Chapter 128

Upon hearing the words, Yuwen Xi’s eyes darkened instantly, about to speak, only to be interrupted by a mocking voice, “Yes, sir, it’s best you follow the doctor’s advice.”

Yuwen Xi shot a piercing glare at Arthur, but Arthur merely smiled with smug satisfaction.

Mr. Bentley glanced at Arthur following Yuwen Xi’s gaze and was startled—this man exuded a formidable aura—a dangerous character.

Eva, trembling, hid in Yuwen Xi’s arms, clutching her head and whispering softly, “It hurts... my head hurts... so much pain...”

Hearing this, Yuwen Xi looked down at Eva in alarm, his voice filled with concern, “Eva, Eva, how are you? Are you feeling very unwell? Is your head hurting badly?”

“It hurts... so much...” Eva’s body suddenly went limp, and she fainted in Yuwen Xi’s embrace.

Arthur’s heart felt as if it had been seared by a burning iron, shrinking tightly. His pupils contracted sharply as his eyes fixed unblinkingly on Eva in Yuwen Xi’s arms.

“Eva—” Avril called out worriedly, her sea-blue eyes flickering anxiously.

Mr. Weiting’s gaze was deep and inscrutable; his lips pressed tightly, revealing no emotion.

Doctor Bentley, seeing the urgency, called out to Yuwen Xi, “Mr. Yuwen, please help Miss Eva onto the sofa over there quickly!”

Yuwen Xi’s heart raced; casting a serious look at Doctor Bentley, he scooped Eva up gently and hurried to the sofa, laying her down with care.

Everyone followed to the living room, their eyes all fixed on Eva on the sofa.

When Doctor Bentley placed the stethoscope on Eva’s chest, a flash of blue appeared. Arthur, who had been staring at Eva, suddenly had a flicker in his gaze, his heart pounding fiercely. He took a deep breath to maintain his composure.

That necklace, years later, had returned to her side. At the very moment he had forgotten her, she wore it close to her heart.

A faint smile quietly appeared on his brows.

After a thorough examination, Doctor Bentley’s expression grew grave. Setting down his instruments, he turned to Arthur and the others, “As I mentioned before, Miss Eva’s constitution is quite fragile and cannot endure repeated shocks. The last incident wasn’t too severe; a few days’ rest would suffice. However,” he glanced at Arthur, “this time, the situation is less favorable. I recommend that Miss Eva be hospitalized for treatment for a period because certain examinations cannot be properly conducted at home. If issues arise, it could seriously affect her health.”

Yuwen Xi’s face paled, anxiously asking, “What do you mean? Is Eva’s condition serious now?”

Arthur clenched his fists hidden within his sleeves, struggling to suppress the impulse to rush forward, yet the storm brewing in his eyes was unmistakable.

Avril’s beautiful eyes filled with worry as she asked, “Is it so serious that she must be hospitalized for treatment?”

Mr. Weiting frowned deeply, his tone heavy, “If possible, I still hope Eva can recuperate at home.”

Yuwen Xi glanced at Mr. Weiting, then at the pale, almost translucent Eva who slept, and said sternly, “I too wish for Eva to convalesce at home. After all, being in a hospital can be mentally burdensome.”

Mr. Weiting looked at Yuwen Xi, then turned to Doctor Bentley, “Please list the medical equipment needed. I will have someone bring them over.”

Doctor Bentley, seeing the consensus, raised no objections. If the owners didn’t mind the expense, why should he worry? He promptly responded, “Yes, Mr. Weiting, I will prepare a list immediately.”

Mr. Weiting nodded. Doctor Bentley took paper and pen from his medical kit and quickly wrote down a list of equipment, handing it to the butler behind Mr. Weiting, who took it and stepped aside to make calls.

Seeing no immediate matters, Yuwen Xi addressed the others, “I will take Eva back to her room to rest.”

“Go ahead,” Mr. Weiting nodded in acknowledgment.

Yuwen Xi then carried Eva and disappeared from sight.

Arthur watched their departing backs, a hint of disappointment in his heart.

After Yuwen Xi and Eva left, Mr. Weiting turned to Arthur, “Arthur, it seems we cannot properly entertain you today.” The implication was clear: we are busy now, better for you to leave.

