Chapter 113
"I hadn't heard about this experimental project," Caroline said, her voice carefully neutral.
Or rather, she had heard of it—she just didn't know the Windsor Group was involved. The project had originally been initiated by her and her professor.
While researching tumor cell mechanisms, she had discovered a forgotten formula in a 19th-century doctor's handwritten notes—a herbal combination used to treat "consumption disease."
Out of curiosity, she had taken it to her professor. Together, they had refined it into a potentially revolutionary treatment.
She herself was a beneficiary. If her professor hadn't used it when her life hung by a thread, she would already be dead.
But the treatment had severe side effects they hadn't yet resolved.
Gavin took a sip of tea. "It's not surprising you haven't heard. Even I only found out today. The Windsor Group has kept this extremely quiet."
His brow furrowed. "They've gathered ninety-nine test subjects. I wonder if they're dabbling in something unethical?"
Caroline pressed her lips together. She knew exactly why so many subjects were needed.
The treatment could only be administered when the patient was near death or had extremely low body temperature.
At that critical moment, the body's cells would rapidly divide in a desperate attempt to survive. Cancer cells—normally a death sentence—would paradoxically try to revive the body. This was precisely when the treatment would take effect.
Bringing life from the brink of death. When cancer cells reached peak division, the treatment would eliminate them completely.
But during this process, the body would temporarily shut down.
If you survived, you were reborn.
That's why they needed so many test subjects. Becoming one could leave families with substantial financial compensation and a slim hope of curing cancer.
The alternative was to remain, suffering slowly until death.
But Caroline didn't elaborate. "If the research succeeds, it would be good news for everyone."
She just might not live to see that day.
---
The next day dawned bright and clear.
The Windsor Group was hosting a real estate ribbon-cutting ceremony. Shortly after it concluded, chaos erupted inside the building.
Soon after, Arthur emerged carrying a slender figure in his arms.
Heidi leaned against his chest, her smile weak and pale. "I'm sorry, I might not make it..."
"Don't talk nonsense!" Arthur held her blood-soaked body and rushed to the car. "Quick! Drive to the hospital!"
The driver sped toward the hospital. An assistant had secured a green channel, ensuring the fastest possible route. Heidi rested in Arthur's arms, blood from her chest soaking her white dress.
She raised her hand to gently grasp his. "I'm happy... I was able to save you again..."
With those words, her hand fell limp as she lost consciousness.
Arthur's expression changed, his calm demeanor now sharp with concern. "Hurry!"
As he cradled her, the suspicion in his eyes faded, replaced by worry. Once again, she had saved him.
However, he failed to notice Heidi's eyelashes trembling slightly, the corner of her mouth curving into a calculating smile.
Half an hour later, they reached the hospital. Nurses rushed over with an emergency stretcher.
Arthur's face was stained with blood, his entire appearance dark and ominous. "Save her! Use everything you have!"
The medical staff rushed her into the emergency room. While Arthur waited anxiously, a nurse hurried out.
"Mr. Windsor, Ms. White's condition is critical. She's lost too much blood and could die at any moment."
Arthur's face darkened. "I brought her to you so you could save her!"
The nurse backed away. "Mr. Windsor, we want to save her too, but Ms. White's blood type is AB-. The hospital doesn't have enough. We've called donors, but they won't arrive for three hours."
Three hours—too late.
"If we can't find a blood source soon, I'm afraid she won't make it."
AB-? Caroline had exactly that type.
Arthur's eyes flickered with realization. "Focus on saving her. I'll solve the blood problem within thirty minutes."
The nurse nodded and returned to the emergency room.
Inside, Heidi removed the fake blood pack from her body and smiled slightly. "Proceed according to plan. I don't like surprises. If anyone can't handle it, leave now."
No one in the emergency room moved. One doctor and two nurses—all marginalized at this hospital—had been promised a million dollars each and career advancement.
Who wouldn't agree?
"Rest assured, Ms. White. We'll follow the plan precisely."
Satisfied, Heidi smiled with contentment.
Today's scheme was risky, but necessary. Someone had sent Arthur evidence that she wasn't the one who had saved him abroad.
His attitude toward her had changed, and even the deputy manager position she thought was guaranteed hadn't materialized.
To magnify Arthur's guilt, she had deliberately planned everything—including the "danger" at the construction site.
This way, Arthur would certainly choose her over Caroline when it came to blood donation.
Once they were permanently separated, she could rightfully become Arthur's wife with no one standing in her way.
After a moment's thought, Heidi suddenly picked up a surgical knife and handed it to the doctor. "You know what to do."
The doctor's forehead beaded with sweat as Heidi lay down. With an expressionless face, he stabbed her in the chest.
Heidi's face turned deathly pale, a cold gleam flashing in her eyes.
The construction site injury wasn't severe enough. Since she'd decided to deceive Arthur, she wouldn't leave him the slightest reason for doubt. This wound was necessary—serious and weakening, but not fatal.
She'd like to see how Caroline could compete with her now.
---
At the same time, Arthur had driven to Caroline's apartment. He had called her, but there was no answer. Without hesitation, he went directly to her door.
The sudden knock startled Caroline, who had just finished her meal. Thinking it might be Rena, she opened the door to find an unexpected visitor.
"Mr. Windsor? Why are you here?"
Her gaze fell on Arthur's blood-stained face and his soaked designer suit. She frowned, politely asking, "Are you hurt?"
Regardless of everything, he was still the father of her children. She couldn't simply watch him die before her eyes.
In the next moment, Arthur suddenly gripped her wrist. "Caroline, come with me to the hospital to save someone."
"Who?" Though she already suspected the answer, Caroline asked instinctively.
"Heidi." Arthur's cold voice carried an urgent edge. "She's seriously injured and needs AB- blood immediately. I hope you can save her."