Chapter 413

Rebirth! Necro was forced out! Lily, seemingly revived, exclaimed joyfully, “Marvin is alive! He’s saved! Alpha, our son…” She tried to share her joy, but Alpha, without looking at her, coldly interrupted, “Control your mouth. I don’t want to hear another word from you.” Her elation was instantly quenched, leaving her heart chilled. She remained silent.

Just then, Elle cried out, “Professor, what’s wrong?” Elvis saw Olive’s slender body wobble, appearing unsteady. “Professor Hart,” Elle quickly took the silver needle from Olive’s hand and checked her pulse. Her face paled; disbelief etched itself onto her features. “Professor, it’s a trick! There’s another poison. You’re poisoned!” She looked at herself, puzzled. “But I was exposed to Necro too, and I’m not poisoned. Why are you the only one?”

Olive, her mind racing, understood. The moment the golden needle pierced Marvin’s heart, she’d sensed something amiss in the Necro poison – Jean had added another! She’d believed she was safe; her Los Angeles reincarnation had left her blood invulnerable to ordinary poisons. But this poison was intensely violent, swiftly penetrating her defenses. Harmless to others, it was deadly to her.

Her gaze locked onto Jean’s handsome face. “What did you add?” He pursed his lips, slowly enunciating, “Become an old lady in the blink of an eye.”

Olive's eyebrows shot up. “This potion? It’s only for me. Once it enters your bloodstream, you’ll age like a twilight rose. You’re twenty now, but you’ll become forty, sixty, a hundred—in an instant!” A hush fell over the room. No one had ever heard of such a thing. For a young woman to age so rapidly was terrifying.

Elle urged, “Professor Hart, end the surgery immediately! The poison hasn't fully entered your bloodstream; you can still save yourself.” Jean smirked. “Olive, think carefully. Once the treatment stops, Marvin dies.”

Elle insisted, “Professor Hart, leave Academic Augustine’s surgery to us. We can handle it!” Jean glanced at Elle and the researchers. “Are you sure you can perform cardiac needlework? Only one person can save Marvin—Olive.”

“You!” Elle bristled. Olive raised a hand. “Elle, step back.” The researchers pleaded, “Professor Hart, your health comes first!”

Jean smiled strangely. “Olive, you’ve done remarkably well. Your professorship shines. I hoped you’d reach this point—the climax, the final battle. I told you, save Marvin or yourself; you only get one choice. Use your skills to stop the surgery; save yourself, eject the poison—but Marvin dies. Choose to save Marvin, and you can't save yourself; you’ll experience my gift fully.”

Jean’s blue eyes glowed faintly; his body seemed distorted, sickly. Olive had thought she'd won, but she hadn’t. Nora and Charlotte were merely pawns. He’d been waiting for her, and now, he savored the moment, anticipating her choice. Paulo and Charlotte swelled with pride. Charlotte sneered, “Olive, what are you waiting for? Reveal the truth! I know you'll choose rescue, but remember, Marvin’s death will be on you. A wasted life!”

Jean’s tactic was masterful. Olive was astute, her skills exceptional, making her a difficult target. Thus, he targeted Marvin, forcing her choice. Choosing herself was understandable, but Lily’s silent despair was the most telling. Olive couldn’t choose herself; she could die, but not her son. Lily tried to speak, but Alpha’s cold gaze silenced her. Elvis clenched his fists, wanting to intervene, but Alpha said softly, “Let her choose.” He looked at Olive. “She’s special. If you love her, you must learn to love her.”

Elvis tilted his head, his gaze sharp. “So, you know Olive better than I do? Dad, you know her ex-husband, don't you?” Alpha met his gaze. Elvis’s lips curled sarcastically. “I was wrong. Olive’s past… has been erased by your hand, hasn’t it?”