Claimed by My Ex's Half-Brother-Chapter 178 What exactly is Patrick’s condition?

Chapter 178: Chapter 178 What exactly is Patrick’s condition?

Victoria’s POV

I walked out with the doctor and asked, "What exactly is Patrick’s condition? Does he have any chance of walking again?"

The doctor’s expression grew serious, clearly uncomfortable. "Miss Lancaster, these injuries can’t heal overnight. Even with the best treatment, recovery from bone and muscle trauma takes considerable time. We’re doing everything possible."

"Alright. Keep monitoring him and consider every possible option," I said firmly. My wolf Nora stirred restlessly within me. "Whatever the cost to heal him, I’m willing to pay it."

The doctor nodded. "Of course, we’ll do our best."

I stood outside Patrick’s door, my mind racing with conflicting thoughts, when the elevator doors slid open. Damian stepped out, his powerful Alpha presence immediately filling the corridor. I could smell his scent—smoky cedar mingled with midnight roses—before I even saw him. My wolf nature instantly went on alert, recognizing its mate despite my attempts to ignore it.

His penetrating gaze met mine, showing no surprise at finding me there.

"Why are you here?" I asked first, trying to ignore how my heart raced as he approached.

"How is Patrick?" he countered, his deep voice sending shivers down my spine.

"Same as before, no improvement," I replied, crossing my arms defensively.

The doctor I’d been speaking with cleared his throat. "I’ll go in now." He entered Patrick’s room, leaving me alone with Damian and another man I didn’t recognize.

"This is a specialist I brought," Damian explained, nodding toward the man. "Since the other doctors haven’t made progress, I thought we might need fresh expertise."

I studied the specialist, noting his calm, confident demeanor. "Worth a try," I agreed, surprised by Damian’s thoughtfulness. Right now, I craved any chance to help Patrick walk again.

"You’d better stay out here," I suggested to Damian. "Patrick won’t be happy to see you. His body hasn’t fully recovered yet—he needs emotional stability."

"Patrick doesn’t want to see me," Damian said, stepping closer until I could feel the warmth radiating from his body. "But what about you, Victoria? Do you miss me?"

I held my breath. Nora’s voice howled approval in my mind, urging me to close the distance between us.

"I should go in," I whispered, quickly turning away.

The specialist and I entered to find Patrick propped up in bed, his legs hidden beneath the covers.

His expression was rather unpleasant.

Patrick’s doctor had already told him about Damian’s specialist, and he radiated rejection. The room filled with wolf-like territorial awareness and anger, though it paled compared to an Alpha wolf’s power.

"Patrick, I found another orthopedic specialist to examine your legs," I explained, gesturing toward the doctor.

"I don’t need anyone!" Patrick’s face twisted in anguish. "Victoria, my legs can’t be healed. Please stop trying."

"How can you say that?" I moved closer to his bedside.

"How many doctors have I seen already?" His voice carried obvious desperation, choking slightly. "Every doctor gives me hope, but every doctor disappoints me. I can’t take any more disappointment." He glared at the specialist. "I don’t want him here. I don’t want more examinations. I’m tired of false hope!"

"But having hope is better than giving up," I argued, reaching to take his hand. "What if this doctor really can help?"

Patrick shook his head violently. "Make him leave."

Faced with his resistance, I felt helpless. His body language was full of refusal, as if he truly had given up completely.

The specialist tried to establish credibility by describing similar cases he’d successfully treated, but Patrick remained unmoved, eventually driving him out.

With no other choice, I accompanied the specialist back to the hallway.

As the door closed behind us, Damian was still waiting there, his tall frame leaning casually against the wall. His gaze followed our exit. "How did it go?"

The specialist sighed. "The patient refused treatment—wouldn’t even let me examine him."

"Patrick says he’s tired of disappointment," I added, rubbing my temples as a headache began to form. "He doesn’t want to go through it again."

"Interesting," the specialist mused. "Logically, he should have suffered severe trauma, but his color is remarkably good. Physically, he’s not showing typical symptoms of prolonged bed rest or chronic pain."

Damian narrowed his eyes. "Victoria, haven’t you ever suspected anything?"

"About what?" I asked, though the same doubts had been circling in my mind. Patrick’s scent didn’t carry the signs of severe physical suffering that injured wolves typically had.

"Listen," Damian lowered his voice, ensuring only I could hear, "tomorrow, dismiss all the medical staff—give them all a day off. Then we’ll come back and give Patrick the treatment he needs."

"What treatment plan?" I sensed Damian was plotting something devious.

A sinister smile played at his lips, making my heart tighten. "If he says he can’t stand and has no hope, we’ll create hope for him. Prosthetics work perfectly fine for walking. If those legs are useless, why keep them?"

I stared at him, understanding his strategy. It was ruthless but effective.

"That’s... actually not a bad idea."

I needed to understand Patrick’s true condition completely.

*** 𝕗𝗿𝕖𝐞𝐰𝗲𝕓𝐧𝕠𝕧𝗲𝐥.𝚌𝐨𝚖

I spent the night at my own place, tossing and turning as I mulled over Damian’s plan. In the morning, I arranged for all medical staff to take the day off, telling them Patrick needed rest.

When I arrived at Patrick’s apartment, he greeted me with obvious excitement. His eyes lit up when he realized it was just the two of us.

"Victoria," he said with a warm smile, "have you been busy lately? I wish you could visit me every day."

My wolf growled low, sensing the falseness in his words.

"Patrick," I said casually, sitting beside his bed, "can I see your legs? I’d like to massage them. I heard that when limbs don’t move for long periods, poor circulation causes them to atrophy."

His smile froze. "That’s not necessary. If you want to help, you could massage my shoulders."

He patted the spot beside him invitingly.

"About yesterday’s specialist," I pressed, watching his reaction carefully. "I did some research—he really is talented. Why not give him a chance?"

This immediately darkened his expression. "Victoria, do you think I’m a burden to you? Are you trying to heal my legs quickly so you can escape your responsibility?"

"That’s not what I meant," I protested, though Nora roared within me, sensing the manipulation in his words.

"Then what do you mean?" His gaze burned into me. "Are you saying you’re willing to take responsibility for me? In what way?"

I felt cornered. "I’ll be responsible for your care—ensuring all your needs are met. But if you mean emotional commitment, I can’t provide that, Patrick. Please let the specialist examine you to see if there’s still hope."

"I don’t need it," he insisted, anxiety making his scent turn strange. "That specialist works for Damian. Who knows if he’s here to help or harm me?"

At the mention of Damian, his voice filled with disgust, confirming my suspicions that their rivalry went beyond just me.

I stopped pressing and decided to continue with our plan. "I’ll get you some water."

I went to the kitchen, poured a glass of cool water, and returned to his room. The trap was set. Now we’d see what kind of person Patrick Wagner really was.