The consequence of the situation was far more serious than Hesper had anticipated. Professor Miles continued, "I was initially worried about this situation because the amount of the drug we obtained was too small to get any useful information from it. However, things will be different when we have a patient." Hesper knew what Professor Miles was implying. He would use Crosleigh as a test subject. Hesper hesitated; this was no different from human experimentation in essence.Seeing Hesper's doubts, Professor Miles explained, "He has no choice now. If he doesn't receive timely treatment, his body will inevitably decay completely. The antidote is only effective briefly, but he has been poisoned for an unknown duration. If we don't treat him quickly, by the time we confirm the antidote is effective, he might already be dead. It's not that we want to use him as a guinea pig."Hesper knew about this and acknowledged that her emotions had gotten the better of her just now. "I'm sorry,
"I'll have Benji look into this," Rickard said, and Hesper nodded. "Are you feeling unwell?" Rickard asked.Professor Miles also looked at Hesper and noticed that her complexion was pale. Rickard reached out instinctively to check her condition, but Hesper evaded his touch. Professor Miles frowned and asked, "Why are you avoiding his touch?"Hesper cleared her throat and said, "I'm fine. I just haven't rested well. You've worked a whole day, so you should get some rest. We're leaving, and I'll rest well when I return.""Wait," Professor Miles said and pulled Hesper's arm over. Seeing this, Hesper knew she could no longer hide from Professor Miles and cast a slightly reproachful glance at Rickard. She was certain that he must have deliberately brought it up. With her current health and pregnancy, Rickard was probably worried she was pushing herself too hard.After checking Hesper's condition, Professor Miles took a deep breath and said, "The child is still small. You should te
Things did not end well between Hesper and Professor Miles. Rickard looked at Hesper's back and sighed helplessly. He walked up to her and grabbed her hand."Are you upset?"Hesper was not particularly angry. She just really wanted to protect her child. She knew her limits and felt torn between those who wanted her to protect herself and those who advised her to give up her child."Rickard, I know you're all worried about me. Otherwise, you wouldn't interfere with my decision," Hesper said calmly. "Just like you decisively said to keep the baby long ago."Hearing this, Rickard embraced Hesper. She chuckled lightly and said, "It was just a metaphor, no blame intended.""I know, but I blame myself."Rickard knew Hesper cared a lot about their child. She had shown courage years ago by jumping from a high place. Now, even after she had become a parent, that courage had not diminished."Alright, we won't terminate your pregnancy."At first, Rickard preferred Hesper not to have the c
Pennleigh had anticipated this, yet his heart skipped a beat. It seemed to him that Crosleigh had gotten himself into massive trouble this time."We are currently developing an antidote, but even my teacher can't confirm if it will be effective," Hesper said, explaining the possible reactions to the trial medication to Pennleigh. Penleigh fell silent momentarily before asking, "So, the only chance now is this yet-to-be-researched antidote?""...Yes," Hesper replied. She did not want to reveal the harsh decision, but it was the reality now."Alright, I understand," Pennleigh said before ending the call. Hesper could not think of anything else to say. This must be a cruel answer for the entire Pisanos, but it was the current reality, and she had no other options. Hesper guessed that the Pisanos would eventually agree to the trial medication. It was the only option left, and she could only silently pray that the antidote would work. With a sigh, she pondered on the harshness of th
After saying that, Vivienne promptly hung up the phone. Hesper had a bad feeling about it."What does Vivienne want with you?" Rickard asked. It was natural for Rickard to guess that the caller was Vivienne. Hesper sighed and shook her head."I just feel that something's off about Vivienne."Even though Vivienne was different from other heiresses of wealthy families, she did not sound like the Vivienne Hesper knew from the call just now. Knowing about her private interactions with Cheney, Hesper could not help but suspect the conversation might involve hallucinogenic drugs and past matters in Montequinto.With this thought in mind, Hesper found it somewhat absurd. If Vivienne could see through everything and knew many hidden details, then Cheney's effort to protect her for so many years would be all for naught.Suddenly, Hesper felt a lack of amusement. It seemed to her that many people had taken unexpected paths."I guess I have to meet her this time." Hesper sighed. To unra
Hesper nodded and entered the room on the second floor. Walking in, Hesper saw Vivienne looking at her with a smile. "You're early, Ms. Scarlett," Hesper said. There were still twenty minutes until the agreed time, and Hesper came early to assess the situation. She did not expect Vivienne to arrive earlier than she did. However, the person downstairs had already hinted that Vivienne was waiting here for Hesper, so she was not too surprised. Hesper sat and said, "Since you invited me here, there must be something you want to discuss. Let's not waste time."Whenever Hesper saw Vivienne, she instinctively ignored her and focused on Cheney instead. She had not realized this before because Vivienne's presence was weak compared to Cheney's each time."The reason I invited you here may be different from what you imagine, but I'm sure you'll be interested in what I want to do," Vivienne said, interrupting Hesper's thoughts.Hesper frowned and asked, "What is it?""I want to be your tes
