Chapter 876 Accident During the Removal of the Hex Worm

Chapter 876 Accident During the Removal of the Hex Worm

"Ethan, Pearl—why are you standing outside? Come in and make yourselves comfortable!" Atticus emerged from the mansion, pleasantly surprised to find Ashley and Ethan with their companions conversing on the doorstep.

Ashley hesitated. "Atticus, we came to discuss wedding plans, but something's come up. We need a private room for a... procedure."

She deliberately kept the details about the Hex worm vague, but Atticus, noting everyone's grave expressions, understood the severity of the situation.

"Pearl, don't be so formal," he said warmly. "The Grayson Mansion is your home. Please, arrange whatever rooms you need."

His kindness touched Ashley deeply. The familial affection in her eyes was unmistakable.

"Let's continue this inside," Ashley suggested, and everyone nodded, following Atticus into the mansion.

As they walked, Ethan noticed Ashley's interaction with Atticus and pulled her into his arms once they lagged behind the others.

"Darling," he pouted playfully, "you didn't have eyes for me at all just now."

Ashley gave him a mock stern look. "Not this again!"

"I can't help it," he murmured, holding her closer. "I don't want you looking at any other man that way—brother or not!"

She sighed with affectionate exasperation. "You're impossibly possessive."

Glancing around to ensure they were alone, she cupped his face and gave him a quick kiss. Before she could pull away, Ethan deepened the kiss, holding her firmly against him.

Ashley's cheeks flushed crimson, her heart racing both from his touch and the fear of being discovered. She gently pushed against his shoulders, but Ethan only intensified the kiss, even playfully nipping her lip in response.

When he finally released her, Ashley's face was burning. "Someone could have seen us!" she scolded breathlessly.

Ethan merely raised an eyebrow. "Kissing my wife is hardly scandalous." His expression turned mischievous as he leaned close to her ear. "But if your eyes wander to another man again, or if you're distracted when I kiss you... I'll have to be more thorough next time."

"Even my father?" she challenged.

"He's the exception," Ethan conceded. "Now, shall we join the others before they send a search party?"

Inside, Adina was serving tea as everyone settled in the living room. During Ashley and Ethan's moment outside, Garrett had briefed Atticus on the Hex worm situation. Though concerned, Atticus was relieved to hear that Molly could resolve it.

"Pearl," Atticus said as Ashley entered, "your room is exactly as you left it. Take your friends there to handle whatever needs doing."

Ashley nodded gratefully. "Ms. Sullivan, Your Majesty—please follow me."

As Garrett wheeled Dwayne's chair behind Ashley, Ethan moved to join them, but Atticus stopped him. "Ethan, stay. We should talk."

Ethan glanced anxiously at Ashley.

With both Ashley and Garrett about to have the Hex worms removed, there was no way he could stay away. He was deeply worried about them.

"I'll be fine," Ashley reassured him with a smile. "Ms. Sullivan knows what she's doing. You should clear things up with Atticus."

Reluctantly, Ethan agreed. "Call me immediately if anything happens."

Ashley smiled, "With Ms. Sullivan here, I'll be fine."

With that, they followed Ashley to her old bedroom.

Atticus, Ethan, and Adina stayed in the living room, chatting.

Once they left, Atticus asked, "Ethan, what exactly happened? How did you die and come back to life?"

Ethan's face grew serious. He sighed, "Here's what happened..."

As Ethan explained everything to Atticus, Molly was working on expelling the Hex worm from Ashley and Garrett.

Molly addressed the situation. "The extraction process requires complete silence. I've gagged this villain to prevent any interference."

Dwayne glared at them venomously, immobilized and helpless.

"Let's begin," Ashley said. "Dad, you first."

Though outwardly composed, Garrett's nervousness was evident as he took the chair.

"Ms. Sullivan is an expert," Ashley reassured him. "Trust her."

Molly began the procedure using specialized Shadowvale instruments. Soon, the Hex worm emerged from Garrett's hand. The process was painful, but the discomfort vanished the moment the creature left his body.

As the worm hit the floor, it suddenly darted toward Ashley.

"Ashley, look out!" Garrett shouted.

Ashley stepped back instinctively as the creature spread its wings, baring its teeth as it lunged for her. Despite her fear, she maintained her composure and, just as the worm was about to reach her, impaled it with a needle. The creature fell to the floor, dead.

"Are you alright?" Garrett asked anxiously.

"I'm fine," Ashley replied, though shaken. She wondered why the worm had targeted her specifically.

"Ms. White," Molly explained, "you have a similar Hex worm in your body. It sensed its companion and was drawn to you."

Ashley nodded in understanding, but suddenly, the worm in her hand began to stir violently. A wave of dizziness overwhelmed her, and she swayed on her feet.

"The worm is fighting back!" Molly exclaimed, catching Ashley as she collapsed. "It knows it's in danger—it's accelerating its damage and attempting to reproduce!"

Before Molly could say more, Ashley lost consciousness in her arms.