Her body began to shake uncontrollably. She wished death would take her and end her suffering. She had exhausted this month’s supply of antidote just yesterday.

As the pain overwhelmed her, Sophia grimaced and yelled, “Get me a doctor!”

Immediately, one of her subordinates responded quickly, “Yes!” But as he turned to go, she changed her mind.

“Wait, no need for that.” Bracing herself against the pain, she stood and walked across the room. A loud bang echoed as Sophia slammed the door behind her.

Her subordinates, left outside, exchanged uncertain looks and sighed.

“What should we do? Do we call a doctor or not?”

One shook his head decisively.

“Definitely not. If she finds out, she’ll have our heads for overstepping. Plus, you know the horror of the virus’s flare-ups.”

“Better to leave it. She frequently has her antidote withheld. It’s a mystery how she manages it.”

They were all too familiar with the pain. Though their suffering was less severe than Sophia’s, it was still agonizing, nearly unbearable, so they could only imagine her distress.

From behind the closed door, Sophia’s stifled cries of pain could soon be heard. From the initial muffled pain to the uncontrollable moans of agony, a shiver ran down everyone’s spine.

The following day. At the Wheeler family’s residence…

The house was unusually quiet, with everyone walking more softly than usual. The heavy atmosphere hung in the air, making it difficult to breathe.

In Carol’s room, she was on her bed, flipping through a book. Just then, the door swung open. Neil entered, his footsteps heavy with weight.

Carol’s expression darkened, her fingers clenching around the book, and her voice was cold.

“Leave. You are not welcome here.”

Neil walked toward Carol, his head bowed in a gesture of respect.

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“Grandmother, I apologize.”

These words only fueled Carol’s wrath. She sat up abruptly and hurled the book straight at Neil’s face.

A sharp thud echoed through the room. The book hit Neil squarely. Instantly, Neil’s face reddened and swelled, a testament to the force of Carol’s throw.

Her eyes blazing with fury, she pointed at Neil and scolded him, “Look at your deeds. You conspired against Katelyn for an oil field. How disgraceful!”

Katelyn had brought immense benefits to the Wheeler family. Yet, Neil had plotted against her. Following this incident, Carol faced humiliation within their social circles.

“You ungrateful fool, I personally awarded her that oil field. Did you not know that?” Carol trembled with rage. His behavior was completely disrespectful!

Neil stood his ground, his expression defiant.

“Grandmother, have you ever considered my perspective? What about the Wheeler Group?” His frustration caught in his throat as he spoke.

“Handing over this oil field could ruin the Wheeler Group’s reputation in Granville. How will people view us? They’ll see me as ineffective!” Neil’s voice rose uncontrollably with each word.

Carol stared at Neil, skeptical.

“Is that really what you believe? The Wheeler family matters, but does it outweigh our moral integrity? Very well. You’re reluctant, and you wish to reclaim the oil field. Have you managed to do so?” She rose from her bed and confronted him. Though advanced in years, her presence was no less commanding than Neil’s. Her voice was cold as she continued, “Do you think such actions make you competent? Surely they must be praising you now?” But the truth was blunt—he was simply incapable!

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