Chapter 188

Oliver approached and slowly parted his lips.

This stepmother was truly merciless. She would destroy Evelyn to secure Vivian's future.

With a shuddering breath, Nolan gazed up at Nathan, who sat casually in the chair with one leg crossed over the other.

He resembled a demon straight from the underworld. His expression remained blank, but those piercing amber eyes radiated an icy sharpness that sent chills down Nolan's spine.

Nathan shifted positions, leaning forward to stare down at him. "Confess, and I'll spare your life."

Tears welled in Nolan's eyes as hope flickered within him.

But Nathan's next words extinguished that light, leaving only terror in its wake.

"Break his arms and legs. Make it known that anyone who dares help him will face the same fate."

Nathan rose and strode away without a backward glance.

Oliver gave a subtle nod to the men before following Nathan out.

Much later, Garrett arrived with his crew to assess the damage.

Taking in Nolan's battered state, Garrett shuddered. "Look what happened to Nolan. Learn who not to cross, or you'll end up just like him." He warned his men sternly.

"Yes, boss!" They chorused, none willing to suffer a similar destiny.

If their limbs were shattered without proper medical care, they'd be crippled for life.

Given the choice, they'd rather serve prison time with their bodies intact.

After several days of treatment, Evelyn's condition improved. The events of that day remained hazy, though she vaguely recalled harming someone.

When the doctor entered for his rounds, he asked, "Ms. Vanderbilt, how are you feeling today?"

"Thank you. Much better now."

Seeing her coherent response, the doctor relaxed. "You're fortunate the dosage wasn't higher. Otherwise, hospitalization would've been the least of your concerns."

Rehabilitation would have been necessary - a far worse ordeal than her recent suffering.

Evelyn lifted her gaze. "Doctor, may I know what was injected?"

"It's a hallucinogen called Dupin. Designed for medical research, it induces powerful visions."

"Initial bodily rejection varies. Mild cases experience manageable hallucinations. But severe reactions, like yours, cause complete loss of consciousness."

"It's highly addictive with difficult recovery," the doctor explained.

Evelyn pressed her lips together.

She'd suspected as much when her attacker mentioned addiction.

Reviewing her bloodwork, the doctor remarked, "Incidentally, your blood shows remarkable properties. Have you taken any special medications recently?"

Evelyn's eyes widened. "There's something besides the hallucinogen?"

The doctor frowned. "Yes, yet you're recovering unusually fast. Typically, it takes about a week to purge the system, but the hallucinogen appears nearly eliminated already."

"You're awake, Ms. Vanderbilt?" Oliver entered, interrupting the examination.