Chapter 877 Worry

Chapter 877 Worry

"It's getting worse—the Hex worm is trying to control Ashley!" Molly exclaimed, her voice tight with urgency.

Garrett stepped closer. "What can we do? How do we stop it?"

Ashley had collapsed suddenly, and Molly observed with growing alarm how the Hex worm on Ashley's hand was becoming increasingly agitated, attempting to relocate elsewhere on her body.

Though unconscious, Ashley's face contorted in pain. "It hurts," she whimpered. Each time the creature moved, she suffered another wave of agony, her brow furrowing as muffled groans escaped her lips.

"Your Majesty," Molly said while physically restraining Ashley to temporarily control the worm's movement, "I can manage her Hex worm, but I need someone with expertise. Please find Mr. Lynch and bring him here immediately!"

Garrett looked at Ashley with deep concern.

"I can only contain it temporarily," Molly urged. "Please hurry!"

With a grave nod, Garrett rushed out. His mind raced with guilt—if Ashley had gone first in the extraction, he would have been the one in danger. And if Ethan learned of Ashley's condition, the stress might prove too much for his already fragile health.

Massaging his temples, Garrett felt overwhelmed by this cascade of crises.

Meanwhile, in the living room, Atticus was bringing Ethan up to speed.

"So that's the situation," Atticus concluded. "Kelsey's crimes have been exposed, and she's now wanted throughout Colorful Clouds District, though she hasn't been apprehended yet."

Ethan dismissed the threat with contempt. "She won't evade justice for long."

"Certainly not," Atticus agreed.

Ethan fell silent, contemplating. With a nationwide manhunt underway, where could Kelsey possibly hide? And if she remained at large, what further trouble might she cause?

Atticus interrupted his thoughts. "There's something else you should know, Ethan."

"What is it?" Ethan raised an eyebrow.

"The public still believes you're dead," Atticus explained carefully. "When they discover you're alive, there could be... backlash."

Ethan frowned. "Why would anyone care whether I'm alive or dead?"

"You don't know what's happened, do you?" Atticus realized.

Having been recovering in the hospital since his near-death experience, Ethan had been completely disconnected from the news.

"Remember how our formula company boosted Gold Valley District's economy?" Atticus continued.

Ethan nodded. "Of course."

"After news of your 'death' spread, people mourned you as a fallen hero. Kelsey was the frontrunner for the throne in the upcoming royal election, but her scandal destroyed her chances. The media began highlighting your achievements, and public sympathy has made you the leading candidate."

Atticus patted Ethan's shoulder. "I'm concerned that when people learn you're alive, they might think this was all some elaborate scheme to win the throne."

Ethan finally understood. His apparent resurrection might be perceived as a calculated political maneuver.

He shrugged dismissively. "Let them think what they want."

"Ethan," Atticus cautioned, "you should address this. A public relations disaster could ruin your wedding celebration with Pearl."

That caught Ethan's attention. "Ruin our wedding? Absolutely not." After years of marriage, this ceremony was meant to give Ashley the grand celebration she deserved.

"Then you need to find a way to control the narrative," Atticus advised.

As Ethan pondered this new challenge, Garrett approached. "Mr. Lynch, may I have a word?"

William nodded and stood.

Ethan rose as well, asking, "Dad, how are you feeling? Is the Hex worm gone?"

Avoiding Ethan's gaze, Garrett forced a calm demeanor. "I'm fine. The creature has been removed."

Ethan looked past him. "Where's Ashley? Was her extraction successful? I should check on her."

He moved to leave, but Garrett quickly blocked his path. "Ethan, don't."

"Dad, what's wrong?" Ethan's eyes narrowed with suspicion.

Garrett stammered, "I... I..." and looked helplessly toward Doris.

Understanding immediately that something was amiss, Doris intervened, "Ethan, for heaven's sake! Ashley hasn't vanished into thin air."

She pulled him back. "Your wedding is just days away. You need to finalize the details with Atticus."

"But—" Ethan protested.

"No buts!" Doris signaled to Atticus. "The wedding planners will be here soon for the rehearsal. You need to be prepared."

Atticus smoothly played along. "Exactly. Ethan, please sit. We have much to discuss."

As Atticus guided Ethan back to his seat, Garrett exchanged a meaningful glance with William, and they slipped away.

Ethan's instincts were on high alert. His eyes followed their retreat, and his hands trembled with unspoken anxiety.

Atticus tried to distract him. "Now, about the ceremony..."

But Ethan couldn't focus, his mind consumed with worry for Ashley.

In the bedroom, William rushed in with Garrett.

"Your Majesty, what's happening?" William asked urgently.

"See for yourself," Garrett replied grimly.

Upon entering, Molly looked up with relief. "Mr. Lynch, thank goodness! The Hex worm is becoming uncontrollable. If we don't force it out soon, Ms. White's life is in danger!"

William paled. "Ms. Sullivan, use your specialized technique!"

"That's precisely my intention," she nodded, "but I need your assistance."

Garrett watched anxiously while Dwayne, still gagged, smiled with sinister satisfaction from his wheelchair.

Furious, Garrett struck him. "You find this amusing? This is all your doing! I should tear you apart!"

Outside the door, Ethan had made an excuse to check on Ashley and overheard Garrett's outburst.

His heart nearly stopped. Something had gone wrong with Ashley's extraction.

Ethan felt the room spin around him as he fought to remain conscious.