They glanced back at Newell. He was the one who had taught Lottie everything about surviving in this world. Honestly, he was more than just a mentor. He was like family, almost a second father. The thought of watching him suffer and die was unbearable.

But no matter how hard they tried, there just wasn’t a way out. It felt like they were trapped in a loop, searching for a solution that didn’t exist.

Anthony stayed quiet the whole time, watching Charlotte with gentle eyes. Whatever she chose, he’d back her up. No questions, no conditions.

“You don’t have to do this.”

Newell’s voice broke the silence, calm and steady, filling the conference room. “I’m not taking an antidote that costs you your freedom and your beliefs.”

Charlotte’s eyes shifted to Newell. After all the traveling, the sickness, he looked even more worn out than before.

“I used to worry about you,” Newell said as he walked over to her. His hands twitched, like he wanted to reach out and brush her hair, but he held back. His voice softened. “I hated the idea of leaving you alone in this world, with nobody to look after you. But now you’ve got people who care. You’ve got family.” He paused, then smiled with a kind of tired bravery. “As for me… with the antidote you gave me, I can hang on a while longer. Maybe I’ll get lucky and pull through. Don’t worry about me.”

Pull through?

Charlotte frowned, her whole presence turning cold. According to his test results, if he didn’t get the real antidote, he had maybe two weeks left. Maybe less. Did he really think she didn’t know? That she couldn’t see through him?

“Franco, Nora.” Newell turned to them and managed a small smile. “Lottie’s not in the best condition. Don’t let her push herself anymore. Get her home as soon as you can.”

He looked over at Anthony, lips parting as if to say something, but no words came. Anthony wasn’t the one who made decisions for Lottie, so it didn’t matter what he said anyway.

“I’ve got something to handle at home. I’ll go take care of it.”

With that, Newell called Cedric over and lowered his voice. “Get Franco’s family off the Isle of Veil. Now.”

Some people from Solenia and the N Organization had gotten onto the island, but not many. They were no match for the local power of the Churchill Family. It was clear Newell wanted to get everyone out, whether they liked it or not.

“Yes, sir.” Cedric shot a worried look at Charlotte, his brow furrowing. “Nine, the plane’s ready. You can leave whenever you want.”

Charlotte didn’t answer. She strode past Cedric, catching up with Newell fast.

He heard her coming and must have realized what she was about to do, because he tried to defend himself, moving to dodge her sudden move.

But in the next instant, a sharp sting hit his neck. Before he could react, he dropped to the floor.

Everyone just stared, stunned.

Charlotte yanked off his tie, used it to bind his hands, then turned to Cedric, who looked like he’d just seen a ghost. Her voice was cool and steady. “Take him back. Keep a close watch.”

“But Newell…”

“If you want him alive, do as I say. No arguments.”

Cedric nodded quickly. “Yes, Nine.”

With Newell handled, Charlotte stepped over to the table and signed her name on the Directive Number One order. She tossed the pen aside, her eyes icy as she fixed her gaze on Allanson.

“The antidote. Now.”

“Lottie!”

Nora and Franco both called out at the same time. Their faces had gone pale.