Chapter 139 The Parting in Two Days
Having secured the vital information regarding the antidote from Finnegan, Paige made a beeline back to the villa. She didn't even venture inside, instead opting to place a phone call to summon Marigold.Emerging from the villa, Marigold was accompanied by Julian, who took it upon himself to ensure she was comfortably seated in the back of the car. Without wasting a moment, Paige pressed her foot on the accelerator and they were off."Your brother has divulged the details of the antidote," Paige announced, her voice resolute. "Now, you're accompanying me to retrieve it. If he was spinning tales, one of you siblings will be the first to pay the price."Marigold shot back, "If he's shared the antidote's details, it signifies he’s safe. Paige, I must admit, I underestimated you. You managed to coax Finnegan into revealing the antidote."Paige's gaze flickered to Marigold in the rearview mirror, who was ensconced in the back seat."I didn't lay a finger on him," she retorted, her tone casual. "Merely threatened to dismember him, slice his tongue, and blind him, reducing him to a human hog. It seems you two share a deep bond, otherwise, my threats would have been empty, a mere waste of breath."Marigold, steeped in the history and culture of Quorinthus, was all too familiar with the gruesome concept of a "human hog".A shudder ran through her, "Paige, your ruthlessness knows no bounds. How could the Carnegies, of such high standing, wed a woman of your ilk?"Julian, unable to stomach such talk, interjected in a frosty tone, "They're fortunate to have her. The Carnegies should be grateful. What do you know?"A smile played on Paige's lips, "I gave your brother my word that I would spare both your lives. As long as I secure the antidote, and it proves to be genuine, you're free to leave."Despair clouded Marigold's eyes. She hadn't foreseen that a mission, seemingly straightforward, would culminate in failure. Now, with their defeat undeniable, they were to return to their base, to the cold, damp confines, and continue their existence there. The promise of a brighter future seemed elusive. Opportunities were a luxury they could ill afford.Yet, they had lost. Marigold was in the dark about Finnegan's condition in the hospital. Aside from accepting her fate, she was powerless.Paige, forgoing the use of GPS, glanced at Marigold in the mirror, "Why are you lost in thought? Guide me! Your brother mentioned you know the password."Marigold, without hesitation, directed Paige towards a bank. Upon arrival, they ventured into the bank's vault. Marigold punched in the password and retrieved a medical cooler.Upon opening the cooler, she scrutinized the drug inside before handing it over to Paige."Is this the antidote you seek? When am I free to visit my brother?""Hold your horses," Paige responded. "Once I confirm the antidote's authenticity, you're free to see your brother. If it's a sham, I'll be forced to pay another visit to the hospital, and this time, I might bring a 'gift' along."Paige's mention of a 'gift' was accompanied by a lingering gaze on Marigold's limbs, suggesting that they were the 'gift' she referred to.A chill coursed down Marigold's spine under Paige's piercing gaze.She was at a loss to comprehend how Paige could exude such an imposing aura, instilling in her a sense of intimidation.Yet, upon closer inspection, Paige bore no peculiar expressions. There was something about her aura, however, that was ineffable, something that radiated menace."We underestimated you, my brother and I," Marigold confessed. "We dismissed you as inconsequential. We thought you were merely a pawn to retrieve something for us, fulfilling our wish. But, unexpectedly, you chose a daring method to infiltrate our base before the three-day deadline.I recall someone mentioning that our base was impregnable, as long as we guarded the coordinates, no one could breach it.Now, I've witnessed something truly extraordinary. It's just a pity I missed the spectacle of you and your team descending that mountain.Such a towering mountain, blanketed in thick snow, and yet you managed to navigate it.Madam Huo, I'm beginning to question your true identity."Paige retorted, "Identity? There's no need for such curiosity. However, your ability to concoct that drug suggests our paths may cross again. But don't entertain thoughts of pursuing the secret funds. I've already warned your brother, with your resources, such a pursuit is beyond your reach."With that, Paige packed the antidote and prepared to depart.All Marigold could do was secure the safe, relieved that Paige displayed no interest in the other contents within.
Once the antidote was securely in Paige's possession, she sought out Sullivan, while Marigold dispatched Julian to stand in her stead. Sullivan had devoted countless hours to the creation of the antidote, and when it finally graced his palms, a meticulous examination confirmed its authenticity. With a sense of accomplishment, he carefully packed the vial and turned to Paige. "This is the real deal," he assured her. "Take it back and administer it to your aunt. She should recover."A sigh of relief escaped Paige's lips, her heart lightening with hope. "That's fantastic," she exclaimed, her voice tinged with excitement. "I've missed her so much. I'll be heading home tomorrow!" The thought of her beloved Mrs. Sackler regaining consciousness was overwhelming. Paige found herself unable to focus on anything else. Upon returning to the villa, she promptly ordered her team to prepare for their journey home.In the dead of night, Raymond found Paige in her room, engrossed in packing. She glanced up at him, her eyes sparkling with determination. "I forgot to mention, I've secured the antidote. I plan to leave immediately to see Mrs. Sackler. Mr. Carnegie, instruct Charles to pack your belongings. We're in a hurry."Paige was indeed in a rush, her interest in the affairs of their current location dwindling. With her departure, Marigold would also gain her freedom. The prospect of Mrs. Sackler's imminent awakening filled Paige with an impatience that made her yearn to fly home.Raymond moved closer, gently taking Paige's busy hands in his own. He sat down, pulling Paige onto his lap. "Madam, we've traveled all this way to Country M, and I've lost my wheelchair. I can't just return like this," Paige protested, tossing aside the half-folded clothes she held."Raymond, when did your leg heal? Why have you been using that wheelchair even after your recovery? Aren't you going to explain this to me?" Paige demanded, seeking answers.Raymond sighed, a sense of resignation in his voice. "Initially, it was to buy Louis some time to manage the domestic operations at Hawke Corporation. It also served to lower the defenses of those in the Carnegie family who've been watching us.""I see," Paige replied, a hint of sarcasm seeping into her tone. "It was a whirlwind marriage, after all. You were cautious of me too!""I intended to tell you, but the right moment never presented itself," Raymond confessed.Paige wanted to voice her thoughts further, but she held back. Rising from Raymond's lap, she intended to feign anger and ignore him. However, she had barely taken two steps when Raymond stood, his arms encircling her from behind. "Madam, you're returning to the States tomorrow, and I need to stay here a few more days. I'm going to miss you terribly," he murmured softly.Paige squirmed slightly within Raymond's firm hold. She attempted to turn around, but his hand gently tilted her chin, directing her face towards him. And there, standing behind her, tilting her chin upwards, he pressed his lips against Paige's…
