The War God Alpha's Arranged Bride (Evelyn and Alexander) novel Chapter 165

**Steps Along Forgotten Roads**
By Sophia Reed

**Chapter 165: A Doctor’s Opinion**

[Evelyn’s POV]

What in the world?!!

I nearly launched my tea across the patio in shock. My hand flew to my mouth, stifling a cough that erupted uncontrollably. Henry’s eyes widened, filled with genuine concern.

He shifted forward in his chair, his hand reaching across the table to rest gently on my shoulder, a silent offer of support.

“Are you alright?” he asked, his voice laced with worry.

Grappling for control, I focused on my breathing, inhaling deeply and exhaling slowly. I brushed away the sudden sting of tears that threatened to spill from my eyes and finally managed to articulate the words that had lodged in my throat.

“Did you just say Hemlock?” I gasped, my voice barely above a whisper.

Henry nodded reluctantly, a hint of dread shadowing his features.

“I didn’t believe it myself at first,” he replied, his tone grave. “I had the tests done at least half a dozen times, and each time, the results were consistent.”

I shook my head slowly, my mind racing to comprehend the gravity of the situation. My own harrowing experiences with Belladonna had been challenging, but nothing compared to the implications of Hemlock. While Belladonna was often utilized under the guise of medical treatment, Hemlock was a different beast entirely. It was a substance shrouded in danger, illegal to sell or possess due to its notorious lethality.

Its deadly properties were far more potent than those of Belladonna.

“That’s primarily why I needed to speak with you,” Henry continued, his expression serious. “I had to understand what we were dealing with because there’s no known antidote for Hemlock poisoning.”

Oh my God.

The realization hit me like a punch to the gut. I had suspected Isabella of sabotaging Edward’s treatments, but to think she would resort to Hemlock was unfathomable. Yet, in hindsight, I should have anticipated such a vile act.

Isabella was a master of malevolence, and I was determined to ensure she faced the consequences for her myriad of misdeeds.

“I had no inkling it was Hemlock,” I confessed, still struggling to wrap my head around the revelation. “I sensed something was off, but this… this is beyond my imagination.”

Henry regarded me with a cautious expression, as if bracing himself for the next words that might escape my lips.

“You know who was tampering with your brother’s treatments, don’t you?”

“Yes,” I replied, my voice steady despite the turmoil inside me. “But I lack the evidence to prove it.”

He nodded, understanding etched on his face. “I think I might be able to assist you in uncovering it.”

My heart raced at his words. “How?”

“To properly administer Hemlock in Edward’s IV bags, it would have to be liquified and distilled,” he explained, his tone matter-of-fact. “That means they likely boiled the Hemlock leaves down in water. This method slightly diminishes its potency, though not by much. It’s still incredibly dangerous, but it would take longer to manifest its effects.”

“So that’s why it took longer for him to show symptoms?” I asked, piecing together the information.

“Most likely. Don’t misunderstand me; it’s lethal in any form. But this individual you suspect is cunning enough to manipulate the situation, making it seem as though Edward was simply reacting poorly to the treatments. They are intelligent and exceedingly dangerous.”

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