08:20
Chapter 260
Chapter 260
In the Ashcroft Family estate, Miranda carefully sterilized the silver needles she’d just used, watching the grime that had dulled them vanish, leaving behind a bright, silver gleam. Meanwhile, the visible vapors of impurities were still drifting away from Mr. Ashcroft’s back.
With each release of these impurities, Mr. Ashcroft’s complexion noticeably improved. His cheeks flushed with color, no longer appearing like someone whose spirit was willing, but the flesh was not.
Now, he looked lively and vigorous, a picture of strength and vitality. The aura of an old general’s steadfastness became even more pronounced.
Elian lounged lazily against the back of the couch where Miranda was seated, his head tilted as he watched her every move. “So, I notice normally you’ve kept some needles hidden, where do you stash them, Miranda?” he finally asked, curiosity having gnawed at him for a while.
He knew Miranda always carried a bunch of silver needles, either to protect herself or to heal others. And she often left them behind, not bothering to retrieve them. He’d held back his curiosity for long enough but couldn’t resist asking any longer.
Elian had seen almost every top–ranked assassination tool in the world and had crossed paths with many. He’d researched them and seen a deadly weapon resembling needles before, but none that seemed as innocuous
as Miranda’s.
Those he knew as weapons were built for strength and lethality. But Miranda’s seemed delicate, not capable of tampering with any poison, like they wouldn’t do more than a tickle from an ant. Yet, he knew very well that in Miranda’s hands, these needles could be lethal.
Mr. Ashcroft shared his curiosity. He’d seen his fair share of strange and wondrous things -enough to consider himself worldly – but he’d never seen someone like this girl use acupuncture with such mastery that it made him, a staunch materialist, start to question his beliefs.
If he hadn’t lived in an actual world, he almost believed magical power existed out there. While Miranda didn’t have any intention to conceal it.
“Well, the set I use for treatments isn’t the same as the ones I carry around every day.”
As she packed up the needles she’d used on Mr. Ashcroft, she explained, “The ones I carry are mass–produced. They can be used for healing, but mostly they’re for self–defense. I don’t mind leaving them behind.”
“Oh, I see. So there’s a quality difference in these needles?” Mr. Ashcroft had assumed all acupuncture needles
were the same.
Miranda smiled. “Of course. It’s like different grades of gemstones. Higher quality gems have a greater impact on the wearer, offering warmth and even protection. The needles are similar; the material and craftsmanship affect their efficacy.”
To treat Mr. Ashcroft, she had refined her needles specifically for this purpose. The original silver needles produced by her godmother’s people weren’t up to par with what she demanded for curing Mr. Ashcroft.
“Ah, I see,” Mr. Ashcroft nodded, impressed. “I’ve learned something new today.”
Elian’s intense gaze was fixed on Miranda’s profile.
“As to where I hide the needles,” she said with a smile as she gazed at Mr. Ashcroft, “It must be easier than you guys hiding a gun, right?”
Indeed, a gun was much bulkier than a slim needle. Miranda could easily conceal hundreds of them. The trick wasn’t hiding them but deploying them.
She wore a ring on her finger that connected to the needles. With a simple flick, a needle or multiple ones would be ready in her palm, much like chambering a bullet.
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The ring was custom–made for her by her godmother’s men before she’d left prison, crafted with top–tier materials. Its simple design meant it went unnoticed.
She didn’t share details about the ring it was her secret weapon, after all. No need to disclose everything
Mr. Ashcroft, sensing this, didn’t press further. But Miranda’s use of “you guys” caught his attention, making him glance knowingly at Elian as if apprehending something.
Elian raised an eyebrow and looked at the ring on Miranda’s right middle finger. Then, with a swift, athletic move, he swung his long legs over the couch and landed smoothly beside her, exuding a mischievous charm.
Mr. Ashcroft frowned slightly. He was growing concerned about Elian. Once, he thought no woman could match Elian, but now, things changed, he wondered if Elian was worthy of Miranda.
Miranda didn’t even spare Elian a glance, continuing to pack her things.
“You said this was the last treatment, right?” Elian asked. ‘Is he fully recovered?”
Miranda nodded. “Yes, Mr. Ashcroft’s body is completely detoxed. He won’t need medication to maintain his health anymore and shouldn’t experience any more symptoms. From now on, he’ll live the rest of his life as a normal elder would, with a healthy body.”
As Mr. Ashcroft heard this, his eyes glistened with emotion, a picture of exhilaration.
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