On the ship, Sophie was finding it harder and harder to breathe, her body burning up like she had a fever. She could even hear her own heartbeat racing faster and faster.


    She got up from the bed, stumbling to the bathroom in the cabin, and sshed her face frantically with cold water. The sea breeze was freezing, but it did nothing to cool the fire raging inside her.


    Gradually, Sophie started seeing things that weren''t there, her mind bing foggy. The scene in front of her doubled, and her legs felt like jelly.


    "If you can''t make it back by midnight tonight, you''ll have to endure this unbearable pain every day," echoed Odie''s voice in her ears. "Don''t me me for being harsh; this is the gentlest way I deal with traitors."


    Sophie copsed to the ground, writhing in difort. Soon, it felt like ants were gnawing on her limbs, the pain excruciating.


    "Do you know how many people die from drugs each year? If you betray me, I promise to make your death just as painful."


    Sophie curled up in agony, cold sweat dripping from her forehead, her face as pale as a sheet of paper. Was this thetest poison developed by Minton International?


    She prided herself on her strong will, but even she couldn''t withstand the torment. Within moments, she felt her consciousness slipping away, her brain unable to think. Only Odie''s cruel, indifferent voice kept reying in her mind.


    A voice urged her: If you don''t want to die, go back now. Just a little injection, and the pain will stop. But another voice warned: You can''t go back; going back means eternal damnation.


    These conflicting thoughts swirled in her head, making her feel like she was about to split apart. She wished she could just jump into the sea to end this never-ending torture. If she had to endure this every day, she would surely go


    mad!


    Meanwhile, at Devonport Airport, Gordon had personally arrived. His butler remarked, "Sir, waiting at home would have been the same."


    14:45


    "It''s not the same. I fear there might be unforeseen circumstances."


    Gordon watched the airport exit intently. To be safe, he had arranged for Sophie to be escorted by boat to a coastal airport before flying to Devonport, to avoid pursuit by Minton International.


    He had felt uneasy since setting out that day, a sense of dread gnawing at him. He only hoped things wouldn''t spiral out of control, otherwise...


    It waste at night when the secretary spotted Sophie at the airport.


    "Sir! She''s here!"


    Sophie arrived safely at Devonport, and Gordon finally felt a wave of relief.


    "Push me over there."


    "Yes, sir!"


    The butler pushed Gordon''s wheelchair over to Sophie.


    "Ms. Sophie, it''s good to see you safe," said the butler.


    Sophie looked at Gordon and smiled, "Thank you, Mr. Gordon, for rescuing me."


    Despite her smile, Gordon frowned,


    "You look pale. Did something pale.


    happen?


    Sophie shook her head, "No, just... didn''t get much rest."


    m


    Hearing this, Gordon turned to the


    butler, "Bring the car around


    front.Còntens bel0ngs to N?(v)elDr/a/ma.Org


    Send Ms Sophie back to the Aldridge


    residence to rest."


    "The car is ready. I''ll have it brought over now."


    The butler quickly went to call for the car.


    Gordon, still looking at Sophie''s pale face, couldn''t shake the feeling that something was swrong. "Ms. Sophie,


    are you sure you''re alright?"