Arthur smiled casually, unconcerned, “Yes, I have some matters to attend to. I’ll be going.” He bowed politely and turned to leave.

“Avril, see Arthur out,” Mr. Weiting instructed.

“Yes, Father,” Avril bowed respectfully and followed closely behind Arthur.

Mr. Weiting watched Arthur’s departing figure thoughtfully, his eyes deep with contemplation.

Avril escorted Arthur to the door, then apologized sincerely, “Your Highness, I’m sorry. We should have hosted you well, but unforeseen events spoiled your visit.”

“It’s nothing. I just came at an inconvenient time,” Arthur said calmly, though his words carried a certain subtlety.

Avril’s heart stirred, uncertain if he spoke sincerely or in jest. She lifted her eyes to Arthur and caught a faint, almost elusive smile at his lips. A strange feeling stirred within her, but she maintained a tone of apology, “Thank you for your understanding, Your Highness.”

“No matter. I have some matters to handle. You can return,” Arthur said without looking back, heading toward his car. As he opened the door to enter, he suddenly glanced back at Avril standing at the gate, saying, “Avril, remember to settle the matter between us as soon as possible.” He paused, noticing her change in expression, then smiled, “My patience has never been great.” Without another word, he got in and drove off with a flourish.

Avril watched the car disappear, her gaze darkening before she turned back toward the castle.

Mr. Weiting sat on the sofa as Avril entered. He asked, “Has he sensed something?”

Avril looked at Mr. Weiting and then sat on the opposite sofa, pouring tea for him. “Father, have some tea.”

Mr. Weiting took the cup, sipped, and set it down.

Avril frowned slightly, puzzled. “I don’t know. Judging by his demeanor, he probably doesn’t realize, but something feels off.”

Mr. Weiting frowned deeply. “I observed his every move today, even the slightest expression. But,” he paused, his tone tinged with doubt and disbelief, “I found no special emotion. It’s as if the person before him truly means nothing to him. His cold eyes look upon a stranger.”

Avril’s voice carried a hint of doubt, “Then, does he truly not care?”

Mr. Weiting thought for a moment, then said, “If it’s not indifference, then this young man is acting. If that’s the case, we must act swiftly.”

Avril pondered briefly before replying, “Yes, it would have to be so.” Suddenly recalling something, she asked cautiously, “Father, how is George’s side? Do you think he will agree?”

Mr. Weiting smiled softly, “He will agree eventually. Rest assured, perhaps we can begin preparations for the banquet.”

Avril appeared somewhat anxious, “Are you sure?”

“Don’t worry. If he hesitated before, I believe today will change his mind.”

Seeing her father’s confidence, Avril gradually relaxed, though an uneasy feeling lingered. Still, she would never dampen her father’s spirits.

— At the special villa —

Arthur returned to the villa and went straight to the small bar installed in the living room, pouring himself a glass of red wine, which he downed in one gulp, his expression dark and brooding.

“Hey, darling, why are you drinking so early? That’s not good for your health!” Feng Qingquan whistled leisurely as he descended the stairs, teasing Arthur who was drinking. He then came beside him, grinning playfully.

Arthur ignored him, picking up the phone and dialing. Once connected, he said, “Have you figured out how she lost her memory?”

“Young master, I was about to report. We have some leads,” the voice on the other end replied excitedly.

“Speak,” Arthur commanded.

The other’s excitement faltered upon hearing Arthur’s voice and recalling their investigation. It was like a bucket of cold water dousing their enthusiasm. Their voice trembled slightly with frustration, “Young master, the lady was injected with an unknown drug that caused her amnesia.”

“Unknown drug?” Arthur’s heart sank.

“Yes. This drug is secretly developed by high-level personnel and has not been made public. It’s still experimental; its effects are unstable, and side effects are not well understood—”

“You mean they are using her as a guinea pig?” Arthur interrupted harshly.

The other swallowed nervously before cautiously replying, “It... it appears so.”

Arthur gripped the phone tightly, knuckles whitening, grinding his teeth, “Have you identified who orchestrated this?”

“If all is correct, it was that person’s idea, with the cooperation of that gentleman,” the voice on the line said tensely, clearly sensing Arthur’s anger.

“Bang—”