Chapter 1190:

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Theo watched Eaton’s internal struggle with complete indifference, leaning back lazily against the sofa cushions. “If this is too difficult for your delicate conscience, then step aside and let me handle it myself. I don’t need your help.”

He leaned forward suddenly, his voice turning razor-sharp. “But if you dare betray me—”

“I would never betray you!” Eaton’s answer came out desperate and immediate. “I’m grateful beyond words that you’re alive again! How could I possibly betray you after everything?”

“Then play dumb. Pretend you don’t know who I really am. Help me when I require it, and otherwise stay out of my way.”

Theo rose and headed for the door. “And keep your pathetic feelings to yourself. Someone who wasn’t willing to stand by me when it mattered has no right to speak of love.”

Eaton’s hand shot out and caught Theo’s arm.

“I’ll help you! This time, no matter what you’re planning, no matter how dark it gets — I’ll help you do it.” His voice came out raw and broken. “But I have one condition. Please — spare Jessie.”

The corner of Theo’s mouth curved into a slow, dangerous smile. “Of course. She’s your sister, after all. How could I possibly hurt her?” His smile sharpened. “But this time, you’d better keep your word.”

When the personal doctor stepped out of the room, he spoke to Gracie. “Mrs. Stanley’s condition has significantly worsened. The prolonged poisoning has caused severe, permanent damage to her system. She won’t recover to her previous state of health.”

“What’s the worst-case scenario we’re looking at?”

“She’ll experience frequent illness and will require daily medication management for the remainder of her life,” the doctor replied soberly.

о𝗿𝗴𝖺𝗇𝗶𝗓𝗲 уo𝘂r 𝗹𝗂𝖻𝗋𝖺𝗿y оո 𝘨𝘢𝗅ո𝘰ve𝘭𝘀.𝗰𝘰𝗺

Gracie’s jaw clenched, and her hands curled into white-knuckled fists at her sides. “That bastard Eaton. I’m going to make absolutely certain he spends the rest of his life in prison.”

Though she knew with absolute certainty that Eaton had orchestrated the poisoning, she still lacked the concrete evidence needed to have him arrested.

After the doctor took his leave, Gracie stepped quietly into the bedroom and approached Valeria’s bedside.

Valeria’s eyes were already open. She managed a weak smile when she saw Gracie. “I’m sorry. I nearly hurt you again today during one of my episodes. But you don’t need to worry so much about my health. I’m not any younger. Even if I made a full recovery, I don’t have many years left anyway.”

Tears stung Gracie’s eyes before she could stop them. “Valeria… Eaton orchestrated all of this for Theo’s sake. He wanted to use you as leverage to control us. But Theo was cruel — truly cruel. Why does Eaton think bringing him back will somehow fix everything? Please, I’m begging you — don’t cling to these impossible hopes anymore.”

Valeria’s head dropped slowly, and a bitter smile twisted her pale lips. “I know I’ve been selfish in wanting him back. But now that I’ve been pulled into the consequences of that selfishness, I finally understand. Some things simply can’t be forced.”

She gradually shifted her gaze to the window outside. “It must have been terrifying for you too — being targeted, being hunted.”

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Message from Noa: My beloved little oneeeees, just letting you know that there’ll be some revamping on the site soon, with lots of new features that I hope you’ll love so so much. It’s taking a little while, but everything will be ready this week. Hope you like them, and remember that most of the options will only be available to the little ones who are registered and logged in. God loves you and Noa wishes you all the best. (>‿=)✌

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