The Imposter Bride (Natalia and Magnus) novel Chapter 304

Dr. Frankie sighed heavily. "Madam, we've tried countless times, but this poison is just too relentless. We've been unable to successfully concoct the antidote, and I'm truly sorry. But we won't give up!"

Natalia staggered back in despair. "Is there truly no other way?"

Dr. Frankie shook his head. "Madam, there are over a hundred ways to create this poison, and we've tried dozens of mixtures, but as you know, we've failed each time. Unless the person who poisoned him has a change of heart, I'm afraid that with such a conservative method of detoxification, I worry about Mr. Magnus' ability to hold on."

Natalia was shattered by Dr. Frankie's words. She stumbled out of the pathology lab, muttering, "No, it can't be. You're all lying to me!"

Watching Natalia's heartbreaking sobs, Dr. Frankie reached out to comfort her, but he knew any words of comfort would be futile. Perhaps a good cry would alleviate some of her stress. He decided to let her be and returned to the lab to continue working on the antidote.

Natalia found a quiet corner in the hospital garden and sobbed. She'd always comforted herself and believed Magnus would get better, but today, even he'd spoken words of despair. Was it possible that he would never recover?

No! She shook her head vigorously to rid herself of that terrifying thought. The idea was too horrifying to accept.

After two days of this, Magnus' condition worsened, and Natalia was on the brink of collapse.

Just as Natalia was sinking into despair, her phone rang. The number was unfamiliar. She steeled herself and answered, "Hello, who is this?"

"Haha! Natalia, how have you been these days? Enjoying yourself?" The arrogant laughter on the other end of the line made Natalia's blood run cold. Even before the caller introduced herself, Natalia knew it was Belle, the one who'd poisoned Magnus.

Natalia took a deep breath and gripped her phone tightly. "Belle, did you poison Magnus? How could you be so cruel?"

"Cruel? Natalia, I never thought you'd be this sharp after only five years," Belle's voice was filled with smug satisfaction. "But you're still not much of a match for me. Yes, I poisoned Magnus. Isn't it hilarious how I've got both of you dancing in the palm of my hand?"

Natalia's blood ran cold as she listened to Belle's revolting laughter. She knew nothing about Belle, but Belle seemed to know everything about her.

"Who are you? Why do you know about our past? Why did you poison Magnus?" The questions tumbled out before Natalia could stop them. She instantly regretted it. Belle had set this trap for them, and why would she tell Natalia the truth?

As expected, Belle's laughter only grew louder. "Natalia, I just complimented your intelligence. Why are you still as naive as before? Such a disappointment."

"Fine," Natalia said, her voice resolute. "I'm on my way. Wait for me."

After saying her piece, Natalia hung up the phone and hurried towards the hill behind the hospital. She didn't tell anyone about this, not willing to risk it. Magnus' health couldn't wait; he urgently needed an antidote for the poison coursing through his veins.

Even if Belle demanded her life in return, Natalia wouldn't mind. All she wanted was the antidote for Magnus.

The hill wasn't far from the hospital, so Natalia practically jogged there. But once she reached the rendezvous point, there was no sign of Belle. Natalia repeatedly tried calling Belle but was met with the infuriating beep of a busy line each time.

Was Belle playing her? Natalia wondered, scrutinizing her surroundings anxiously, almost wishing she could shout Belle out from her hiding place.

As dusk fell, there was still no sign of Belle. Disappointed, Natalia hung her head low and began trudging down the hill. She was such a fool. How could she have trusted Belle so easily? Maybe Belle was simply toying with Natalia. Belle was letting Natalia know the antidote existed, but it was not easily available.

Not long after Natalia started walking away, a voice emerged from the bushes nearby, "Hold it right there!" It was Belle.