The Heiress Nobody Saw Coming (Natalie and Marcus)

"Mr. Langton, I don't think Laura has ever made enemies like that!" Natalie said, pursing her lips.

She had heard Laura talking about her past, and from that, she could tell what kind of person she was.

"That's uncertain," Federrick responded as he took out the acupuncture kit. "Once she's calmed down, I'll proceed with the acupuncture. You get the second dose ready."

"Yes, Mr. Langton."

Laura was in agony, unable to utter a single sound. It felt like an inferno was raging inside her, consuming her from within. In her chest, something seemed to be writhing and thrashing against her ribcage as if it would tear through her flesh at any moment.

The pain sent her body into violent spasms. However, with her legs secured to the bedposts and her hands bound, all she could do was press against the mattress, struggling in vain.

"Can Laura really make it through this, Mr. Langton?"

Natalie watched anxiously. "She swallowed the powder, but why hasn't she thrown up yet?"

Federrick replied, "Be patient. The Bloodbanes have been inside her for too long, so it won't come out right away."

"This is true torment." He let out a weary sigh. "The Holdens... they're far more complicated than they appear."

Then, he turned to Natalie. "Don't take offense, Nat, but if Grace could be Mr. Holden Senior's godsister, his hands might not be clean either. I told you back then that Grace was up to no good, right? You wouldn't listen that time. Do you believe me now?"

"Oh, while we're on this, Mr. Langton, I have something to ask you."

Natalie recalled the video she had received not long ago. "I was sent a video of Grace and Victor speaking in a hospital hallway before, and that video exposed her true nature to me.

"Are you the one who sent the video to me, Mr. Langton?"

"Do I look like I am?" Federrick rolled his eyes. "If I had that kind of evidence, I would've shown it to you when I saved you. Why would I waste my breath trying to convince you without proof?"

After a brief pause, he added, "It wasn't me. Besides, since when have I ever been the type to keep secrets?"

Thinking it over, Natalie had to admit he had a point. Her mentor had always been honest and direct. If he had that proof, he would've shown it to her years ago to stop her from ever going back to that viper's nest of a family.

"Nat, quick. Get ready!"

Natalie wanted to say more, but Federrick's voice suddenly turned cold and stern.

Laura, still struggling in pain, suddenly bolted upright. She turned toward the glass basin by the bed and started retching violently.

A thin, pale worm slithered out of Laura's mouth, falling straight into the glass basin. The second it touched the sulfuric acid, it let out a high-pitched shriek before being completely incinerated.

Laura kept retching, expelling more and more of the white worms. As they poured from her, the unnatural redness staining her skin gradually faded.

As the final heave left her body, her eyes fluttered shut, and she slumped back onto the bed.

"Is she okay, Mr. Langton?"

No matter how steady and composed Natalie usually was, watching Laura expel

so many writhing white worms still sent chills down her spine.

"She won't die—not while I'm here." Federrick spoke with quiet confidence, unfolding his acupuncture kit. "Nat, get rid of that basin, then come and help me."

"Yes, Mr. Langton."

Natalie quickly stepped forward and cautiously set the glass basin aside.

Federrick had her rebind Laura's hands again before proceeding with the acupuncture.

Laura's eyes were bloodshot, with faint white threads visible within.

"Those in her eyes are Ghostroots," Federrick stated. "I'll use acupuncture to drive them to the surface. Get the second dose ready-she must chew and swallow it."

Natalie nodded and asked, "Can she still keep her senses and follow through like this?"

Even with the medicine ready, she couldn't shake her concern.noveldrama

"Can you hear us talking, Laura?" Federrick asked flatly.

"Yes, I can," Laura mumbled. "Mr. Langton, Nat, don't worry. I can follow through." "Let's begin, then."

Natalie pinned Laura down as Federrick threaded the needle through Laura's skin.

Laura didn't move a muscle, only her eyes flickered anxiously. Within moments,

white worms swarmed over her pupils.

"Nat, have her swallow the medicine, now."

"Yes, Mr. Langton."

Natalie unsealed the second dose of

medicine and slipped it into Laura's mouth. Despite the relentless tremors wracking her body, she chewed, swallowed, and pushed through the agony, following Natalie and Federrick's every instruction.

As soon as the second dose went down, Federick gestured for Natalie to help Laura sit up. He pressed a few more needles into her skin, and within moments, she felt something wriggling out of her eyes, creeping down her cheeks before dropping

away.

A sinister sizzle echoed around her. Laura couldn't see, but the harsh, acrid smell clawed at her nose.

After what felt like an eternity, light began to seep back into Laura's vision.

"Get the third dose ready, Nat," Federrick instructed calmly. "It won't hurt this time,

but it'll make you hallucinate. Whether you find your way out or not is entirely on you."

"I'll get through this." Weak as she was, Laura forced herself to stay firm. "Mr. Langton, Nat, I won't be afraid. We can continue."

"Good. Then, do as I say."

Letting out a breath, Federrick steadied himself. Age was catching up to him, and this process left no room for error. He might have looked confident while directing Natalie, but inside, he was on edge.

He let Laura rest briefly. Once he was sure she was doing better, he signaled Natalie to feed her the third dose.

Then, Federrick and Natalie stepped back. They gazed at Laura, watching her intently for any sign of change.

"I hope she makes it through." He sighed. "She's had her share of misfortune." Natalie's voice was laced with worry. "Mr. Langton, if Laura can't pull through, will she... really die?"

Federrick responded, "No. If she can't pull through, Umbrahex won't be completely cured, and she'll continue to suffer. I don't take lives, Nat. If someone is beyond saving, I let them go home and spend their remaining days as best they can.

"I only take on what I know I can handle. But Laura's case is different-it's

dragged on too long, and I don't know if she can endure it."

"I believe she can," Natalie uttered.

"Let's hope so!"