Chapter 245
The Shaw family firmly rejected the irrational demand of the infamous Wolf Killer and, regrettably, relinquished their efforts to rescue Charlie.
Consequently, it was undeniable that Wolf Killer would channel its fury solely toward Charlie.
Aiden possessed acute awareness regarding the harsh treatment Charlie was destined to endure, a prospect so bleak that he doubted the latter’s ability to endure it.
To everyone’s astonishment, Charlie not only withstood the ordeal but also managed to infiltrate the enemy’s organization successfully, steadfastly clinging to his fundamental principles.
Aiden took immense pride in his brother’s accomplishments, believing that every trial endured was justified.
However, upon hearing firsthand accounts of Charlie’s struggles over the years, Aiden felt an agonizing squeeze on his heart, leaving him breathless.
Jeffrey’s lips quivered in fear when he observed Aiden’s stern countenance, yet a silent satisfaction simmered within him.
Despite the lofty status of the Shaw family, they had subjected Charlie to years of degrading treatment akin to a dog.
Armed with that realization, he suppressed his trepidation and uttered, “The organization has been an implanting idea into Charlie’s mind, too.” Only after Aiden cast a glance in his direction did Jeffrey proceed. “My organization made him believe he suffered torture and humiliation because the Shaw family had abandoned him. Considering the years of torment he endured, Commander Shaw, can you fathom the extent of his hatred toward the Shaw family?”
Aiden’s eyes blazed with fury, turning a fiery shade of red. He seized Jeffrey’s bloodied neck and tightened his grip.
“It appears you must be yearning for death!”
Instantly, Jeffrey found himself struggling to breathe. Blood trickled from the corner of his mouth, and his face contorted to a deep shade of purple due to the lack of oxygen.
He attempted to pry Aiden’s hand away, but his serious injuries rendered him weak and powerless.
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“If I die… you… will never get any of… Charlie’s… news.”
Upon hearing Jeffrey’s words, Aiden released his grip on the former, whose eyes bulged due to the struggle to breathe,
Jeffrey resembled a parched fish suddenly submerged in water, gulping down deep breaths.
Air rushed into his lungs, causing him to cough violently, exacerbating his internal injury. The pain was so intense that he nearly blacked out.
Aiden regarded Jeffrey icily and presented a stark reality. “Unless you tend to the wound on your neck soon, you’ll bleed to your death. So, cease your delaying tactics and tell more about Charlie.”
Even without Aiden’s reminder, Jeffrey was acutely aware that his demise was imminent.
The substantial loss of blood had drained his body of warmth, leaving him chilly, his teeth chattering uncontrollably.
It marked the initial instance he had been so intimately acquainted with mortality; his face drained of color in sheer terror.
Clutching his neck wound, he fabricated, “Charlie has been groomed as the organization’s assassin. His aim is the Shaw family. Concealed in shadows, he could strike a fatal blow to the Shaw family at any moment.” “Are you suggesting that Zachary is Charlie? Both of them bear burned scars on their faces. I find it hard to believe that it’s merely a coincidence.” Jeffrey was engulfed in such terror that he couldn’t think straight previously. His primary objective was to depict Charlie’s existence as miserable, anticipating that it would undermine Aiden’s resolve and enhance his own bargaining position.
In his desperation, he failed to hide the fact that Charlie’s face had been marked by scars.
With Aiden harboring suspicions, Jeffrey realized that a DNA test could confirm them if he managed to obtain a sample of Zachary’s hair.
However, Jeffrey was unwilling to confirm Aiden’s suspicion right then and would likely attempt to stall the process.
“Perhaps, by the time Aiden receives the DNA report, I will have already escaped from this place using my wit,” thought Jeffery.
“Regrettably, it’s merely a coincidence. If you doubt my words, you are welcome to undergo a DNA test between yourself and Zachary, Commander Shaw.”
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The True Lady Strikes Back
“Don’t worry, I will undergo the test,” Aiden replied.
Jeffrey’s body trembled slightly as if he might collapse and faint at any
moment.
