The Second Life of a Discarded Heiress novel Chapter 188

"Yes, it's beautiful," Manley nodded, though he couldn't bear to spoil the little girl's excitement.

Suddenly, Citrine looked up at him, her expression serious. "Uncle Manley, your legs aren't completely beyond hope. They can be healed."

Hearing Citrine say that, Manley didn't respond right away, but something inside him softened.

He reached out and gently ruffled Citrine's hair, his voice full of fondness. "Thank you for trying to comfort me, Citrine. But I've already accepted things as they are."

"I'm not just trying to comfort you," Citrine explained earnestly. "It's the truth."

"Citrine, I've been like this for years now. I'm used to it. Even if I can't stand up again, it's alright."

By the end, Manley's eyes clouded over completely. He knew all too well—perhaps better than anyone—how desperately he wanted to walk again. Over the years, he'd consulted countless top doctors, and every single one had told him there was no cure. He'd given up hope long ago.

Citrine gazed at him for a long moment before she finally spoke. "Uncle Manley, the Viridis Medical Institute just opened a branch in Havencrest. I'm sure they can help you."

At the mention of the Viridis Medical Institute, a visible shadow passed over Manley's face.

"Viridis Medical Institute isn't someplace you can just walk into," he sighed. "Every day, thousands of wealthy people are lining up for a chance. People like me don't even get close."

Even though the Carmichael family wielded considerable influence in Havencrest, it wasn't enough to open doors at an international medical center like Viridis. Pulling strings and backdoor favors simply wouldn't work there.

On the day of Viridis's grand opening, he'd tried to see the director himself. He waited an entire day, but never even got a glimpse of the man.

A few days later, he tried again, only to be told that appointments for this year and the next were already fully booked. The earliest available slot was two years away.

He could wait—he had plenty of patience. But his legs couldn't.