"It's highly likely that he's been poisoned, but to determine the exact toxin, I need to utilize your equipment."

Xavier's voice came softly. "Alright, I'll push for it."

With that, he was going to end the call, but Freya stopped him. "Wait, there's something I want to ask you. When was Juliet diagnosed with depression?"

"About three months ago. Most likely, you've heard about her experiences from Bradley. I won't go into details, but Juliet's condition is not optimistic. She has frequent episodes and has even self-harmed multiple times."

"Have you ever considered... perhaps her so-called episodes are just a facade, and in reality..."

"Are you suspecting that Juliet is faking her illness?" Xavier was taken aback.

"I'm not certain if she's faking it, but I can tell you for sure, this woman is not simple. Dr. Jackson, I hope you'll tell me everything, including Bradley's background, as well as the story between Juliet and him..."

Bradley used to be fine, but ever since Juliet appeared, his entire demeanor has been off.

Juliet has repeatedly tried to sabotage Freya's relationship with Bradley, exposing her intentions.

She sees Freya as a rival.

Furthermore, she presents two different faces, cunning and manipulative in front of others, and fragile and delicate in front of Bradley.

She knows how to win a man's favor.

The most important thing is that she knows how to use the life-saving grace to make Bradley feel guilty towards her.

But what worries her more is whether Juliet's intentions are pure.

"Freya, I can't tell you these things. Mr. Bradley has repeatedly emphasized not to disclose a word. If he finds out, he'll be furious."

Xavier was in a difficult position; delving into Bradley's background would involve Solterra.

Now that the Logan royal family already knows Bradley is alive, they've been trying to assassinate him through hired killers.

If his identity continues to be exposed, it could lead to an immeasurable crisis.

"The reason Mr. Bradley doesn't want to be honest with you is to protect your safety. If you truly care for him, please don't pursue this matter any further. Mr. Bradley's feelings for you are crystal clear to us brothers. He even prioritizes your safety above all else. Isn't that more important than knowing the truth?"

Xavier's voice was heavy.

Freya glanced back at the man on the bed, feeling stifled inside.

Yes, he entrusted his life to her. Why bother digging into those so-called truths?

As long as the person he loves is her, that's enough.

After discussing Bradley's condition for a while, Freya finally hung up the phone.

Returning to the bedside, she gently stroked the handsome face of the man, her eyes tinged with bitterness.

He was sleeping deeply.

Clearly, he hadn't been sleeping well these past few days, with dark circles under his eyes. Even in his sleep, his brows were furrowed.

Glancing at the time, Freya put away the silver needles.

Just as she was about to leave, the man suddenly grabbed her hand and slowly opened his eyes.

"Are you leaving again?" he asked.

"I'm not. I was going to get some water and wipe your face for you."

Only then did Bradley let go of her.

Freya brought warm water and handed him a damp towel. "How are you feeling now? Do you feel any better?"

"With you by my side, everything feels better," he said with a mischievous smirk.

"You're incorrigible!"

Freya blushed, her fist landing on him.

He caught it and held it tightly against his chest, where his heart was beating loudly, all for her.

His pupils were deep, like swirling ink. At this moment, a soft light filtered in, the intersection of light and darkness making him even more mysterious.

There must be an astonishing story behind this man's past.

Freya thought.

Though she was curious, tonight she suddenly understood everything.

No matter who he was, what she cared about and cherished had always been him.

"I won't argue with you anymore in the future. Whatever you want to do, I'll support you from behind."

They've been through so much together; life and death have long been intertwined.

No matter what challenges the future holds, she believes that this man will protect her well.

"So, does that mean you've forgiven me?" Bradley's joy was hard to contain, his pupils filled with radiance.

"Yes, you're not wrong either. I don't blame you anymore."

As soon as the words fell, the man hugged her tightly.

"I will ensure that you never experience sadness again in the future. I will provide you with the finest things in the world, elevating you to the highest honor as a woman."

"I'll be waiting."

All past grievances seemed to dissipate completely upon hearing the man's heartfelt declaration, like vanishing smoke and dust.

There are two hours remaining until the banquet ends.

Bradley changed into a fresh suit and returned to the banquet hall, holding Freya close by his side.

The primary focus of tonight's celebration remained on finalizing the contract with Austin Group.

Lance had been anxiously awaiting Bradley's arrival, his expression less than favorable.

At that moment, Ivan approached him and whispered discreetly in his ear.

"Mr. Fenton, the investigation has been completed. Mr. Austin took Miss Lawson to the upstairs room and hasn't emerged since."

Upon hearing this, Lance's expression darkened, his fists involuntarily clenching as a sense of suffocation crept over him.

"I understand. Inform me immediately upon their return."

"They're here."

Ivan reminded.

Lance raised his eyes and saw two figures approaching through the crowd. Suppressing his displeasure, he stepped forward with a glass of red wine.

"I thought Mr. Austin might not honor his commitment today, and we might not sign the contract."

Bradley tightened his hold on Freya's waist. "Since I've made a promise, I won't go back on it. The contract is ready for signing anytime. However, I would like to meet with Poppy. Can you arrange that, Mr. Fenton?"

Freya, standing beside him, couldn't help but tremble slightly.

Wasn't it agreed that Michael would handle the entire contract? Why did Bradley still insist on meeting Poppy?

"I'm sorry, but Poppy has some urgent matters to attend to today and couldn't make it. I'm afraid you won't be able to meet her, Mr. Austin."

Lance was also anticipating Poppy's appearance.

Just now she sent a text message asking him where he was, but he didn't see it in time. When he replied, Poppy didn't respond.

Originally, he had planned to announce her as a partner today, but it seemed that plan would need to be postponed.

"In that case, let's proceed with signing the contract today. As for the seal, let Poppy personally come to Austin Group to meet with me."

Bradley was a businessman, and businessmen valued beneficial relationships.

Given the unusual circumstances of Poppy infiltrating the Austin Group's financial network, thorough investigation was necessary.

He did promise Poppy to sign the contract today.

But he didn't specify the exact process.

Lance's expression soured.

Freya's lips twitched.

This man was resorting to underhanded tactics behind their backs!

If it weren't for Poppy's hidden identity, she would have confronted him then and there.

Despite his darkening expression, Lance agreed to Bradley's request.