“I’ve told you everything about Charlie and provided Mrs. Shaw with the antidote. Can you please administer treatment to me now?”
“Don’t worry. You still have your uses. I won’t allow you to die!” Aiden declared.
With those words, Aiden stood up and left, instructing the doctor to attend to Jeffrey’s physical injuries.
As for Jeffrey’s internal injuries inflicted by his beatings, he opted to leave them unaddressed as they were not immediately life–threatening.
Upon leaving the laboratory, he proceeded to the bathroom and doused his face with cold water. As the water cascaded over his face, it mingled with his tears, vanishing into obscurity.
The haunting images painted by Jeffrey’s words replayed in Aiden’s mind, invoking an overwhelming desire in him to weep. His heart felt like it was being rented asunder, engulfing him in excruciating anguish.
The Shaw family’s glory was evident to everyone, yet the hidden sadness lurking behind the scenes often went unnoticed.
“My brother, Charlie… It isn’t true that the family chose not to save you then. Instead, they couldn’t, all for the sake of the country’s peace,” he reflected.
Aiden yearned to see Charlie in that moment, to envelop him in a hug and express his gratitude for his years of sacrifice.
Regrettably, he couldn’t do so as Charlie stood as the linchpin in dismantling Wolf Killer.
Aiden recognized the necessity of maintaining distance from his brother until the latter had successfully infiltrated Wolf Killer, so as not to arouse any suspicions.
In a sudden moment of clarity, Aiden remembered the program Cecilia had implanted in Jeffrey’s phone. Swiftly wiping the water from his face, he made his way to her ward.
Upon reaching the ward’s entrance, he took a glimpse of Cecilia resting peacefully through the visitation window and decided not to disturb her.
Exhausted from a day’s work, Aiden felt the weight of sleepiness descend upon him.
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The True Lady Strikes Back
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With the beds scarce in the military hospital, he opted not to occupy wards. Instead, he headed to Evan’s room and settled down on the small guest bed.
The following day, at the break of dawn, Cecilia awakened to the soft glow of morning light.
After a night of rest, her body had fully recovered.
In the VIP ward, disposable toiletries were readily available. After freshening up, she made her way to Elaine’s intensive care unit to inquire about her condition.
Coincidentally, the doctor had just completed his rounds and exited the
room.
Cecilia approached him and inquired, “Doctor, how is Grandma Elaine? Is the antidote she received last night proving effective?”
“The antidote has proven effective. Mrs. Shaw is displaying positive signs of recovery. However, considering her age and the extensive damage caused by the poison, achieving a complete restoration of her former health will indeed be a challenge.”
Cecilia had anticipated that outcome.
With age, the body’s functions would inevitably deteriorate. Whether it was an injury or an illness, recovery to the original state became increasingly challenging as one grew older.
“Doctor, please administer the most effective treatments to alleviate Grandma Elaine’s suffering.”
“Rest assured, Ms. Yancey. Mrs. Shaw is regarded as a national treasure in our hospital, and she will receive the utmost care.”
“When will Grandma Elaine wake up?”
The doctor, reflecting on his recent examination of Elaine, remarked, “Barring any complications, she should regain consciousness within the next hour.”
“Okay, I see. Thank you.”
After the doctor had departed, Cecilia lingered outside the ward for a while before making her way to the aseptic unit to visit Christopher.
Christopher was awake, and a nurse was preparing to change the dressing on his wounds.
Upon spotting Cecilia, a faint smile graced Christopher’s face, and he
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The True Lady Strikes Black
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waved at her.
With the poison inside Christopher cured, there was no need for Cecilia to undergo sanitization before entering the ward. She pushed the door open and walked in directly.
She took the disinfectant and cotton swab from the nurse and said, “Allow me to handle it.”
The nurse promptly stepped aside and breathed a sigh of relief. She said, “Certainly, Ms. Yancey. Please don’t hesitate to call me if you require any assistance. I’ll be at the nurse’s station.”
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