Let's Start All Over Again, Shall We?
Chapter 371: Should I Help You Get Revenge on the Camerons?
Maggie was dazed by the news. A new toxin? Her heart sank. She hadn't expected that, even on the verge of death, someone would still scheme against her.
"This new toxin isn't lethal," Iris explained. "Normally, it causes mild vomiting, dizziness, and fatigueโsimilar to some chronic illnesses. But it complements the Dream Venom, stimulating its activation."
Maggie was silent. Someone knew about the Dream Venom and had added a catalyst.
"It doesn't need to be this complicated," Iris continued. "Continuing with the Dream Venom would eventually accelerate the poisoning. But this toxin acts instantly, while Dream Venom takes much longer." She couldn't fathom the hatred that would lead someone to poison a young woman years ago.
"The person who poisoned you is knowledgeable in pharmacology," Iris said. "This toxin accelerates the reaction, leaving you with less than two years. You should seek treatment."
Iris made a decisive decision.
Maggie remained silent. She knew she needed treatment, but hadn't expected her time to be so short.
To some, her life was just a number. Yet, she couldn't help but ask, why?
Maggie pulled herself together. Pondering was pointless. With or without treatment, she had about two years left; she chose treatment. She wasn't ready to give up.
"However," Iris said slowly, "the treatment is very painful and success isn't guaranteed. I'll do my best, but the outcome might not be as hoped."
"Will the new toxin worsen the original Dream Venom?" Leo asked softly, his brow furrowed.
"No," Iris replied, "that's the fortunate part. Continued Dream Venom would only increase the toxins, diminishing hope. This toxin triggers the existing toxins, making now the best time for treatment."
"Then let's start treatment. What do I need to do?" Maggie asked.
"Twice a week, you'll come here, or we can book another clinic for injections and medicated baths," Iris said. "Daily, you'll take herbal medicine. I'll adjust the medication based on your condition."
"Then I'm in Dr. Hudson's hands," Maggie said, thanking her sincerely.
Iris shook her head. "But don't be too optimistic. You might give up after a few sessions. The process is incredibly painful, and the toxin activation will cause severe, frequent pain."
The cost was high, and the effort might yield nothingโpure suffering. Many people give up. But Iris recommended trying.
"If you proceed, we can schedule appointmentsโinjections every Monday and Thursday. I can give you the medicine to take home tonight. Take it once in the morning and once at night."
Iris left, her assistant preparing the medicine. Maggie and Leo waited, their moods far from cheerful. Six years had become two, filled with immense, intermittent suffering.
"I'll keep the medicine here," Maggie said gently to Leo. "It's too risky to take it home. I'll find an excuse to come out and get more over the next few days."
The strong smell was hard to conceal. Taking it to Nathael's villa would be risky. Fortunately, it would only be a few days before she could focus on treatment.
But the injections made her consider childcare. It would be inconvenient. She might have to tell Mia or Joyce. Joyce, busy and a public figure, would likely struggle. After much consideration, Maggie decided she couldn't keep it from Mia.
Timothy watched, "Tsk, the Camerons are vicious. But it's uncertain who'll die first."
Maggie gave him a cold look. "Are you happy about this? If I die too soon, that brooch you've been eyeing might have to wait until the afterlife."
Timothy smiled mischievously. "How about I help you get revenge on the Camerons?"
Maggie squinted. "Are you kind-hearted?"
Timothy scoffed. "Kind-hearted? Ms. Adam calling harmful acts kind-hearted is baffling."
His words stirred something in Maggie. She knew who was responsible. Everything clicked into place. Ronald's complex gaze, his repeated tests, his confidenceโhe'd poisoned her again to accelerate the toxin, ensuring she wouldn't live another two years.
Maggie's gaze darkened. Ronald had schemed against her one last time.
Chapter 371: Should I Help You Get Revenge on the Camerons?
She looked at Timothy. His offer was tempting.
"What's the condition?" she asked calmly.
Timothy chuckled. "Cook for me for a month."
Maggie laughed. "Are you mad? I'm dying, and you want me to cook? Aren't you afraid I'll poison you?"
Timothy considered, perhaps realizing her frail state. "Alright, then design a suit for me."
Maggie was furious. "I'm a jewelry designer, not a fashion designer!" Mia studied fashion design, but Maggie couldn't burden her.
Maggie took a breath. "I'll design a men's bracelet instead."
She already had ideas. A simple, daily-wear piece, easier than a brooch.
"Deal," Timothy nodded. "I want a unique design."
"I know," Maggie replied. "What do you plan to do about the Camerons?"