"I can't promise you now, Ms Scarlett. After all, you haven't disclosed all the details to me," Hesper said, her gaze sharp. Despite her surprise, she did not lose her judgment. She wondered how Vivienne knew these things. Everyone in the coffee shop seemed to be Vivienne's people, and she wondered if Vivienne had a hand in the past events. Moreover, she wondered why Vivienne was so certain she had to be the test subject. There were many uncertainties, especially since she was currently collaborating with Cheney. If something were to happen to Vivienne, it could upset Cheney, which would not benefit them.Seeing Hesper's concerns, Vivienne nodded and said, "There are many things I can't and won't disclose now. However, when the time is right, I'll share some information you want to know."It seemed that Vivienne was currently adopting a relatively friendly attitude towards her. However, Hesper remained silent. "You can take time to consider my suggestion, Ms. Rivera. After all, w
Certainly, here's a revised version of the text with improved sentence flow:Hesper remained silent. It wasn't a matter of great significance, yet Rickard had no reason to join her, so she ventured inside alone.With her hesitation dissipated, Hesper confidently strode in, leaving the others waiting outside. Two police officers were present, alleviating any anxiety she might have felt. Taking a seat opposite Nathaniel, she noticed his composure. They hadn't crossed paths in some time, and Nathaniel appeared noticeably wearier. However, his appearance was inconsequential; his impending demise rendered it irrelevant.No amount of poise could alter the fact. Once, Hesper had known him better than anyone else in the world, and she understood the discomfort of not appearing presentable. But Nathaniel seemed apathetic, almost resigned. In a sense, he had given up.All their shared history had become water under the bridge—insignificant."I didn't expect you to visit," Nathaniel said, hi
He had never anticipated that he would end up loving her so deeply.It could be said that amidst all the misunderstandings and complexities, their journey together had taken many winding paths."I wouldn't risk getting into trouble just to set off fireworks for someone I didn't even like," Rickard said, his voice gentle. "You dummy."His words were soft, but as Hesper listened to his explanation, she cleared her throat, and her eyes turned bloodshot. She had never imagined that the person she had loved so intensely in her youth had, at some point in their lives, secretly admired her.Hesper attempted to smile but ended up with teary eyes. Seeing this, Rickard reached out and affectionately ruffled her hair. "If it's going to make you cry, I won't say anything more."Hesper pursed her lips. "If you don't want to talk about it, then don't."Rickard, despite understanding her reluctance, couldn't help but reflect on the past and openly admitted to the emotions he had felt in his you
They were flooded with memories, and Hesper couldn't help but admit that she had been through so much with Rickard. Her eyes welled up with emotion.The livestream ended, as they couldn't maintain constant surveillance of their lives. Even though they hadn't gone home yet, the crew had left.In the past two days, people had gotten to know them quite well, so the crew decided to give them some alone time.Hesper sat in the passenger seat and stole a glance at Rickard. She couldn't help but say, "I never expected that the only time you were seen as making a mistake in Grandpa's eyes was because of me.""There are many things you don't know," he replied. Hesper raised an eyebrow and asked, "Like what? Tell me."Suddenly, Hesper recalled the countless times Rickard had looked at her. Yet, during those moments, Rickard had always had feelings for Juniper. She knew that was the reality, so she never expected that Rickard might have had the same strong feelings for her as she had for h
Hesper glanced at Rickard, who remained emotionless, but she still reached out to hold his hand.[This is tough to see. Both of Rickard's parents are no longer here… Sigh.][Hesper immediately checked on Rickard. If I were Rickard, I'd love her so much.]Ernest shook his head and remained silent as he flipped to the next page. Most of the pictures were of Hesper after that. She hadn't realized she had so many childhood photos. Julian appeared in some of them, too.Before everything went sour.Rickard didn't have many pictures. As he grew older, he became quieter.Most of them showed Hesper standing next to Julian, but there was something off about them.[Did you notice... In many of those pictures, Hesper was looking at Rickard, and in others, Rickard was looking at her.][Oh my god, is this puppy love? I had no idea!][I remember Rickard had another lover.]Hesper had noticed, too, but there was no need to remind people that Rickard used to hate her, so she dismissed it as a
