Chapter 2060: Worse Than Death

Lucian prevented Roxanne from witnessing the exhumation, leading her to wait at the cemetery entrance. "Don't worry, darling," he reassured her. "These officers are professionals. They're only taking samples for testing; the remains will be returned intact."

Roxanne, though not superstitious, suggested, "Honey, could we move the grave afterward? While I don't think Father deserves to lie beside Mother, she loved him deeply. If only she'd known when enough was enough…"

Lucian readily agreed; the small, distant cemetery was inconvenient for visits anyway.

After nearly three hours, Bill and the officers emerged. They informed Roxanne and Lucian, "Ms. Jarvis' mother showed signs of severe poisoning before death. We need to analyze samples to determine the poison, but results should be available within one or two days."

Bill interjected, frowning, "Get those results within a day!" The officers readily assented.

Bill dismissed the officers, then returned to the car with Lucian and Roxanne. "Mercury poisoning," he declared.

Mercury, or quicksilver, is the only liquid metal at room temperature. Its vapor and compounds are highly toxic—a fact underscored by the dangers of broken thermometers.

Roxanne was stunned. As a doctor, she knew the lingering agony of even minor mercury exposure. Its effects on the nervous, digestive, respiratory, skin, and urinary systems are devastating, causing progressive organ failure. Chronic poisoning resulted in unimaginable suffering.

Roxanne trembled with rage. "Winnie," she seethed, "My mother endured unbearable pain, worrying about me until the end! That pain was worse than death itself! I wish I could kill you!" Tears streamed down her face.

Lucian held her close, offering comfort. Bill, his face somber yet resolute, vowed, "Don't worry. I'll help you bring her killer to justice."

At home, Roxanne's grief remained overwhelming. She longed to inflict Winnie with the same torment.

Cayden reported that Winnie had accepted Lucian's bait, agreeing to meet that night to discuss the villa's sale. To prevent escape, Lucian had Cayden blockade all city exits.

That night, police confirmed the chronic mercury poisoning and were preparing an arrest warrant.