Suddenly, a heavy downpour commenced, causing one side of the thatched house to collapse, allowing rainwater to rush in and flood the entire interior.

"As long as you're still breathing, strive to accumulate good deeds. Simon is still young; don't let your actions ruin his future."

Freya advised coldly, prepared to depart immediately.

At that moment, a cry rang out from the kitchen.

"Simon…"

Recognizing the voice, Mrs. Smith hurriedly attempted to descend, but her prolonged bedridden state had left her weak, causing her to tumble off the bed as soon as she moved.

Ignoring her, Freya dashed towards the kitchen.

Simon had fainted on the ground, his lips turning blue and his face pale.

She hurried over to check his pulse.

The child had fainted due to long-term malnutrition, resulting in critically low blood sugar levels.

After Freya administered two injections, Simon gradually regained consciousness.

Concerned for the child, Mrs. Smith crawled over, soaked from head to toe, her hair disheveled, presenting a pitiful sight.

She dropped her stern demeanor and embraced Simon, weeping bitterly.

"Simon, my son, you mustn't come to harm. What will I do if something happens to you?"

This could have been a heartwarming scene.

But Freya remained unmoved, her fists clenched tightly as she turned to leave.

Observing this, Mrs. Smith quickly grasped her legs, pleading tearfully.

"Freya, I know I was wrong in the past. I shouldn't have treated you that way. But everything I did was under Sophie's influence. If I hadn't obeyed her, she wouldn't have spared our family."

"Let go."

Unmoved, Freya forcefully shook off her hand.

Undeterred, Mrs. Smith crawled over again. "If you want to hate and seek revenge against me, go ahead. But Simon is innocent. Please save him. He's only ten years old; he can't end up like this."

"He's not my concern."

Freya narrowed her eyes, her gaze icy.

She had been innocent too, but who saved her back then?

If it weren't for her sheer willpower, she would have perished under the torment long ago.

She wasn't forgiving; she repaid every wrong. Whoever harmed her would face consequences.

As the rain intensified, the dilapidated house offered no protection from the storm, and soon Freya was thoroughly drenched.

In the end, she departed from the shattered house without a backward glance.

But her eyes reddened.

Bradley stood at the door, waiting, soaked from head to toe.

He approached and embraced her tightly.

He used his warmth to thaw her cold heart.

But even so, she shivered from the chill.

He lifted her up and headed towards the farmhouse in determined strides.

…

Back inside, Bradley swiftly fetched a blanket and wrapped her snugly.

This was the countryside, where mountain winds blew.

Moreover, it was the dead of night, making it easy to catch a cold.

Bradley changed into dry clothes and nestled into the blanket with her.

"Bradley, did you cause the Smith family to end up like this?"

Ella had mentioned this before, but she never expected the Smith family to endure such hardship.

"I won't let anyone who harmed you escape punishment."

A hint of murderous intent flickered in his eyes, filled with resentment.

"The Smith family deserves severe punishment indeed. They never treated me like a human being, but all their wrongs were caused by the adults. As for Simon..."

He was still just a child. Her heart was cruel, but she couldn't harm a child.

Moreover, Simon was only three years old at the time. His actions were largely influenced by the adults.

She had witnessed Simon's growth over the years.

He was mischievous but mostly engaged in bullying.

Unlike the other Smith family members who treated her like a dog.

She despised the Smith family but couldn't bring herself to take out her anger on a child.

"His mistake lies in being born as a member of the Smith family!"

Bradley tightened his fist as he held her tightly.

"Don't dwell on it too much. The Smith family's downfall is entirely their own doing."

Initially, he had merely retaliated, letting the Smith family taste living conditions akin to a dog's and eating humble food.

If the Smith family had even a shred of decency, they would have behaved better.

However, they tarnished their reputation in the village and their children's unruly behavior was not improved, often engaging in theft and mischief.

Their actions angered the villagers, who eventually drove them out of Luiville Village.

With Bradley's comfort, Freya found some solace.

After a restless night, she fell asleep exhausted in his arms.

She was asleep until it was bright on the next day.

Sean brought troubling news.

The lab mice had suddenly become aggressive, attacking each other. Two mice had already been fatally bitten.

When Freya arrived, only one mouse remained in the cage.

Its eyes bloodshot and fiercely aggressive.

It startled Freya to see that it had even grown a fang.

"What's happening? Has the poison mutated?"

"I injected the poison you brought into the mice. Within two days, they've attacked each other several times. Last night, this mouse grew a fang and killed all its companions.

"I'm still researching whether the poison has mutated, but I can confirm it's a new type. If injected into humans in sufficient quantities, it can cause physiological changes."

"Has Bradley been exposed to enough poison?"

Freya was anxious, fearing the worst.

"It's uncertain, but he's been injected multiple times. Be prepared. Besides aggression, he hasn't shown other complications yet, but that could change."

"As a toxicology expert, haven't you encountered this poison before?"

Sean shook his head.

He contemplated whether to disclose the poison's intended purpose to Freya.

The Jacobs family had studied toxicology for generations, and in the past, Sean's grandfather had served as a military doctor on the battlefield.

Sean knew that poisonous gases were commonly used in warfare.

This poison could control bodily functions, turning individuals into wild animals.

If an army of "beasts" could be created, it would surpass any weapon.

If his suspicions were correct, the poison on Bradley's body was military-grade.

"What's wrong? If you have something to say, say it. No need to beat around the bush."

Freya saw through his hesitation.

"It's nothing. Give me time to research it. If I can't find a cure, I'll have to seek my grandfather's help."

"Your grandfather?"

"Yes, he taught me everything. His expertise surpasses mine, but he's had some mental issues lately, and persuading him out of retirement won't be easy."

"If a cure can't be found, I'll try, no matter how challenging."

Freya's resolve was unwavering.