Chapter 370: Final Deadline

Maggie wasted no time following Iris to a corner of the building where the pulse-checking station was set up. Iris sat opposite her, and Maggie offered her wrist.

The room fell silent; even the sounds of wind and snow outside faded, leaving only a faint warmth. Iris checked Maggie's pulse, frowning thoughtfully.

After a while, she stood, saying, "We'll need to draw more blood for additional tests; we won't have results anytime soon."

"Alright," Maggie agreed.

Soon, a young apprentice guided Maggie to another room. Maggie bared her arm, turning her head away from the blood-drawing process. She could handle the pain, but witnessing it distressed her. Though she didn't look, she heard the tubes filling—six or seven were taken. When the needle was removed, she sighed with relief, then noticed a large bruise.

Maggie was speechless. The apprentice shrank back, saying, "Your skin is too delicate, and the blood draw took too long, so…"

Maggie felt a headache. How would she hide this from Nathael? One slip-up, and he'd find out.

Meanwhile, Iris was creating Maggie's medical records. Seeing the blood was drawn, she said, "We need to take a few images; follow me."

Maggie followed her inside. Despite the clinic's small size, it had the necessary equipment. All the essential tests could be performed.

By noon, some blood test results were ready, but others would require more time. "You can have lunch first," Iris said.

Maggie felt hungry, perhaps from blood loss; she felt dizzy.

"I've booked a nearby restaurant. Let's go," Leo offered gently.

"Okay."

"I'll come with you. I've been here so long; it wouldn't be right not to buy me—"

Chapter 370: Final Deadline

Maggie felt his audacity surpassed even Nathael's. "I think you're just here for the show, you just want to watch me die," Maggie jabbed. But seeing Timothy and Samuel following, she didn't stop them. She noted Timothy's injury had healed quickly—unsurprising, given the Hudsons' medical background and Samuel's presence.

"You're quite cunning. I thought you were a good person, but I was wrong…" Timothy said softly.

Maggie chuckled. "Can being a good person pay the bills? Or grant me two more years of life? Why don't you try being a good person?"

Timothy smiled, said nothing, and got into another car.

Mia's restaurant was nearby but still luxurious. "Where did you and Leo go? And who's that?" Mia asked, noticing an unfamiliar man.

The man was pale but tall and harmless-looking, scholarly even. Yet, Mia felt a mix of emotions when their eyes met.

"He's Timothy Harris. He just came along for a free meal," Maggie introduced.

Mia paused. Timothy Harris? The man who kidnapped Maggie?

"You're Timothy?" Mia asked, scrutinizing him.

"Yeah. Hi, Ms. Gatlin," Timothy greeted, amused.

Mia almost rolled her eyes but held back. She wasn't sure how he'd joined them. When the food arrived, she ordered extra spicy dishes for him. "Maggie, where did you and Leo go earlier?"

"Oh, we visited a designer who lives nearby," Maggie said, using her prepared excuse. Mia didn't question it. "Are you planning to go again this afternoon? Shopping?"

"I can't. We discussed designs but forgot the contract, so we'll need to go back this afternoon," Maggie replied vaguely.

Mia narrowed her eyes, sensing something was amiss, but let it go.

At 2:00 PM, when Maggie and the others returned to the clinic, the test results were available.

Chapter 370: Final Deadline

Iris's serious expression kept Maggie from realizing the gravity of the situation. Iris sat at the table, Maggie's test reports in front of her. Surprisingly, she didn't speak immediately.

After a moment, she looked at Maggie and said, "Ms. Adam, your condition is complicated."

"I know. Mr. Hudson already warned me about the worst-case scenario," Maggie replied slowly.

Iris shook her head. "That's not the worst."

Maggie was momentarily speechless.

"Let's talk about the Dream Venom first. As my brother diagnosed earlier, you've been poisoned for years. Considering the toxin's progression, I doubt you'll last six years. In about two years, you'll likely experience intense pain."

Maggie nodded.

"The Dream Venom is difficult to treat, but I can attempt it. However, the process won't be pleasant."

"How bad will it be?" Maggie asked softly.

"I recommend silver needles and medication to purge the toxins. However, this will trigger the poison prematurely, causing intense pain. If you give up, your efforts will be futile, and it'll accelerate the toxin's effects. In other words, you won't live past six years."

Iris's tone was cold.

Maggie nodded, wondering how agonizing it would be. Would it surpass the pain of Sierra's attack or Nathael's injuries?

"The toxin is like a dormant beast; treatment will awaken it."

Maggie understood.

"I'm willing to try," Maggie said softly.

Iris nodded. "It's best you do, because I've discovered another toxin. Even without treatment, this toxin will trigger the Dream Venom. In short, you'll be dead within two years."