?Chapter 123:


    Elliana’s voice was calm but unwavering. “Mrs. Henderson, I offered Venacure to save Barbara. Of course, I’m ready to part with it.”


    Tears spilled from Eloisa’s eyes as she sped her hands to her chest. “Mrs. Evans… I can’t thank you enough!”


    Gatlin was too choked up to speak at first. After a pause, he finally managed, “Please, let us repay you. Whatever you want, consider it done. Just say the word.”


    Ruben’s expression softened as he looked at Elliana, pride shining in his eyes. He hadn’t expected her to pull the Evans family out of this mess. “This all started because of Jeff, so it’s only fair we all take responsibility. Elliana, whatever it costs, say the word—I’ll write the check myself.”


    Before Elliana could answer, Jeff rushed to her side, eyes pleading. “Elliana, I have five million saved up. It’s yours—take it. Just bring Barbara back.”


    Elliana looked down at Jeff, surprised by the sudden maturity in his voice. For once, he wasn’t acting spoiled—just sincere. Maybe the day’s events had finally knocked some sense into him. She gently shook her head. “This is the Evans family’s burden. And as the matriarch, it’s my ce to use the pill to help Barbara. I won’t be taking any payment.”


    A stunned silence fell over the room. They’d expected Elliana to cash in big, but instead, she gave the pill away for nothing.


    Ruben broke the silence, his voice full of quiet awe. “Mrs. Henderson was right. We struck gold with you joining this family, Elliana.” He nodded, deeply moved. “I owe you, big time.”


    Off to the side, Trinity was fuming. Elliana had once again taken the spotlight—this time by giving up something as rare as Venacure. Trinity’s stomach twisted with envy. She wouldn’t just stand by and let Elliana bask in all the praise.


    “Elliana…” Trinity forced a concerned tone. “You’re not a doctor. What if Venacure doesn’t work on Barbara? She’s already gone. Trying to reverse that is unnecessary. And frankly, it might be disrespectful.”


    But Elliana didn’t flinch. She knew exactly what Trinity was trying to do. Instead of engaging, she turned to Eloisa. “Mrs. Henderson, are you willing to give it a shot?”


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    Eloisa didn’t hesitate for a second. “I trust you.”


    Then, Eloisa turned to Trinity with a re sharp enough to cut steel. “I trust Mrs. Evanspletely. Those with twisted hearts can keep their opinions to themselves.”


    Trinity’s cheeks flushed with embarrassment. If she’d known things would spiral like this, she never would’ve mocked Eloisa with Irene.


    Elliana gave a small smile and stepped back. “Then let’s not waste time. Let’s get Barbara out of the coffin. I doubt she’d want to wake up in it.”


    A ripple of hope passed through the Hendersons. Their faces, once sunken with grief, lit up with renewed life.


    Gatlin wasted no time, immediately ordering his security team to lift Barbara up andy her carefully on the sofa.


    Elliana immediately knelt beside Barbara. She checked Barbara’s pulse and then lifted her eyelids to examine her condition. After a moment of silent observation, she stood up and handed the pill to Eloisa. “Dissolve half of the Venacure in water. Once she regains consciousness, give her two days to rest, and then administer the second half.”


    Elliana diagnosed that Barbara’s condition was far too weak to handle the full strength of the medication all at once.


    Eloisa took every word to heart. She crushed half the pill, stirred it into water, and helped the liquid down Barbara’s throat.


    Everyone stood in a tight circle around the sofa, eyes glued to Barbara’s still form.


    One minute passed. Nothing. Ten minutes. Still no change.


    By the thirty-minute mark, the atmosphere had shifted from hope to doubt.


    Trinity’s eyes sparkled with glee as she whispered to Irene, “Told you. Elliana’s just experimenting now. The Henderson family will never forgive her for disrespecting Barbara’s body like this.”


    Irene, catching Trinity’s cue, tore into Elliana. “You’ve gone too far, Elliana. You’re tampering with a corpse, trying to win favor? Is this some twisted move to secure your spot in the Evans family?”


    Elliana’s eyes flicked up, cold and calm. “You know, Irene, animals’ dumbness could be seen as adorable, but humans’ ignorance would only be annoying.”


    The insult hit its mark. Irene’s face flushed with fury. “How dare you!”


    Trinity stepped forward with a fake sense of concern. “Look, maybe Irene came on too strong, but she has a point. You can’t use Barbara’s body to y your games.”


    Elliana turned her icy gaze on Trinity, a small, knowing smile forming. “Didn’t you once say you’re training under Professor Sampson at Ublento Medical University? That he’s so impressed that he’s referring you to Dr. Milena for the International Medical Association?”


    Trinity lifted her chin, clearly proud. “Correct. My medical skills let me see through the nonsense. Elliana, quit acting for your own gain and show some respect for Barbara.”


    Elliana’s smile deepened, almost yful. She reached out and took Trinity’s arm, gently pulling her toward the sofa. “Then, by all means, Doctor Craig, tell us— is Barbara dead or not?”


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