Queen of Wild Cards novel Chapter 25

Three days later.

Julius had endured unimaginable torment, but the swelling in his legs had completely vanished, along with the necrotic odor.

However, he knew he wasn't cured. His legs remained entirely paralyzed, the muscles nothing more than shriveled remnants beneath his skin. Stella had warned him that these three days would only stabilize the condition, but she had yet to reveal the next phase of the treatment.

*Whatever it is, I can take it,* he thought.

Still, he was astounded by her skills. Stabilizing his necrosis in just three days was something the world's top specialists had failed to do.

After lunch, Stella wheeled him back to his room. She was just about to ask when he planned to send someone to Frederick Hawthorne to retrieve the hundred-million wedding fund and the five properties. She was terrified Frederick would squander the money on his failing company, and she absolutely refused to let that snake profit.

Before she could speak, frantic knocking rattled the door.

Stella pulled it open to find Lisa looking terrified. "Sir, ma'am! It's terrible! The Matriarch has collapsed! Please come quickly!"

"Push me downstairs, now!" Julius commanded.

She had been perfectly fine during lunch. How could she collapse just walking up the stairs?

Julius frowned as the doctor left. *Overthinking?* She had been so worried about his legs, but now that he was clearly improving, what could be stressing her out?

Stella remained entirely silent, her eyes narrowed in thought.

By dinnertime, Nadine hadn't left her room. Too worried to eat, Julius and Stella went to check on her.

"She hasn't eaten a single bite since lunch," Lisa said, wringing her hands. "She says she has no appetite."

Julius rolled his wheelchair up to the bed. "You need to eat something to keep your strength up. How about I feed you?"