Chapter 420 Getting Ready to Go to the Dock
Ethan's heart pounded as he asked the question, torn between hope and dread.
"My guy hasn't reported back yet," Diannel replied.
This development struck Ethan as significant. Someone buying up all the Panacea ingredients at premium prices must either be a competitor or have some other agenda entirely.
His thoughts raced back to Ashley's video, particularly her promise to develop more Panacea and distribute it to those in need. Something clicked in his mind.
"Tell your man to maintain his cover and follow discreetly," Ethan instructed. "I want updates the moment anything happens."
"Yes, Mr. Yates."
After ending the call, Ethan massaged his temples as his headache intensified.
"Try not to worry too much," Ryan said. "Let the police handle Ashley's case while you recover. We'll get her back as soon as possible."
Ethan nodded gratefully. "Diannel just told me someone bought out the entire city's supply of Panacea ingredients. I suspect there's a connection to Ashley's disappearance. Ryan, see what you can dig up from that angle."
"I'm on it."
After Ryan and Pauline left, Ethan clutched his throbbing head, his vision blurring as a ringing filled his ears.
When the doctor arrived to check on him, he frowned at Ethan's deteriorating condition. "Mr. Yates, you need to rest. Your emotional state is affecting your recovery, especially with that concussion."
"I'm fine," Ethan insisted.
How could he possibly rest when Ashley was out there somewhere?
Staring at the ceiling, his thoughts consumed by Ashley, Ethan prayed silently, 'God, I'd trade my life for hers and our baby's if I could. Please let her be safe.'
The pain overwhelmed him, and he slipped into unconsciousness once more.
Meanwhile, Chris had procured all the medicinal ingredients overnight. Ashley's room now reeked with the pungent odor of herbs, making Chris nauseous whenever he entered.
"I'm tired, Ashley," he said. "Let's go to another room. You can keep me company while I sleep."
Disgust flashed in her eyes. "I only have two days. If I don't produce Panacea in that time, I'll be ridiculed. Is that what you want?"
"Anyone who dares mock you will answer to me," Chris threatened.
Ashley rolled her eyes, increasingly disturbed by his obsessive behavior.
"I don't have time for this," she said firmly. "If I don't complete the medicine quickly, I won't be able to leave with you willingly after two days."
Chris's face darkened as he stared her down, but Ashley held his gaze unflinchingly.
Finally, he relented. "Fine. Continue your work. I won't disturb you."
"I need complete isolation," Ashley insisted. "For the next two days, no one enters except to bring food and water."
After scrutinizing her with suspicious eyes, Chris nodded. "Very well."
Once he left, Ashley exhaled with relief. Half a day had already passed - she needed to work quickly.
Outside, Chris watched through a hidden window as she worked. Satisfied she wasn't attempting anything suspicious, he ordered his men, "Guard every exit from Ms. Wilson's room. She doesn't leave under any circumstances."
Though Ashley heard the commotion outside, she remained focused on creating the Panacea.
Twice during the process, she coughed up blood from exhaustion. After wiping her mouth, she anxiously checked on her baby. The babies seemed fine, but she was weakening. She forced herself to eat something before continuing her work.
Within a day and a half, Ashley had produced more than a dozen Panacea pills. She'd also prepared additional "medicine" using the same ingredients but with modified formulations - essentially creating slow-acting poison that appeared identical to the genuine article.
With half a day remaining, Chris entered her room. "You've been working for two days straight. Get some rest. Tomorrow morning, we leave for the harbor."
Ashley nodded, gesturing to the table. "These are the fruits of my labor."
"You're incredible," Chris said, gazing at her adoringly. "I knew the woman I loved was exceptional."
He embraced her, and Ashley stiffened, discreetly pulling away.
"You know what Panacea can do," she said. "It doesn't just cure terminal illnesses - it improves overall health and extends life."
She handed Chris a pill. "This one's for you. Have your men deliver the rest to the Yates Group headquarters. Once these medicines reach those who need them, I'll go with you willingly."
Chris eyed the pill suspiciously. "You're not trying to poison me, are you?"
Ashley raised an eyebrow. "Don't believe me? Watch."
She selected a pill from the box and swallowed it in front of him.
Touched by what he perceived as concern for his wellbeing, Chris smiled. "I knew you cared for me, Ashley."
She handed him a pill, her eyes gleaming. "Take just one. The others are for those in need."
"Of course."
Chris swallowed the pill while she watched, and Ashley allowed herself a small, victorious smile.
Looking at his watch, Chris said, "Get your things ready. In two hours, we leave for the harbor."
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