?Chapter 1043:


    In the car, Amon drove while briefing us breathlessly. “This morning, the hospital was flooded with poisoning cases. Even the doctors can’t identify the toxin.”


    Suddenly, Cody’s final words flooded my memory. He had mentioned preparing a “surprise” for Marehelm. Could this be his parting scheme?


    My heart hammered against my ribs as I asked, “What symptoms are the poisoned people showing?”


    Amon’s expression darkened, his brows drawing together tightly. “The victims are disying severe symptoms—foaming at the mouth. Many are unconscious, and some have already died.”


    A sense of dread washed over me. The severity of the situation far exceeded what I had imagined.


    The three princes’ faces hardened with concern. Bryan stared at the blurring street scenes outside the window. “Drive faster!” hemanded sharply.


    “Yes!” Amon responded, pressing the elerator. The car shot forward like an arrow released from a bow.


    When we arrived at the Pierce family residence, Dayton was already waiting in the living room.


    Seeing us rush in, he dispensed with formalities. “Your Highnesses, over a hundred citizens in Marehelm have been poisoned, and the death toll continues to rise. We haven’t identified the source yet.”


    Over a hundred people?


    The number made my heart constrict as an icy chill raced down my spine.


    With a grave expression, I clenched my jaw and said, “This must be the ‘surprise’ Cody mentioned before his death. That heartless man dared to harm innocent citizens!”


    Just as the words left my lips, a soldier burst through the door, his face ashen. “Your Highnesses, Mr. Pierce, the poisoning count has surpassed three hundred and continues to climb! If this isn’t contained, the consequences will be catastrophic.”


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    Makenna’s POV:


    In just half an hour, the number of poisoned citizens surpassed three hundred—a figure that sent shockwaves through the room.


    My mind raced with countless possibilities, each thought colliding with the next as I tried to make sense of the chaos.


    I knitted my brow and dered with conviction, “To poison so many people in such a short time, the source must be intimately connected to their daily routines.”


    Suddenly, rity struck me like lightning. I turned sharply to the soldiers standing at attention nearby. “Investigate what these poisoned citizens consumed or touched this morning. The toxin is likely hidden among thesemon items.”


    “Yes!” The soldiers responded with newfound determination, their faces serious as they hurried away to execute my orders.


    Dayton’s face contorted with worry, deep lines etching his forehead as he asked, “What should we do next? Finding the poison source won’t be simple, and more people might die while we search.”


    Dominic maintained hisposure, his voice steady and measured. “Makenna’s analysis is sound. We must order all citizens to remain in their homes, avoid unnecessary movement, and abstain from food and drink to minimize further poisonings.”


    Dayton nodded vigorously, his eyes brightening with a glimmer of hope. He turned to the butler beside him andmanded in a resonant voice, “Notify every citizen immediately. Ensure Prince Dominic’s instructions are conveyed precisely.”


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