Chapter 972
Chapter 972 Be Strong
“The toxin is already prepared in theboratory. After I''ve drained your blood and diluted the toxins in
your body, Cameron will create a corresponding counter-toxin for injection. We''llbat toxin with
toxin. However, let me be clear from the start, this method involves significant risks and will cause
unbearable pain, far beyond what an ordinary person can endure.”
Juliana smiled and said, “Bailey, please proceed with the procedure. Your presence by my side gives
mefort. Regardless of the oue, I''ll have no regrets. Passively waiting for death isn''t in my
nature.”
Bailey nodded, her gaze shifting toward Zeke, who remained on the other side. She arched an eyebrow
and inquired, “Aren''t you leaving yet?”
Zeke, looking somewhat puzzled, asked, “Why should I leave?”
“I''m concerned that this might be distressing for you. If Artemis were in your ce, he''d probably find it
unbearable. Considering how much you care for this girl now, I''m afraid you might break down halfway
through.”
Zeke fell into contemtive silence, his thoughts running deep.
Juliana interjected, “You should go ahead and leave. I don''t want you to witness me in such a
disheveled state.”
Resigned, Zeke agreed, “All right then, I''ll step out. Bay, I''m counting on you.”
Bailey clutched the scalpel firmly, fully aware of the high stakes involved. “Rest assured, with me here,
everything will go smoothly,” she reassured them.
After all, there were two lives at stake.
Once Zeke had left the room, Juliana extended her arm toward Bailey and said, “Go ahead.”
After a brief moment of contemtion, Bailey began, “Julie, Zeke is the rightful heir of the Shurmer
family, a shining star from a young age, favored by destiny. It''s truly a tragedy for such a remarkable
man to die so young. So, no matter the challenges that lie ahead, you must remain strong and resolute.
Don''t give up easily.”
Juliana sensed something unusual in Bailey''s words, causing her to react swiftly. She reached out and
grasped Bailey''s arm, her voice filled with anxiety. “Has Zeke been having thoughts of suicide?”
Bailey nodded solemnly and spoke frankly. “Yes, he expressed hismitment to always be by your
side. Therefore, you must be strong and not let his devotion lead to unnecessary risks for both of you.”
Juliana reluctantly released her grip on her arm, her voice quivering as she admitted, “I always believed
he stayed with me out of pity and guilt. I never fathomed the profound depth of his feelings for me.”
In that moment, she raised her eyes to meet Bailey''s gaze, her resolve unwavering as she dered, “I
shall persist until the very end. The world holds such exquisite beauty, and I am not yet prepared to bid
it farewell.”
With a faint smile, Bailey didn''t utter a word more. She delicately lifted Juliana''s arm with one hand,
while the other held a scalpel, poised to make an incision.
The skin yielded to the de, and blood poured from the cut.
The toxins had eroded Juliana''s bloodstream, transforming its once vibrant crimson hue into a
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malevolent shade of ck.
Outside the infirmary, Artemis and Zeke leaned against the wall, each with a cigarette in hand. As they
exhaled, the smoke swirled around them.
“Don''t dwell on it too much. When a decision is made, life and death be secondary. If she
survives, so do you. If she doesn''t, neither do you. It''s that straightforward.”
Zeke nodded, saying, “If it ever reaches that point, please look after the Shurmer family in my
absence.”
“Mm.”
Outside, the sky darkened gradually as night approached.
Inside the main study of the Rogers castle, Joseph''s grip tightened, shattering the wine ss in his
hand upon hearing the strategist''s report.
“I thought Catherine had fallen for Mr. Simon, but it turns out she''s infatuated with her own personal
bodyguard. What a disgraceful woman, disregarding her own status, falling for a dog raised by the
family. Birds of a feather flock together, it seems. They''re both lowly creatures! It''s a good thing I didn''t
entrust the family affairs to her; otherwise, everything would have been ruined by her hands.”
The strategist concurred, saying, “It''s a shame that we, her subordinates, ced so much trust in her.
We staked our entire fortunes and lives on her. But it''s maddening to discover her true intentions. Mr.
Joseph, that Lester must not be allowed to stay. He will poison Ms. Catherine''s mind.”
Joseph slowly raised his head, fixing his gaze on the strategist.
This was the subordinate Catherine trusted and valued the most. If he could sessfully turn him
against Catherine, his future ns would proceed more smoothly.
“Oswald, Catherine is not someone you can influence to your liking. You won''t gain any benefits by
siding with her.”
Oswald was taken aback, his eyes narrowing slightly.
He wasn''t a fool; he could read between the lines of Joseph''s words.
“What do you mean, Mr. Joseph?”
A spark of realization shed in Joseph''s eyes as he casually remarked, “Don''t oppose her. Let her
sh with the first branch. Once she gains control of Wilbur, hand him over to me. I''ll use Wilbur as a
bargaining chip against that cunning old fox, Broderick. If you think I would abandon my family and flee
to the ends of the earth, think again. I''d rather go down with the first branch than lead a life of mere
survival.”
Filled with newfound determination, Oswald rose from his seat and bowed deeply to Joseph. “From
now on, my loyalty lies solely with you. What you say is true, Mr. Joseph. We''d rather go down together
than be hunted like dogs.”
“Haha.” Joseph chuckled. “Don''t worry, I still have some tricks up my sleeve. When both Catherine and
Broderick are weakened, both suffering losses, that''s when I''ll strike and bring them both down. At that
point, all power will return to my grasp.”
Oswald''s heart trembled deeply.
So, this old man had hidden motives all along. Casting Catherine out was merely using her as a shield.
What a ruthless heart he has. Catherine is his daughter, yet for power, he''s willing to sacrifice his own
flesh and blood.
“Do you have another heir in mind, Mr. Joseph?”
Joseph''s heartyughter abruptly ceased. He fixed a piercing gaze on Oswald and said cryptically, “I''ll
keep the details to myself for now. You''ll find out in due time. Just do your job diligently, and I won''t
disappoint you.”
“Understood.”
At Catherine''s residence, inside the study, Catherine examined the message in her hand and sighed.
“My people have directly shed with Uncle Broderick''s men. We''ve sustained heavy losses. Simon, I
can''t outmaneuver that old man. What should we do?”
Simon was engrossed in his phone when he heard his wife''s query. Arching an eyebrow, he teased,
“Give me a kiss, and I''ll tell you what to do.”
Catherine shot him an exasperated nce and pressed her lips together, refusing to y along.
The more she got to know this man, the more she realized how incorrigible he was.
Bailey had also called Artemis cheap before. It seemed that the men in the Luther family shared some
“You don''t agree? Well, then, I''m afraid your subordinates might face total annihtion...”
The conversation hit an abrupt pause.
As she stared at the erged handsome face before her, Catherine''s heart raced.
After an indeterminate amount of time, Simon slowly pulled away, his voice husky as he said, “If you''re
not on board with that n, it''s fine. I can take the initiative. If you happen to like this method, we can
always use it again in the future.”
“Simon...”
Catherine stamped her foot in frustration, her cheeks turning a faint shade of crimson.