"The selection of the host for the core poison is crucial, and it can only be done once," Iris pondered for a moment before adding cautiously,
"For Mr. Luther’s sake, it’s best to choose a parent or another close relative.
That way, the rejection from the life-bound poison would be slightly less severe."
Most importantly, human nature was unpredictable.
Entrusting one’s life to another was an exceedingly dangerous gamble.
Taylor’s brow furrowed at these words.
Sinclair’s parents were out of the question—his only remaining kin was Grandpa Luther. But the elder was already advanced in years, unlikely to endure such an ordeal.
Camilla gazed at Sinclair, her eyes brimming with unspoken devotion.
They were each other’s kin—and each other’s hearts.
Both Iris and Grandma Porter’s expressions flickered with surprise.
Taylor’s eyes narrowed slightly.
The study plunged into a heavy silence.
"Mrs. Luther, I must warn you—"
Grandma Porter fixed Camilla with a grave expression, her aged eyes filled with solemnity.
"The rejection will be excruciating when transferring the host poison between non-blood relatives.
To put it bluntly, the process will be sheer agony."
She paused deliberately, emphasizing her next words.
"Once begun, there’s no turning back.
If you can’t endure it... the consequences could be fatal."
Camilla gave a slight nod.
Precisely because it was dangerous—that’s why it had to be her.
She met the old woman’s gaze steadily, her tranquil composure undisturbed.
"For Sinclair, no pain is beyond my endurance."
Her voice remained soft as morning mist, yet carried the unyielding resolve of tempered steel.
At this moment, Iris interjected with measured precision. "But that’s not all.
The procedure carries numerous variables."
Each syllable fell with crystalline clarity.
"Even if you survive the transfer, there may be... complications afterward.
While I’ll do everything to prevent them, you should steel your heart for all possibilities."
Everything needed to be laid out clearly beforehand.
This was to prevent any regrets or complications down the road. Camilla nodded. "Understood."
As she spoke, her gaze shifted to Iris.
Her resolute attitude left grandma. Porter deeply moved.
Wives willing to go this far were rare these days.
"We can start once the original poison worm is extracted from Micheal.
My suggestion is—" Iris, realizing Camilla wouldn’t change her mind, spoke gravely.
"The sooner, the better."
"In that case, let’s do it tonight."
Camilla’s voice was clear and composed as she nodded.
"I’ll arrange for that man and the original host to be brought here immediately.
Anything else we need to prepare?"
Iris remained silent, turning instead to look at grandma. Porter immediately understood and handed Iris a small black pouch from her pocket before turning her gaze to Camilla.
"No need, Mrs. Luther.
I’ve already prepared everything."
Camilla replied, her expression calm and composed.
"I’ll have someone escort you back to rest."
After traveling all day, Iris was indeed exhausted.
Besides, she would need to expend considerable energy and focus later that night, so resting now was the best option.
She nodded and called Carrie Ann to her side.
Grandma. Porter also rose with them, nodding politely to Taylor.
With the young lady here, of course, she would stay by their side.
Camilla saw them at the door and instructed Ramsey to personally escort them to the Luther Family estate.
The study fell silent once more.
Taylor’s gentle, measured voice broke the quiet as he glanced at Sinclair lying on the sofa.
"You should know," Taylor began slowly, his voice measured, "Sinclair would never agree to let you take such risks."
Otherwise, he wouldn’t have been keeping such a close watch on the situation.
"I know," Camilla replied, her gaze lingering on Sinclair’s unconscious form.
A faint, resolute smile curved her lips.
"That’s why I don’t plan on letting Sinclair find out."
These two were truly devoted to each other—so much so that it was almost enviable.
Something flickered in the depths of Taylor’s eyes, a trace of self-mockery, as if a private thought had crossed his mind.
"Keeping this from Sinclair won’t be easy."
"Exactly," Camilla said, her tone pointed as she looked at Taylor.
"That’s why I need your help."
Understanding dawned on Taylor, and he let out a slightly resigned chuckle.
"So it seems I volunteered myself to help out."
"Thank you," Camilla replied, her crimson lips curling into a faint smile as she realized Taylor had agreed.
"I’ll return the favor someday."
"Then I’ll hold you to it."
Taylor chuckled, brushing off her words without much thought.
Little did he know, he’d soon find himself cashing in on that very promise.
Glancing at his watch, Taylor rose from his seat.
"I’ve got some business to handle at the office.
"Alright," Camilla nodded.
"Sorry for the trouble."
"After all these years of friendship with Sinclair, there’s no need for formalities."
"If you ever need anything, just say the word."
Camilla agreed without hesitation.
"Don’t worry, I will."
There were only a handful of people Sinclair could truly rely on, and if her help was needed, she wouldn’t hold back.
After Taylor left, only Sinclair and Camilla remained in the study.
Camilla carefully removed the silver needles from Sinclair’s body and sat beside him, her fingers gently tracing the sharp contours of his handsome face as she waited for him to wake.
The weight she had carried in her heart for so long was finally about to lift.
"So you’re saying," Jonathan held the phone, his brow deeply furrowed, "Taylor and two unidentified individuals went to the old mansion?"
"Yes," the man on the other end of the line replied.
"The younger woman was personally picked up by Ramsey, and the elderly woman was brought by Mr. Taylor."
The guard recounted everything he knew in detail.
"Mr. Sinclair and his wife took them into the study for half the day—even uncle Carlos wasn’t allowed near."
Not even Carlos was permitted to approach? It seemed even Grandpa was being kept in the dark.
Jonathan’s gaze darkened gradually.
Just what were Sinclair and Camilla plotting behind closed doors?
"Keep watching them closely.
Don’t let even the slightest movement slip by."
After hanging up, Jonathan lit a cigar and walked to the window, standing there in silence.
Sinclair, you’re my only son now.
Don’t do anything to disappoint or anger me.
His usually gentle eyes, reserved for others, now flickered with cold ruthlessness and murderous intent.
Otherwise, don’t blame your father for being merciless.
Luther Family Estate.
After accompanying Grandpa Luther for dinner, Sinclair and Camilla returned to the Luther Manor.
"Camilla," Sinclair held Camilla in his arms, his dark, narrow eyes narrowing slightly.
"What was the method Iris mentioned to break the curse?"
"She said we need the original parasite from the curse teacher’s body to devour the life-bound parasite inside Michael," Camilla murmured against Sinclair’s chest, her thick lashes lowering slightly.
"After that, as long as we properly nurture the life-bound parasite, everything should be fine."
This was the explanation she had prepared.
No matter what, she had to make it through tonight.