Chapter 87
62%
Simon hadn’t expected Edward to be so blunt, his forced smile becoming a bit rigid. “Since Riverfield, Winona has been very concerned about your health. She’s gone to great lengths to find this rare remedy and spent a fortune to acquire it. She wanted to bring it here today, hoping it might aid in your recovery.”
Joshua scoffed. “If there really were a miracle cure, the National Medical Dureati would have sent it already. Why would it fall to you?”
Derek glanced at him, speaking calmly. “I did hear about a rumored Mystic Pill recently. Supposedly miraculous art impossible to find on the open
market.”
Simon seized the opportunity. “Yes, exactly! We’re offering Mr. Hawley just that.”
Though Derek’d been speaking in Simon’s Favor moments earlier, he looked genuinely taken aback.
Everyone’s eyes immediately turned to Winona, led with surprise.
Winona nodded, pulling a small transparent bottle with a single black pill from her bag.
“I didn’t want the engagement to change. It was never my intention to take my sister’s place. I know Mr. Hawley isn’t pleased with me. But since this incident has affected your health, I also bear some responsibility.”
Winona spoke softly, her demeanor humble and gentle, and she was dressed in an elegant white dress with a hint of mist in her eyes.
She continued, “After much difficulty, I managed to acquire a “Mystic Pill. Today, I present it to you, Mr. Hawley–not asking for forgiveness, only that you no longer harbor anger toward me or Quiana.”
Joshua said, “You expect us to believe this is real? Do you think we’re fools? It’s a highly sought–after remedy, practically impossible to obtain.”
“It is reall” Keith’s gaze locked on the pill. “I saw Uncle Julius with a pill just like this one. He took it during an episode and recovered quickly. The effects truly are miraculous.””
“What?” Derek blinked in surprise. “Julius managed to buy one and took it himself?”
Keith nodded.
Joshua’s expression darkened instantly. “That Julius His father’s health is failing, yet he keeps the Mystic Pill for himself instead of giving it to Dad. What a waste of the favor Dad has shown him!”
Taking advantage of Julius’s absence, both brothers seized the moment to cast him in a poor Eght.
Shane’s eyes grew cold, and he spoke up. “Julius was on a ship at the time. Do you expect him to ignore his own life–threatening condition to bring back a corpse for Mr. Hawley?”
“What ship?” The incident on the Liberty Star hadn’t been reported, and Shane’s statement let everyone momentarily puzzled.
Edward frowned. “Life–threatening condition? What’s this about?”
Keith’s eyes flashed with panic. He’d forgotten Shane was here.
Before Shane could explain further, Winona quickly intervened, her voice soft and reassuring. “Mr. Hawley, right now, the important thing is that this Mystic Pill might aid your recovery, right?”
She was clearly diverting attention to cover for Keith.
“Exactly.” Derek agreed, reaching for the pain her band with a warm smile. “The Hawley family won’t forget such kindness.”
Winona smiled graciously. “Mr. Hawley, it’s my pleasure.”
1/2
Chapter 87
Meanwhile, Joshua’s face was a mask of dark resentment.
At the head of the room, Edward watched the scene with narrowed eyes, a cold chuckle escaping his lips.
ed to notice.
But no one seemed
