Chapter 224: New Hope
By early afternoon, the Shephard estate had taken on a quieter, more formal atmosphere. The long oak-paneled hallway leading to the sitting room had been dusted, the chandelier above polished to a soft gleam. Everything was in place, but there was an undeniable edge of anticipation humming through the house.
Steve sat upright on the velvet couch, legs slightly trembling, his hands fidgeting with the hem of his sweater. Mara sat beside him, composed but alert, notebook in hand. Stanley leaned against the mantel, arms crossed, his eyes watchful. Stefan stood by the window, only half-present, eyes flicking occasionally to his phone as if he expected it to buzz again.
Mara rose and opened the door.
"Professor Arlen," she greeted warmly, stepping aside to let the tall, gray-haired man in. His wire-framed glasses caught the light, but his smile was gentle and sincere.
"Miss Shepherd. It’s good to finally meet you in person. And you must be Steve." He extended a hand, and Steve shook it carefully.
"Yes, sir," Steve said, voice low but respectful.
The professor took a seat across from them, setting his briefcase beside him. "You have a remarkable family, Steve. They’ve told me a great deal about your case—and your strength."
Steve glanced sideways at Mara, who gave him an encouraging nod.
"I’ve been reviewing the records," the professor continued, opening his case and pulling out a thin file. "You were diagnosed months ago. Your current treatment has stabilized some symptoms, but the degeneration continues."
Steve nodded, jaw tight. "Yeah. I can feel it."
The professor looked at him for a long moment. "What we’re proposing is a different kind of treatment. Experimental, yes. But based on promising research in neural regeneration and immune therapy. We’re not just trying to slow the disease—we’re aiming to reverse some of the damage."