Hesper and Rickard entered the room and awkwardly informed Ernest that everything had been live-streamed just now. Ernest was shocked, but upon hearing that it was something people do, he nodded."It's fine. There's nothing that others can't hear."Hesper pursed her lips and glanced at Rickard before saying, "We didn't expect the Summers to come and see you. You should move in with us so these people will leave you alone."If Ernest lived with them, no one would dare intrude because they represented power and influence.Who would dare challenge them?"I don't want to get involved in your life. Renfew and Renarie would keep you occupied enough."Hesper understood that he had already made up his mind not to live with them, so she didn't press the matter further.She could understand his concerns, as many things might become inconvenient. Besides, Ernest didn't want to disrupt their lives either."We'll be heading to Fredonia soon, so even though we have filming to do, we wanted t
So what if the cameras were still recording?"Was my son's life not as valuable as your son's?"If he had grasped this earlier, recent events might not have unfolded. Jade had a point.The live chat fell silent. Though they lacked the full backstory, they could deduce what had transpired in the past.[I heard Rickard lost his parents when he was a child. I feel sorry for him.][His parents died because of that incident. It's no surprise if he harbors resentment.][Truthfully, this old man has no shame. If my child were responsible for another child's death, I'd beg for forgiveness.]Everything unfolding before their eyes was purely coincidental, and no one had control over the situation. They could only watch and terminate the livestream immediately if anything escalated.Fortunately, Jade received a stern talking-to and refrained from discussing the matter further, but Mrs. Summers did not fare as well. Hesper and the others bore witness to her irrational behavior.[This is e
"We've known each other for years, Ernest. I saved your life once, and now your descendants want to take my son's life!"As they approached, Jade Summers was angrily berating Ernest before him. Hesper's countenance immediately turned frosty as she walked over to Ernest."You should conduct yourself more appropriately, Mr. Summers Sr."Jade was taken aback to see Hesper, but he composed himself, took a deep breath, and fixed her with a hatred-filled gaze."If it weren't for you, none of this would have happened. You're just a woman. Since when do you get a say in the Duval family matters?"In the 21st century, people were all for equality. Besides, Hesper was no ordinary or unintelligent woman. Naturally, she had a voice in these matters.The viewers were inundated with comments when they heard Jade's words, and the live chat exploded.[Who is this guy? He looks old but lacks respect.][What's the argument about?][I sense some drama.]Rickard walked over. Jade had thought he
[Didn't Hesper mention that Mr. Duval Sr. took care of her? Maybe she did grow up well.][I'm certain she did. Hesper doesn't strike me as someone who would tolerate mistreatment.]Hesper and Rickard were under constant surveillance throughout the journey, and they hadn't allowed Benji to accompany them. Rickard was behind the wheel, with Hesper in the passenger seat.During the drive, they remained silent, but to observers, it appeared as though they were in harmony.Upon arriving at the ancestral mansion, Hesper noticed other cars parked around and cast a curious glance at Rickard. Visitors to Ernest's home were a rarity."Sir, Ma'am, you're back," a young housekeeper greeted them. It was the same person who had assisted Wendy earlier, but they couldn't recall her name. Nevertheless, Hesper had faith in her.Noticing the housekeeper's troubled demeanor, Hesper deduced that the guest inside was likely unwelcome. However, she couldn't fathom who would disrupt Ernest's life. Given
Rickard noticed something in Hesper's expression, prompting him to ask, "Is there something else you haven't told me?"Being intimately familiar with each other wasn't always without its challenges. Hesper could never conceal anything from him.She sighed and replied, "It's nothing. Just that Pennleigh will also be on the list."Rickard fell silent.Hesper was aware that sometimes Rickard might not appear bothered, but Pennleigh's presence did bother him.Observing Hesper's awkward expression, Rickard lowered his gaze and suddenly took on a pitiful appearance, like a big dog caught in the rain.Yet, she knew he was merely putting on an act. Still, every time she saw him like that, she couldn't help but miss the Rickard who didn't engage in such playful antics. His character had undergone a change.Hesper found it amusing but didn't quite know how to express it. She sighed and added, "It's a fantastic opportunity. I know you'll let me go, right?"Rickard had no intention of inte
"Sullivan lied to her. He had her parents quietly killed. She found out after she turned her back on you."Benji lowered his gaze. "She was already dead when you came back. It was suicide."The conclusion lacked the weight necessary for such a betrayal. Hesper shut her eyes. The person she had trusted most was Renee. They had shared countless years together.Hesper acknowledged that their bond might not have been a genuine friendship. Renee had abandoned her when given the choice.However, Hesper had faced such situations before.Thankfully, there had been someone who had placed her first in their heart, reassuring her that she wasn't always relegated to being an option. Hesper stood in silence for a while before simply nodding.There was nothing she could do to aid Renee now. Renee had entered and departed alone, leaving no trace behind with Hesper.When the topic was broached, it weighed heavily on her heart. Hesper understood the situation but found herself at a loss for word