Chapter 40 Skillfully Undressed

Lucas led Sloane into a room carefully arranged like a treatment clinic. Medical equipment and traditional herbal instruments wereid out in neat order,

everything spotless and well–prepared.

“Take a look. Let me know if anything’s missing. Andrew can handle the rest,” Lucas said.

Sloane nced around and gave a slight nod. “You’ve prepared everything well. I’ll let Andrew know if we need anything else.”

Lucas pointed toward a wall lined with drawers. “The herbs from Everherb Hall are stored over there. Some rare ones are still being sourced–they’ll send them over as soon as they arrive.”

“No rush.” Sloane walked to the herb cab, opened a drawer, and inspected the contents. “These are top–quality.”

“Everherb Hall’s the biggest herbal supplier in the country. Their reputation’s solid,” Lucas said casually, opening a drawer of his own.

Sloane gave a small smile. iShe /iknew Everherb Hall’s standing better than he did. “Alright, I’ll take your pulse now.”

As she ced her fingers on his wrist, her brow furrowed slightly, carefully sensing the subtle shifts in his pulse.

After a moment, she withdrew her hand and spoke thoughtfully. “Looks like the herbal baths are working. Your recovery is holding steady, but the toxins are still deeply rooted. We’ll need to increase the dosage and continue with acupuncture.”

“Okay,” Lucas replied simply–then stood up and began unbuttoning his shirt without hesitation.

Sloane blinked, caught off guard. His slender, long fingers undid the first button with a practiced case. The motion was fluid, almost elegant. His skin was pale and smooth, veins faintly visible beneath–cool and beautiful in a way that made it hard to look away.

Her eyes were drawn to his movements as if maized. The second button

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Chapter 40 Skillfully Undressed

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slipped loose, his cor opened wide, and the firm lines of his chest came into view–each muscle well–shaped, defined, and brimming with life.

Lucas turned slightly and undid the remaining buttons in one fluid motion. His shirt slid from his shoulders and down his arms like silk.

Sloane suddenly felt her breath catch. She blinked hard, quickly turned away, and busied herself with the tools in the medical kit.

Only btedly did she realize–iWhy /iiwas /iishe /iilooking /iawayi? /iShe was the doctor. This wasn’t the first time she’d seen him shirtless.

Lucas, apparently unfazed, stripped off his trousers next andy face–down on the treatment bed, waiting.

Sloane brought over the sterilized tools and began disinfecting the needles. Her focus was intense, and Lucas couldn’t help but look at her.

She sensed his gaze but ignored it, concentrating fully as she inserted each needle into the designated acupoints with precision.

Lucas gritted his teeth through the stinging ache. Beads of sweat gathered on his forehead.

One needle after another, the pain built. Sweat trickled from his brow, soaking the sheets beneath him.

When thest needle slid into ce, Sloane exhaled deeply, only then realizing that her back was soaked with sweat too.

Every session took an immense toll on her mentally and physically,

By the time she removed all the needles, she waspletely spent.

Sloane copsed into the chair beside the bed, too drained to even lift a hand and wipe the sweat from her forehead.

Lucasy prone, chest rising and falling heavily, sweat trailing down his face and neck, dampening the sheets around him.

The pain of the procedure had pushed him to his limit.

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After a while, Sloane finally caught her breath. Her voice was hoarse. “Rest for now. The medicine will take effect gradually. You might feel a little difort tonight, but it’s all within control.”

Lucas turned his head and frowned when he saw how exhausted she was. Despite his own weakness, he pushed himself up on his hands and slowly sat upright.