After Rebirth, I Refused to Marry the Major, and He Panicked Chapter 06

After Rebirth, I Refused to Marry the Major, and He Panicked Chapter 06

I woke up sore all over.

Reid’s breathing was steady, his color restored. The toxin had been completely purged from his system.

He pulled me back against his chest, his voice low and rough with sleep. “Elena…”

We lingered for a while longer before getting dressed and joining his mother and the general for breakfast.

“Elena, yesterday was rushed. Once I get things in order, I’ll give you the wedding you deserve.”

I shot him a glare and pinched his side.

He winced but grinned.

Margaret was so flustered by our lateness that she almost forgot to take the coffee. When she saw Reid standing there-healthy, even taller and stronger-her hands trembled.

“Reid’s recovery… all thanks to you, Dr. Vance!”

“Mom,” Reid corrected, “you should call her Elena now. She’s your future daughter-in-law.”

I hadn’t realized Reid could be such a tease. No amount of pinching could shut him up.

The general accepted his coffee, gave Reid a long, searching look.

Half an hour later, Colt walked in with Penelope.

He looked terrible, hollow-eyed, pale, but he was standing.

The general seemed to relax a little.

I almost doubted myself. Had Penelope’s antidote actually worked?

Colt braced himself upright and greeted the general, then shot me a sneer. “Now that the toxin’s cleared, Grandfather won’t be fooled by you anymore.”

His gaze landed on Reid, and his eyes narrowed. “Looks like my cousin got lucky-borrowed some benefit from my antidote. Temporary relief, I’m sure.”

“Don’t worry, cousin. If you do crash, I’ll be sure to take care of Elena for you.”

I said flatly, “Colt, have you noticed your veins are turning blue?”

He exploded, grabbing a cup to hurl at me. Reid stepped in front of him.

The next second, Colt hit the floor like a sack of bricks.

He was writhing, choking on black blood.

Same as yesterday. Same convulsions.

But this time, he curled in on himself, helpless.

The general shouted for the medics and sent someone to fetch the visiting scientist.

“How is this possible?!” Penelope shrieked.

In the horrified silence, Colt’s skin turned the color of slate, right before their eyes.

He woke up and grabbed Penelope by the throat. “Why?! You swore it was foolproof!”

Penelope gasped, “Someone… someone swapped the vials…”

Colt let go, his eyes bloodshot.

She scrambled to explain. “Major Sterling, I swear-I don’t know how this happened! The antidote passed

thousands of tests! It should have worked!”

The general kicked her aside. “Lock her in the holding room!”

“Major! Help me! Someone tampered with it! You have to believe me!”

Colt didn’t answer. He stared at his own mottled hands and let out an animal howl.

The general understood now. Reid’s toxin hadn’t been cured-it had only worsened. And now, there was no

more time.

He looked at Colt’s wrecked body and seemed to age ten years. “Dr. Vance… is there anything you can do for

Colt?”

No. The poison had saturated his marrow. Not even a miracle could save him.

I shook my head. “Too late. The toxin’s reached his bone marrow.”

Colt crawled to me, grasping at my pants with the last of his strength.

“Elena! Your purification ability! You’re the only one-please!”

“I’m Colt Sterling! The heir! I can’t die like this!”

“Name your price! Anything! The entire Sterling fortune-it’s yours!”

The general’s face darkened, but he held his tongue. He’d always favored Colt, out of guilt for his own neglect

of Colt’s father.

I looked down at the man who had killed me and thrown my body to the swamp.

“Why would I save the man who murdered me and left me for the insects?”

“And besides, I’m your cousin’s wife now. Show some decency.”