Chapter 869
The wind outside was freezing, but Haley was just in her PJs.
Ivan grabbed a down jacket from the rack and bolted after her. "Haley, at least throw on some clothes!"
But he was too slow. Haley jumped into a car and sped off from the Winston family villa like a bat outta hell.
"What's up with Mrs. Winston?" Alfred was stunned. "She's gonna catch her death out there. Mr. Winston, you gotta go after her and calm her down."
Before Alfred could finish, Ivan was already tearing down the driveway in his black sports car.
It was a weekday afternoon, so the roads were pretty empty. The cold kept most folks indoors. The two cars zoomed down the road, one hot on the other's tail.
Ivan kept his distance, worried Haley might do something crazy if he got too close.
Right now, Haley was probably under the control of that Bio-intelligent Chip in her body, making her act in all kinds of irrational ways.
Ivan remembered the report clear as day: victims would do anything the Bio-intelligent Chip told them to, no matter how nuts.
Even if it meant offing themselves, they'd do it without a second thought.
If Martin had put that chip in Haley, Ivan wouldn't sweat it too much. Martin wouldn't hurt her. But if Isabel was behind it, all bets were off. And with Isabel dead, who the heck was calling the shots with that chip?
Ivan's heart was in his throat. He gripped the steering wheel, eyes locked on Haley's car.
The car veered off the main road, heading towards the outskirts where traffic was even lighter.
There was a low mountain range up ahead, and the road got rougher.
Ivan was on edge. He couldn't just rush in or block her path, worried it'd freak her out more.
Haley's car suddenly smashed into the guardrail on the mountain road. Luckily, the front was banged up but it wasn't a total wreck.
Ivan saw his chance, jumped out of his car, and sprinted over.
But he was too late again. Haley got out and started walking barefoot towards the mountain top.
She'd bolted out of the house in her thin PJs, no shoes, nothing. The cold wind almost knocked her over.
"Haley!" Ivan called out as a way to probe her reaction.
Haley picked up the pace, like she was on a mission.
Ivan knew he had to stop her. If she jumped from the top...
He didn't wanna think about it. He sped up to catch her.
Ivan finally caught up and grabbed Haley's arm. "Haley, stop. It's freezing. Let's go home."
"Let go of me!" Haley's eyes were icy, her voice full of rage.
She fought back hard, yelling, "I'm not cold! Let go!"
"Haley, calm down. It's me, Ivan, your husband. I love you. Please, don't do this."
Ivan was at a loss. He held her tight, trying to warm her up with his own body.
Haley wasn't calming down; she kept fighting like she was determined to burn through every ounce of energy she had.
Ivan kissed her hair, his voice soft and soothing. He tried to figure out what the Bio-intelligent Chip's command could be from Isabel's twisted mind but came up empty.
If Isabel wanted Haley dead, she wouldn't have bothered with the chip.
So, the command had to be something to make Haley's life a living hell.
How would she break a woman?
A million thoughts raced through Ivan's mind. He couldn't be sure of anything, and he didn't want to think too hard about it.
After what felt like forever, Haley finally calmed down. Her body was ice-cold, but her forehead and back were drenched in sweat. She leaned against Ivan's chest, her eyes slowly focusing.
"Why am I so tired?" Haley's voice was raspy and weak.
Ivan let out a breath he didn't know he was holding. "Haley, it's okay. Let's get you home."
He scooped her up and carried her down the mountain, step by step. He placed her in the driver's seat and cranked up the heater.
Haley stared at the banged-up car ahead, the one she usually drove to work.
She looked down at herself—PJs, barefoot, her soles all torn up.
Her throat was dry and raw, making it hurt to breathe.
"Ivan, did I turn into that again?" Haley asked, her voice strained. She noticed the clear bite marks on Ivan's chest, his shirt torn and blood seeping through.
This was the first time she faced her condition after losing her memory. She couldn't believe it. Did she really get violent when controlled by that voice?
"Haley, it's okay." Ivan turned and touched her head. "I've found a way to destroy the chip's program. It's just a matter of time."
Haley's smile was bitter. "Ivan, have I become terrifying?"
"Haley, it's not you who's terrifying. It's the chip messing with your brain, making you act out." Ivan held her cold fingers, speaking softly, "Don't worry, I'm here with you. We'll get through this."
"But I'm scared I'll hurt the kids." Haley gripped his hand tightly. "If they find out their mom's turned into a weird stranger, they'll be so scared. They'll never be disappointed in me. They're so good and understanding, but I can't face them anymore."
Haley covered her face, crying uncontrollably for the first time.
She'd been holding it all in, always trying to find a solution. But today made her realize this wasn't something she could fix on her own.
She'd turn into someone else, doing crazy things, hurting the people who loved her.
The injuries on Ivan's hand, shoulder, and the bite marks on his chest were all because of her. Would there come a day when she hurt the kids? If that happened, she'd never forgive herself.
"Haley, Haley." Ivan leaned over and held her close.
He gently comforted her, calling her name over and over until she finally calmed down.
After crying, her mind started to clear.
"Ivan, we need to figure out what the chip's command in my body is."
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