Chapter 590
Stephan stood. After a day of lying down, his body felt stiff and uncomfortable. He was about to shower and change when he noticed the elderly doctor still standing hesitantly. It seemed he had something to say.
Stephan glanced at him. “Speak. What is it?”
The elderly doctor seized the opportunity. “Mr. Russell, I’ve done as you instructed. The temporary blinding toxins… they were well made, weren’t they? They perfectly obscure pulse readings and cause no harm!” He rubbed his hands together. “Now that the toxins are neutralized and your eyesight is restored, when can we leave?”
“Anytime,” Stephan replied, raising an eyebrow. “Once you’re out, claim my condition is hopeless and that you’ve done all you could. You don’t need me to coach you, do you?”
“Of course not, Mr. Russell. Rest assured!”
The elderly doctor chuckled nervously before quickly gathering his belongings. Leading his assistants and equipment, he prepared to depart. Before leaving, he adopted a downtrodden, helpless expression, sighing deeply as if filled with regret.
The transformation left Stephan momentarily speechless.
“The older they get, the craftier they are,” he mused, a faint smile playing on his lips.
Before long, news spread that Stephan was gravely poisoned and near death. The Russell family was thrown into chaos.
When Archie heard the news, he was with Imogen and Caleb. The little one had just been bathed and scented by the housekeepers. The family of three was a picture of warmth amidst laughter. Then, a maid burst in, panic-stricken. “Ms. Russell, it’s terrible! Mr. Russell’s condition has worsened! Dr. Hughes and his team have left, saying they can do nothing more.”
Imogen nearly fell off the bed. Her breath caught, and dizziness overcame her. Archie steadied her. Calmly, he comforted her. “Don’t worry. Calm down. I’m here. Lie down, and I’ll go check on him.”
But Imogen was already crying. Perhaps due to her newfound reliance on him, the tears flowed uncontrollably. Panic consumed her as she clung to Archie’s hand, sobbing, “What do we do? What do we do?”
She couldn’t lie down. Fortunately, she had been recovering for over two weeks and was in good physical condition. She could walk easily.
“I’m coming with you!”
Before Archie could refuse, Imogen quickly rose and threw on a coat. A maid offered a hat, but Imogen declined; it was summer, and she didn’t need it inside the villa.
After instructing the maids and nanny to care for Caleb, the couple hurried to the third floor, followed by Johanna, her face filled with concern. “I’m worried about Stephan. Let me come along!”
No one noticed the brief exchange of glances between Johanna and Archie. Johanna’s inquisitive look asked, “Is it done?” Archie’s subtle nod replied, “It’s done. Everything went smoothly. Don’t worry. It can’t be traced back to us.”
Supporting the trembling Imogen, Archie barked orders at the guards. “Go find other doctors! There are so many hospitals in Seldvale. Don’t tell me there isn’t a single skilled physician! Go quickly!”
The subordinates bowed respectfully and hurried off. This feeling of authority and command gave Archie a strange sense of satisfaction. His entire being felt invigorated, as though he had finally triumphed.
“So, this is the privilege of being in control. No wonder everyone covets it,” he thought.
Soon, he would be truly in command.