?Chapter 424:


    “Eight million.” K raised the offer.


    “Still too low for the risk.”


    “Ten million. That’s myst offer,” K responded tersely.


    The tone on the other end shifted from dismissive to obliging.


    “Well, Miss Wade, that’s more like it. I’ll take the job. Who’s the target?”


    K articted each syble with precision.


    “Laura Stewart, at the downtown hospital.”


    “Consider it done, Miss Wade. It will be handled discreetly, without anyplications.”


    K hung up the phone and slumped onto the bed, her body shaking uncontrobly.


    The ward was heavy with the pungent smell of disinfectant.


    Gradually, Sadie stirred, blinking away the grogginess of her nap.


    On the hospital bed, Lauray still, the IV drip marking time with its consistent ticks, filling the quiet room with its sound.


    “Grandma…” Sadie’s voice was faint, her throat parched.


    She tried to sit up, but her strength failed her; she could only manage to turn her head, her eyes catching sight of the white lilies arranged on the bedside table.


    Then, out of the corner of her eye, she noticed a presence.


    A doctor, fully garbed in a white coat, mask, and cap, was almost entirely obscured except for his eyes.


    He was holding a syringe, moving toward Laura’s bed.


    Sadie felt a surge of unease.


    g?lnσν????s is where magic happens


    Her alertness sharpened. She attempted to get a clearer view of the doctor’s face, but he remained bowed, his features hidden.


    As he reached the bedside, he silently lifted Laura’s IV tube, poised to inject the contents of the syringe.


    “Wait!” Sadie mustered all her energy to shout. “What are you administering to my grandma?”


    The doctor froze, his posture tensing for a moment before he slowly faced Sadie.


    Sweat was visible on his forehead under the bright lights of the ward, and his eyes betrayed a flicker of panic.


    “It’s… it’s just a nutrient solution,” he stammered, voice shaking.


    A heavy dread settled in Sadie’s stomach.


    If it was just a nutrient solution, what was with all the cloak-and-dagger stuff? Sadie recognized all the doctors who treated Laura, but this one was a stranger.


    What legitimate doctor acted so visibly nervous?


    “Which department are you from? I’ve never seen you around before,” Sadie said, keeping her voice steady despite the fear building inside her.


    The man averted his eyes, his voice shaky as he replied, “I… I’m new. Today is my first shift.”


    Sadie’s suspicion escted.


    A new doctor? On his first day?


    Why would such a neer be administering an injection without the consent of her grandma’s regr doctors?


    “Show me your identification badge,” Sadie demanded, her tone icy as her eyes bored into him.


    The doctor’s agitation increased. He frantically checked his pockets, but his search was futile.


    His breathing became more erratic, and sweat began to bead on his forehead.


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