Elle’s POV
. I placed all my hopes on the director, my emotions a volatile mix of anticipation and fear as I worried about Susan’s deteriorating condition. The weight of
responsibility pressed down on my shoulders like a suffocating blanket.
The director studied the ancient potion bottle in his hands, his weathered face creased with concentration. “As long as we can analyze the components of this medication, we can create an antidote,” he said slowly. “However, these ancient alchemical remedies have special properties that evolve over time.”
I handed him Susan’s medical analysis report with trembling fingers. “Her bodily functions are failing rapidly.”
The director frowned as he reviewed the data. “The rate of deterioration seems unusually fast for someone her age…”
“She’s been under extreme emotional stress lately,” I added quickly. “Ever since she found out about my pregnancy, she’s been in a constant state of anxiety.”
Understanding dawned in his eyes. “Ah, that explains it. The dramatic hormonal fluctuations triggered the latent symptoms. I know how to handle this. He turned toward his laboratory. “I’ll begin preparing the antidote immediately.”
For the first time in days, my heart felt a fraction lighter.
Stella appeared beside me with a steaming cup of tea, her maternal warmth a balm to my frayed nerves. “Don’t worry, sweetheart. Everything will be fine.”
I accepted the tea gratefully, inhaling the soothing herbal scent. “Mom, I’m okay. Really, don’t worry about me.”
Two days crawled by before the director finally emerged from his laboratory, carrying two vials and accompanied by a rabbit and a monkey in separate
carriers.
‘I’ve simulated the medication’s effects and timeline,” he explained, setting up his equipment. “Since this ancient alchemical potion was used without proper clinical trials when it was first created, there are definite risks involved. We can only use animal models to test the efficacy for now. If you notice anything concerning during the experiment, please alert me immediately to stop the process.”
He wheeled the animals and equipment into the inner laboratory while I remained outside, watching the proceedings through a large monitor. My heart
hammered against my ribs as anxiety consumed me.
If this research failed, how could I face Susan? The thought of losing the one person who had truly loved and cared for me was unbearable.
The director and his assistant secured the test animals and began administering the aging potion that mimicked Susan’s condition. Through the computer monitor, I watched in horrified fascination as the animals‘ organs began rapidly deteriorating.
Martin monitored the data carefully, comparing the animals‘ deterioration levels to Susan’s current state. When the decline matched her condition, he
signaled the laboratory team.
The researchers injected the antidote into the animals‘ bloodstreams.
I held my breath, watching as the animals‘ organs immediately stopped deteriorating. Life force began returning to their bodies in real–time.
‘Holy shit, that’s incredible!” I whispered, stunned by the precision and power of Blair family alchemy. “It’s actually working!”
1/3
Chapter 250
As minutes passed, the animals‘ vital signs gradually returned to normal ranges.
I jumped up in celebration, tears of relief streaming down my face. “Yes! Finally, we did it!
Martin instructed the director to prepare a separate dose specifically for Susan, carefully placing it in a specialized temperature–controlled container.
With the precious antidote in my hands, I was ready to return to Moonshade Bay immediately. But when we reached the surface, I stopped dead in my
tracks.
The previously peaceful private island was now the site of massive construction activity. Heavy machinery and workers swarmed everywhere, completely
transforming the landscape that had been serene just two days ago.
I turned to Martin, who looked equally bewildered.
“What the hell is going on?” I asked, my confusion mounting. Maybe Eleanor had ordered this?
A worker approached us quickly. “Sir, Madam, Miss, the old lady is waiting for you up ahead.”
The three of us exchanged puzzled glances but followed him to a temporary tent that had been erected nearby.
Inside, Eleanor was directing servants as they arranged furniture, clearly preparing for an extended stay.
Eleanor’s sharp eyes immediately focused on the container in my hands. “You got it?”
I frowned at her blunt question. “Yes, it’s ready. Grandmother, what’s the meaning of all this?”
Eleanor’s expression was grim as she gestured around us. “Exactly what it looks like. Starting today, all important Blair family assets will be transported here. Except for the ancestral estate and our public holdings, all crucial alchemical equipment and research materials have been packed and are being
moved.”
Martin stepped forward, confusion clear in his voice. “Mom, what’s happening? Why are we packing up everything and moving it here? We were living perfectly well in Moonshade Bay. Our businesses, our properties…”
Eleanor cut him off sharply. “We can’t protect any of it anymore. Harper is handling the aftermath.”
My heart sank at the mention of Harper. “Aunt Harper? What is she dealing with? What happened?‘
Eleanor’s weathered face showed resignation. ‘I never intended to hide anything from you permanently. When Harper returns, you’ll know everything.” She gestured toward the construction around us. “This building project will take half a month to complete before we have proper living quarters for everyone. These modular components were flown in and just need to be assembled like building blocks. We’ll have our new sanctuary soon enough.”
I felt more confused than ever. I started to turn away. “I need to get back to Moonshade Bay immediately to get this to Susan…”
One of Eleanor’s assistants stepped into my path.
‘Grandmother, I’m the rightful Blair family heir now, aren’t I?”
Eleanor’s voice was firm but not unkind. “Someone will deliver the medication for you. I have more important matters to discuss with you. Precisely because you’re the Blair family heir and carrying a child with potentially special bloodline, you need to hear what’s coming.”
The assistant bowed respectfully. “Miss, my apologies. I can handle the delivery personally.”
2/3
20:14 Mon, Dec 29
Chapter 250
Eleanor made her promise clear. “Susan needs treatment as soon as possible to escape danger. I know. You have my word. She will get it.
I reluctantly agreed. I want to see live footage of the treatment.”
The assistant took the container. “Yes, Miss.” Then departed.
Back in the tent, someone had arranged a comfortable seat for me with a cushion for my back. Martin and Stella settled beside me.
Eleanor set down her teacup. We’ll wait a bit longer. Harper should return soon. Everything will be explained once she arrives.”
I couldn’t understand why we had to wait for Harper specifically. She’d been absent even during my return to the Blair family–such a significant event. I suspected whatever Harper brought back was connected to what Eleanor wanted to tell us.
With Susan’s situation handled, I felt marginally calmer. I noticed the Indonesian island’s perpetual heat, grateful for the tent’s cooling system.
Lost in thought, I heard airplane engines approaching overhead.
Eleanor’s expression shifted. “Finally!”
A chill of foreboding ran through me.
Comments
1
Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.
