; it had merely unblocked one meridian while another remained obstructed.

"He can be treated," she said, looking up.

The president's eyes widened with hope. "How?"

"Acupuncture."

The moment the word left her lips, the senior physicians' expressions darkened.

"President Kingsley," the lead doctor said sternly, "we've said all we can. If you insist on letting an inexperienced girl experiment, we can no longer oversee this case. Goodbye."

The president hesitated, glancing at his nephew for guidance.

Julian Kingsley slowly shook his head.