Chapter 962 A Lifetime
Joseph's icy stare conveyed a clear warning, causing the butler to lower his head in fear, refraining from uttering another word.
After briefly locking eyes with the butler, Joseph averted his gaze, directing his attention toward the distant night sky. He spoke in a solemn tone, emphasizing Catherine's role within the family.
“She has been raised as a member of the Rogers family, and her destiny is intrinsically tied to our family's welfare. She may never marry again in this lifetime, but her true value lies in her ability to protect her younger brother and eliminate any obstacles in his path. Only by fulfilling this role can she truly realize her significance.”
With that said, Joseph didn't linger and headed toward the blood-drawing room, leaving the butler to contemplate the situation.
The butler observed Joseph's departure and then glanced out of the window toward the distant shrine. He sighed internally, reflecting on the unfortunate fate of noble-born women.
Their potential often went unrecognized, and they were frequently sacrificed for the ambitions of their male family members. It was a harsh reality, especially in a family where male heirs were prioritized over daughters.
He silently wished for a better life for Catherine in her next incarnation, one free from the burdens and constraints of her noble lineage.
Meanwhile, in the infirmary, the divine physician turned to Stephanie and advised, “Please arrange for someone to prepare a medicinal bath. We will have the child soak in it for a while.”
Stephanie, anxious but willing to do whatever was necessary, left promptly with two servants to prepare the bath.
Once the room was empty, the divine physician reached for the phone by his side. He dialed a number, and after a swift connection, Kurt's deep voice came through the receiver.
“How's the situation?”
“Mr. Kurt, I've stimulated the child's nerves with acupuncture. He will continue to vomit blood for the next few days. At most, I can help you keep Mr. Joseph occupied for three days. Afterward, I'll need to administer treatment to gradually restore the child's health.”
“Very well, make sure to exacerbate the situation, divert Joseph's attention, and prevent him from focusing on anything else,” Kurt instructed.
The divine physician acknowledged, bowing respectfully and affirming, “Yes, I will strictly adhere to your instructions, Mr. Kurt.”
In the study of the countryside castle, Kurt concluded the call with the Divine Doctor and proceeded to dial Broderick's number.
“Aren't you curious about how I managed to divert Joseph's attention? Well, I can now reveal it to you. The true heir to that old man is not Catherine, but Harvey Rogers, the second son of the family whom everyone regards as an idiot.”
“Harvey Rogers?” Broderick instinctively rejected the idea, exclaiming, “Impossible, he's a fool. Unless Joseph has been struck by a bout of madness, he would never entrust the family to a fool.”
Kurt offered a wry smile as he responded lightly, “Consider this reassurance, then. That old fellow has been discreetly searching for a renowned doctor in recent years. He heard of someone skilled in acupuncture who can stimulate the brain to restore normalcy. I seized this opportunity to arrange for someone to exploit this loophole.”
Broderick's agitation showed in his trembling voice as he questioned, “W-What do you mean?”
“It's just as you suspected. The individual I've arranged is already close to that young boy and has made some moves on him. In the coming days, Joseph is unlikely to have the energy to manage family affairs. Mr. Broderick, you understand the significance of striking while the iron is hot, don't you?”
Kurt continued, “Now that Catherine is confined, Joseph's entire focus is on his son. The second branch is now vulnerable. With a little push, you can undoubtedly seize control of the Rogers family.”
Broderick's breaths grew heavier over the microphone, revealing his excitement.
He had schemed for many years but couldn't bring down the second branch of the family due to his half-brother's caution.
However, with Catherine trapped and Joseph completely devoted to his son, this opportunity presented itself as a golden chance to grasp power.
“Very well, I'm prepared to retaliate. Thank you for your assistance, Mr. Kurt. When I assume power, I'll certainly extend a helping hand to you, aiding in your endeavor to eliminate that treacherous woman from the White family and supporting your rise to power,” Boderick reaffirmed.
Following a brief pause, he continued, “I've heard that you remain unmarried. My daughter, who is currently serving by your side, is available. If it suits your fancy, I can arrange for my daughter Eunice to wed you, thus cementing a lasting alliance.”
Marry Eunice?
Kurt's eyes flickered with a trace of disdain.
She's not worthy.
“The matter at hand is crucial, and we can discuss this matter later. Mr. Broderick, I've created the opportunity for you. It's imperative that you seize it. Who knows when the next favorable chance will come around,” said Kurt.
“Of course, this is a once-in-a-millennium opportunity for my family. I'm profoundly grateful for your unwavering support, Mr. Kurt. Anticipate my good news.”
Kurt responded with a noncommittal hum. After concluding the call, he sauntered out of the study, traversing the corridor to reach the bedroom.
Blaze lay in bed, her eyes closed as she rested. Upon hearing footsteps, she instinctively opened her eyes.
Ignoring her cold, resentful glare, Kurt approached the bedside. He extended his hand, gently cradling her face, and with a smile, he remarked, “Initially, I intended to use you as leverage to coerce Cameron into assisting me in taking control of the Venom Valley.”
He continued, “Now that it's settled and someone has agreed to help me, Cameron is no longer a threat to me. I can have both the kingdom and the beauty. Just remain obediently by my side, and I'll grant you a peaceful end.”
Upon learning that Cameron was no longer a target, Blaze couldn't help but heave a sigh of relief.
She didn't want to witness Cameron bowing before someone to save her.
In her view, Cameron was unyielding and lived life to the fullest. His spine should forever remain unbroken, never bowing before anyone.
“Is that so? Even better, we can be bound together, nursing our grudges for a lifetime,” Blaze retorted.
“No, no, no.” Kurt shook his head. “You won't come to despise me, for I've discovered a rather intriguing method.”
With that, he extracted a porcelain bottle from his pocket and waved it tantalizingly before her eyes.
“This is the Rogers family's sedative fragrance. It can bewilder the mind and provoke hallucinations. After your period concludes, I'll administer it to you. When that moment arrives, you'll perceive me as Cameron, surrendering to your desires and partaking in a passionate encounter. Afterward, when you regain your senses, you'll detest me. However, while under the influence of the drug, you won't be able to break free from me. With time, I anticipate you'll develop a reliance on this bittersweet sensation.”
Blaze managed to suppress her nausea, avoiding the urge to vomit.
A drug that can cause hallucinations, huh?
Having experienced the love parasite, she had become immune to any form of sedative fragrance. To put it plainly, her body's erosion by the love parasite rendered all types of sedatives useless on her.
Of course, she had no intention of revealing this secret to Kurt.
As Kurt mistakenly believed her mind was enchanted and let his guard down, Blaze planned to fight fiercely to kill him and meet her end alongside the wretched man.
“There will come a day when I will drag you down to hell with me, Kurt.”
Kurt gazed into her eyes, brimming with resentment. Instead of feeling fear, he appeared rather excited, like a bloodthirsty psychopath, his psyche deeply twisted.
“Sure, but before you descend into hell, you must give me a son to carry on the White family's lineage.”
“Scram.”
Inside the main house's side hall of the White residence, Artemis tossed the antidote he held in his hand to the elderly man seated across from him.
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