Chapter 26
Chapter 26
Dr. Mulach adjusted his tie, ensuring its perfection before he smiled at his reflection and exited his car. Stepping out into the parking lot across. Tranquil Haven Rehabilitation Center, he took a moment to appreciate. the serene surroundings.
The dim glow of street lamps cast long shadows on the asphalt, and the crisp Illinois air hinted at the approaching dawn. The sky transitioned from the deep hues of night to a soft palette of purples and blues.
The reason Dr. Mulach chose this place was his love for the cold. Growing up in a location without snow, living in Illinois had always been a dream.
He tapped his jacket, ensuring the cash was still there before proceeding towards the rehabilitation center.
However, just before reaching the center’s door, he heard another car nearby. Turning, his eyes widened at the sight of a police vehicle.
“Dr. Mulach?” a man in a black uniform called out. “Yes, good morning, officers. How may | help you?” The officer paused, scrutinizing Dr. Mulach. “Please come with us.
“What?” Dr. Mulach’s face immediately turned ugly.
It was almost noon when Sofia woke up. After a quick stretch, she took a bath. Currently staying in the guest room of Alexander’s house, she didn’t want to go to the office right away after the incident that left her shaken. However, she knew she had to face recent events.
After donning decent office clothing, she grabbed her things and made her
M
M
way to the kitchen for something to eat.
UN 14:28
“Eh?” she froze upon seeing Alexander in the living room, talking on his phone.
Why was this man here? She thought he would be at his office, considering it was a workday. As the chairman of the Beaumont Empire, he must be busy.
Luckily, he didn’t notice her as he was facing the floor-to-ceiling windows that offered a view of the city. She quickly turned around, not intending to disturb him.
“Ah, glad that you’re awake,” she heard him say.
She turned towards Alexander; it seemed his call had already ended.
“Are you going to the kitchen?” he asked.
“Y—-Yes.”
“Just reheat the breakfast that | made. | did not wake you up. | know you. were not able to have a good night's sleep last night.”
She stood there, unable to understand what he was trying to say. He made breakfast for her and even stayed at home. Was it all right for her to assume he did this all for her?
“Ah, before | forget... Dr. Mulach was arrested last night.” Almost immediately, her expression changed. “What did you say?” “Dr. Mulach is a wanted criminal in more than five countries. It is only right that the police would take him in.”
“Then what about my mother?” She quickly checked her phone, finding missed calls from Lawrence, Charlotte, and Daniel. She had forwarded all business calls to Miss Amores and turned her phone silent.
M
Chapter 26 0
OFYN 14:28
When she woke up, she assumed the calls were related to what happened last night. She thought they wanted to convince her to stay in the mansion, so she didn’t bother opening their text messages.
“Do not worry... | already sent a team of doctors under your name.” Seeing her reaction, he quickly said, “I apologize for overstepping...”
“No. 1-”
“| received some disturbing news last night. | chose not to tell you those things because of how shaken you were... however, instead of waiting. | had to make a move.”
She frowned, not understanding what he was trying to say. What move? They agreed that this marriage was self-serving. Both of them had their goals. Why was he doing something like this?
ea
“My mother died after | was born...” Alexander said. He walked towards the long couch and picked up a tablet, then handed it to her. “It took me long time to realize that she did not die of natural death. She had been poisoned... slowly.”
Sofia read the contents of the file that he opened. “This poison...”
“Only available in Asia. To be more specific, its source was only available. in Vietnam. Smuggling can be very difficult if one does not have a connection. For years, | have been searching for any clues of the one who poisoned my mother. To no avail.”
She continued reading the contents. “The poison was detected?” she asked.
“Three months ago... it was detected in Vancouver. Then in Alaska. As far as | know, it was already in the US.” “And you think that
“We found traces of it in the undaround market in Illinnic And right
M
M
N 06% 14:29
now, there is only one Asian doctor in this part of the state that has at connection to the underground market.”
“Dr. Mulach,” she uttered. “This poison....” After reading the first. symptoms, a part of her felt her limbs go numb. She swallowed. “These symptoms...” It was similar to her mother’s symptoms!
She found herself on the couch with him sitting beside her as she read the contents of the file for the second time.
Violet Slumber Blossom. This flora can only live within dense jungles. It has earned its notorious reputation for its potent yet deceivingly slow- acting toxicity. Locals, well aware of its danger, refer to it simply as “Lingering Lotus.”
Transporting this perilous plant is strictly prohibited, as its lethal potential unfolds in stages. A moderate dose induces a gradual descent into a coma- like slumber, leaving the unsuspecting victim ensnared in a web of silent danger.
Meanwhile, a higher dosage could easily kill someone. It does not have a particular smell or taste, and one can easily grind the petals of the plant. and dissolve it in water.This content © Nôv/elDr(a)m/a.Org.
“Do you think that he used this-” She swallowed her nonexistent saliva. “It said that it cannot be cured?” she asked. “At the time they published this article, there was no antidote- yet,” he said. “Then... what about now?”
“We found something that could neutralize it, but | cannot guarantee you that it would wake up someone who was already in a state of a coma. Perhaps it could help someone who just ingested the poison.”
Sofia clutched the tablet. She stared at the violet flower on the tablet and M
M
clenched her teeth. What a cruel plant!
OOFZN 14:29
Sofia had always been hesitant about how to approach Dr. Mulach, fearing he might do something crazy. Moreover, she did not want Lawrence to detect anything.
“| need to know if she was given the same poison...” She got up and looked at him. “Will you help me?”
“There is something else....” he too got up and took the tablet. “To induce a coma, it has to be given in very small doses over ten years.”
Sofia’s mouth dropped. She covered her mouth with her trembling hands. Ten years? What if...
She quickly made a decision. “I need you to check my blood too...” Sofia said as she closed her eyes. How could they be so cruel?