Chapter 383

Many VIPs remained, eager to meet Maeve, representing Dreamscape. Dreamscape, already renowned in Kleymond, was just beginning its venture in Greenhaven. The VIPs' overwhelmingly positive feedback, however, indicated a highly successful launch.

It was nearly half past eight when Maeve finally escaped the VIPs and returned backstage. She was surprised to find Jaylen there, holding a bouquet of flowers.

"I thought you were resting at the hotel today," Maeve said, surprised. He had seemed quite unwell that morning.

"I promised to see your exhibition, and I always keep my word," Jaylen replied, smiling as he handed her the flowers. "Congratulations. The fashion exhibition was a success. I heard everyone praising you." He added, "There's nothing better than having your career affirmed." Maeve smiled, accepting the flowers. "Thank you. Will you join me at the celebration banquet later?"

Jaylen nodded happily. "You invited me; how could I refuse?"

Maeve smiled, glancing around discreetly. A hint of disappointment flickered in her heart; she hadn't seen the person she hoped to see.

The restaurant for the celebration banquet, chosen by Maeve, had its entire second floor reserved for her and Trazir's executives. Mr. Warren, unfortunately, was unable to attend due to an emergency, expressing his regrets to Maeve by phone.

Maeve, already hungry, sat down and began eating after her onstage speech. More dishes arrived, and she was halfway through her meal when yet another course appeared. Jaylen served her some fork pork ribs. "Are these dishes really that delicious?"

Her elegant eating habits, even at a quick pace, didn't appear rude; instead, it made the food seem exquisite. Jaylen, normally a poor eater, consumed half a bowl more rice simply watching her. Maeve, with a mouthful of food, simply nodded.

The restaurant's chef was superb, especially the stir-fried octopus, which was so fragrant it made her slightly dizzy.

Suddenly, Maeve's expression changed. She spat the food into a nearby trash can.

Jaylen quickly patted her back. "Maeve, what's wrong? Did you choke?"

Maeve couldn't speak; her face was pale, and she was sweating profusely. With her remaining strength, she retrieved an antidote from behind her bracelet's gemstone pendant and bit into it. Theo had assured her this antidote could counteract her homemade poison.

Feeling dizzy and nauseous—symptoms akin to poisoning—she had taken a preventative dose. As the antidote took effect, Maeve felt her strength return.

She grabbed Jaylen, who was about to pour her water, and said, word by word, "There's poison in the food. Stop everyone from eating, and get the manager."

"Poison?!" Jaylen's expression tightened. Without further explanation, he took her pulse. "Why is the poison leaving your body?"

"I took Theo's antidote. Don't worry about me; stop them first," Maeve explained weakly.

Jaylen nodded, quickly scanning the dishes Maeve had touched. His gaze settled on the plate of stir-fried octopus she'd sampled repeatedly. He used a fork to examine it, his expression shifting instantly. "There's a blue-ringed octopus mixed in."

This dish was a restaurant signature, ordered at many tables. By the time Jaylen managed to stop the diners, several had already collapsed, foaming at the mouth.

The summoned manager was dumbfounded. "Our ingredients are delivered fresh from the seaside daily. How could there be food poisoning...?" Jaylen pointed to the plate of stir-fried octopus. "Look for yourself! A poisonous creature like the blue-ringed octopus is served to customers? Do you run a restaurant or a hell?" The manager, shocked, called an ambulance.

Maeve had vomited immediately upon sensing something was amiss. The poison was relatively mild; she'd remained conscious after ingesting it, unlike the others. Unable to ignore their plight, she struggled to stand, her legs weak. "I have more antidotes. I'll get them for the others." Jaylen gently pushed her back down. "You can barely stand. Let me handle this. Give me the medicine; I brought my golden needles." Maeve passed him the antidotes. "Please."

The celebration banquet had ended disastrously. The restaurant sealed its entrances and exits before the police arrived to prevent complications.

The ambulance's delayed arrival, due to a car accident on Central Road, further compounded the situation. It seemed everything that could go wrong, had.

Fortunately, a doctor was among the guests, alleviating the immediate crisis. However, this doctor looked pale and unwell, his condition little better than the other guests, renewing the manager's anxieties. Jaylen, already at his limit, could only attend to three people at once. More than ten people on the second floor suffered from food poisoning. News of the doctor spread downstairs, causing a rush of people.

"Can someone save my uncle? He's dying! Help..." A woman wheeled an unconscious man towards them, crying, "Where's the doctor? I'll pay you anything! Save my uncle!" The man's pale face spoke volumes about his critical state.

Jaylen sealed the man's heart meridians to prevent the poison's spread, his body swaying afterward like a winter tree. Recognizing him as a doctor, the woman cried desperately, "Please, please..."

How could a miracle doctor, who equates human lives with value, be a good person?

Despite his 'miracle doctor' title, an undercurrent of cynicism ran beneath the surface. Alone, Jaylen would have ignored the situation entirely. What did other people's lives matter to him?

But Maeve was present. Her kindness and concern, despite her own discomfort, compelled him to act. The woman he loved was beautiful, and he wouldn't let her witness his less compassionate side.

Jaylen closed his eyes wearily, checking the man's pulse. The food poisoning was more severe than in the other victims.

Maeve retrieved the antidote she’d saved, handing it to Jaylen. "Give him this first. He seems critical."

"Stay back. We can't be sure the blue-ringed octopus is the only source of poison. Sit down. I'll handle this," Jaylen whispered.

"I'm fine now. I'll help too."

Maeve, head down, didn't notice the woman's shocked and suspicious stare. The woman sized her up, incredulous.