Chapter 213
"Cindy, there's something I need to ask you. Are you alone right now?"
I thought Ethan had something important to say, so I walked toward a corner. "Okay, go ahead."
"I..." Ethan seemed to still be organizing his thoughts. He hesitated for a moment before speaking. "Have you been feeling unwell lately? Or experiencing symptoms like insomnia or dizziness?"
I frowned slightly. "Why are you asking?"
"I don't know how to tell you this. I've been experiencing some symptoms recently, related to sleep and memory."
Memory?
My nerves instantly tightened, and I immediately pressed him. "When did you start having these symptoms?"
"The third day after you returned to Silverlight City."
Ethan's answer made my heart sink silently.
"Cindy, are you experiencing the same symptoms?" When Ethan didn't hear my response, he asked again.
"Yes. I got lost near my house before. When I came to my senses, I couldn't remember anything that had just happened."
"I knew you'd have them too!" Ethan's tone was shocked.
I could tell he seemed to know something, so I quickly asked, "Ethan, what's going on?"
"I'm sorry, Cindy. I dragged you into this."
Ethan's sudden apology left me confused.
"Do you remember the hot chocolate I brought the day you fell into the sea?"
"I remember."
How could I forget?
Leopold had knocked the hot chocolate out of my hand and said Ethan had bad intentions, that he was trying to harm me.
"My uncle prepared it for me. I happened to catch a chill that day, so when he found out, he had someone deliver the hot chocolate. But then I heard about you falling into the sea, and I rushed to find you before I could drink it."
Ethan paused, his tone heavy. "I thought since Leopold knocked over the hot chocolate, you definitely didn't drink any. I didn't expect you'd still had some."
After hearing this, my heart sank at first, then felt somewhat lighter.
So it wasn't Ethan.
"Ethan, have you found out what was in the hot chocolate?"
Ethan immediately replied, "That's why I'm calling. Arnold ran tests for me and said the substance in the hot chocolate is a new type of drug that needs further analysis and testing. He estimates results will be ready the day after tomorrow."
This news undoubtedly gave me some hope.
"Please let me know as soon as you hear anything."
"No problem. I'll contact you the moment there's news." He then asked about Leopold. "Does Leopold know about this?"
"Yes."
"Hasn't he had someone run tests for you?"
"He has. Dr. Moore personally examined me. His conclusion is the same as Arnold's—currently in the analysis and testing phase."
"That's good. Dr. Moore has more research experience than Arnold, so maybe he'll get results first. If there's any progress on your end, contact me anytime."
"Will do."
I had just agreed when Ethan added, "By the way, Arnold is worried the drug you took might interact badly with the medication you were taking for traumatic arthritis, so he's compiled a list for you. I'll send it directly to your email. Check it later."
"Okay, thank you."
Ethan's voice was warm. "Thank you for what? If it weren't for me, you wouldn't have suffered this disaster. I was actually quite worried before, afraid you'd suspect I did this."
My cheeks flushed slightly.
I had suspected him before.
Otherwise, I wouldn't have compromised and come back with Leopold.
"But it's normal for you to suspect me. If we hadn't actually detected something wrong with the hot chocolate through testing, I wouldn't believe my uncle—who watched me grow up—could do such a thing either."
Ethan laughed lightly. "And the problematic hot chocolate happened to come from me. Every time I think about it, I can't help but feel regret. If something happened to you because of me, I'd never forgive myself."
Hearing his words, I couldn't help but sigh inwardly.
On Leopold's side, relatives were disloyal, schemes everywhere.
Ethan's side was no better.
Great wealth and privilege truly weren't something ordinary people could bear.
"Ethan, it's not your fault. You don't need to blame yourself."
"Cindy, you really don't blame me?"
Hearing Ethan's cautiously seeking confirmation, I sighed. "As long as we can quickly identify the drug components and develop an antidote, this matter will be over."
"Alright, I'll do everything in my power to develop an antidote. During this time, if you feel unwell at all, contact me immediately."
Then Ethan seemed to realize something was off and quickly added, "I'm not saying I don't trust Leopold and Dr. Moore, but since Arnold developed your previous treatment plan, he might understand your condition better than Dr. Moore."
"I understand."
I asked about Victoria's situation and learned she'd passed the Royal Ballet Company audition and officially become a choreographer.
I was happy for her, too.
Victoria had already achieved her dream, so I should work hard for mine as well.
Taking Christian's report, I went to find the attending physician who had initially treated me.
"Ms. Wipere, judging from these numbers, your traumatic arthritis has improved considerably compared to before. At this rate, you should recover about eighty percent in six months. But..."
The doctor's gaze stopped on the new drug analysis. "How did traces of abnormal compounds get into your body?"
I answered honestly. "I'm not entirely sure of the specifics, but Dr. Moore and Arnold are both analyzing it. I believe there will be news soon."
Hearing this, the attending physician breathed a sigh of relief. "So what brings you to see me today?"
"I took a long break because of my condition. I want to ask you—if I don't push myself too hard or train at high intensity, can I dance?"
The doctor looked troubled. "If I tell you that you can't, will you really not dance?"
I hadn't expected him to see through my thoughts so easily. I felt a bit embarrassed.
But I still told the truth. "No, but I'll keep the intensity as low as possible."
Dance itself is a skill that requires constant practice to improve. I'd never rested for such a long time before. If I kept resting, I was afraid I'd become useless.
"Since you already have your answer, what I say doesn't matter anymore. Just do what you can handle."
After leaving the hospital, I didn't want to go home and decided to check out Crescent Ballet Company.
Just as I arrived at the entrance and was about to get out of the car, I saw Irma hurrying out.
I thought she had something to handle and didn't pay much attention.
But when I entered the Crescent Ballet Company gates, I suddenly heard crying coming from a nearby alley.
Irma had just walked in that direction. Was she crying?
I took a couple steps in that direction and heard a man's cursing voice inside as well.
Realizing something was wrong, I immediately turned back to get the security guards.
Fortunately, they all recognized me and didn't hesitate to follow me over.
As soon as we arrived, we saw a burly man grabbing Irma's hair, viciously dragging her outward.
Irma was enduring the pain while begging in panic.
"Nash, I'm about to enter a competition with high prize money. I promise, as soon as I win, I'll give it to you right away. Please let me go..."
This scene made my blood boil with anger.