Chapter 682
“From the sound of your voice, Hector, you don’t seem to be in pain at all. Your color looks good too. I’d say your body is recovering, isn’t it?”
Caitlin sat down on the carved stool across from him.
Realizing he couldn’t dodge her, Hector forced himself to reply, “I feel a bit better today. Why are you here?”
“I came especially to check on you. Where’s Uzma? Didn’t she come to look after you?” Caitlin asked.
“Don’t know where that girl’s run off to. Haven’t seen a trace of her.”
“Don’t worry, Hector. You’ll see her soon enough.”
After a casual reassurance, Caitlin steered the subject elsewhere. “By the way, Hector, can you hand me the missing half of Yun’s Aromatic Codex now?”
“Didn’t I tell you? It’s not in my possession.”
The old man still refused to admit it, but Caitlin pressed firmly, “That story might fool others, but I know for certain the codex is in your hands. Don’t bother hiding it from me.”
Hector fell into silence.
Caitlin continued, “Half a book in your drawer is nothing but scrap paper. But if you give it to me, I might be able to locate the map of Atlantis, and from there the Shard of Life. I’m sure you’ve heard of it, haven’t you? Eat it and you gain longer life. You want longevity,
on’t you? When the time comes, I’ll share it with you. We can work together. How does that sound?”
“You’d really share it with me?”
Hector was tempted, but still unsure if he could trust her.
“Of course. You’re my grandfather’s only brother, my blood relative. Naturally I want to look out for you.”
Her cool eyes shone with sincerity. “And besides, all I want is the codex so I can restore the Fragrance & Dye Studio. As for that Shard of Life, I don’t need it. If we find the map, we can go to Atlantis together, dig it up ourselves. Most of what we find will be yours. All I ask is a small portion to use as medicine for my brother.”
She leaned forward, her tone sharper. “Think carefully, Hector. You’re already over seventy. How much time do you have left to waste? Every passing second is your life slipping away. If you want that miraculous treasure, I’m your only way to it.”
Every angle was laid bare. No one with sense could resist.
“You’re right. I can’t afford to wait. But the codex isn’t with me,” Hector admitted.
“If it’s not with you, then it must be with Nicoletta, correct?”
Hector nodded slightly. “I can have her return it to you. If what you say is true, I’ll cooperate. But words alone aren’t enough. Why should I believe you so easily?”
“I can sign a contract in front of you right now.”
To reassure him, Caitlin added, “I’ll use all of my US assets as collateral. If I break my word, everything under my name will belong to the Jonathan family.”
Her determination was unmistakable. Hector finally relaxed.
“Good. This deal can be made. Write it.”
He fetched a sheet of white paper from the desk and placed it before her. Caitlin uncapped her black pen, ready to write.
Just before starting, she added, “One condition. This agreement only stands if the Shard of Life truly exists. If we go to Atlantis and find nothing, then the contract is void.”
Hector thought it over. Even if the Shard didn’t exist, Atlantis surely held other treasures. It wouldn’t be a wasted trip.
“Fine. I agree.”
With both sides aligned, Caitlin drafted the cooperation contract, two identical copies, signing and pressing her fingerprint.
“Your turn, Hector.”
He read it carefully. The terms were clear, the promises enticing. Taking the pen, he signed his own name and pressed his fingerprint.
The deal was sealed. One copy for Hector, one for Caitlin.
Thinking of the pain gnawing inside him, Hector asked, “Now, shouldn’t you cure me? We have a contract. You don’t need to hold my life hostage anymore.”
“Correct.”
Caitlin handed him a pill. “Swallow this and you’ll be safe.”
Without hesitation, Hector gulped it down.
Two minutes later, agony surged through his veins like fire. He clutched the table, collapsing into a chair, gasping for air. “Why… why does it hurt so much? Is this really the antidote? Cough… cough…”
The old man doubled over in violent coughing, until at last he spat out a mouthful of black blood.
“Urgh-”
After that, his chest loosened. The wracking pain faded, his breathing grew steady. He touched his chest, amazed.
“I’m better… I really am. I’m fine now!”
On the floor, the dark stain of his blood made his scalp crawl. That unbearable feeling of being devoured alive–he never wanted to suffer it again.
“You’re alright now, Hector. Let’s get you outside for a walk.”
Caitlin supported him as they left the bedchamber.
In the garden, the two strolled slowly. From the direction of the pond came distant shouts. Caitlin caught the sound and recognized it.
It seemed Uzma’s body had been discovered.
“Come on, Hector. I’ll take you to the main hall.”
She guided him inside. The family was still gathered, murmuring among themselves.
Nicoletta’s eyes narrowed when she saw Caitlin helping the old man in. That girl had gone to see him. directly?
“Master, are you alright? Why did you bring him out?” Nicoletta asked quickly, rushing over to take Hector. She shot Caitlin a sidelong glance.
“The weather’s good. I thought it would do him well to get some fresh air,” Caitlin said evenly.
Hector’s face broke into a relieved smile. “I’m fine. Caitlin cured me. The poison’s gone.”
“Really?” Nicoletta’s disbelief was sharp. She didn’t buy that Caitlin would be so generous.
Before she could press further, Devin burst in, pale and flustered. “Master, Madam, something terrible has happened!”
“What now, all in a panic?” Nicoletta snapped.
“Uzma… Uzma… she’s dead!”
“What?”
Hector jolted upright. “What did you say? Say it again!”