As soon as Hera said that, everyone present was shocked.
The Ludden family was known for their scholarly background, strict rules, and upright family values, setting an example for the other influential families. It was unimaginable that anyone would dare to openly commit such a serious offense as poisoning Mary.
“If you don’t know how to diagnose, just say so. Don’t try to sow discord here. Just inciting Mary to stop taking her medication is enough to hold you criminally responsible.” Jane chuckled.
“Shut up.” Ralph glared at Jane.
Jane was taken aback. She didn’t think Ralph would actually believe it! However, on second thought, Ralph’s deep bond with Mary meant he wouldn’t tolerate anyone harming her in the slightest.
Thus, Hera’s words instantly captured Ralph’s attention.
“What do you mean by that?” Ralph looked at Hera sternly, clearly implying that if she didn’t explain herself properly, she wouldn’t be leaving the Ludden residence unscathed.
“I had Mrs. Ludden Senior stop her medication for a week to allow her body to metabolize the steroids she had been taking and to reduce the strain on her organs.
“Although the steroid medication has been discontinued, the steroids in her body have increased rather than decreased. This suggests that someone has secretly injected Mrs. Ludden Senior with steroids.
“The overdose of steroids has caused deep vein inflammation in her knees, leading to joint effusion and swelling. This has nothing to do with stopping the medication.”
“Is that really the case?” Ralph turned to Zaid.
Zaid found Hera’s words somewhat amusing. In his over 30 years of medical practice, he had never encountered a medication for rheumatoid arthritis that didn’t contain steroids.
He remarked, “Steroid medication isn’t the enemy. The condition of Mrs. Ludden Senior’s legs necessitates the use of steroids. If the dosage is properly managed, it won’t be harmful to her body. On the contrary, it can control the inflammation from rheumatoid arthritis.”
After a brief pause, he added, “Mrs. Ludden Senior has always relied on medication to prevent inflammation. Her current issue is that after stopping the medication, the inflammation returned. It wasn’t promptly treated, so it became infected.
“The effusion and swelling compressed the blood vessels, causing necrosis in her leg.”
Their diagnoses were completely contradictory, and even their approaches to medication were different.
Ralph’s brows furrowed deeply. On
one side was a family doctor he had worked with for over a decade, and on the other, a young girl who was not yet of age. Obviously, Zaid
seemed more credible.
Seeing the doubt on Ralph’s face, Andrew quickly said, “Ralph, you promised to give Hera a chance.”
Hera looked at Andrew in surprise.
His words made her realize that the
situation was more serious than
Qu
what Christopher had told on the way.
Since Andrew and his family placed so much trust in her, she couldn’t let them down. Most importantly, she couldn’t allow anyone to frame her!
“Mr. Andrew, pardon my bluntness,
but is she even a registered doctor?
Does she have any clinical
experience with rheumatoid
arthritis? You’re gambling with Mrs.
Ludden Senior’s life!
“Mrs. Ludden Senior has already driven Dr. Shadow away because of her. Are you trying to drive me away too?” Zaid brought up the miracle doctor.
In fact, it was a major taboo for a patient to consult two doctors simultaneously.
If they insisted on having Hera treat Mary, he definitely wouldn’t clean up the mess!
As expected, as soon as he said so, Ralph made his decision. He turned to Jane and asked, “Haven’t you contacted Ms. Chime yet?”
Andrew exclaimed, “Ralph!”
“I’ll call her now,” Jane said as she turned to leave and make the call.
“Have none of you noticed the needle marks on Mrs. Ludden Senior’s arm?” Hera suddenly asked.
“What?” someone blurted out.