Chapter 122
Venacure originated from Elliana’s mother, Rita. Following the devastating conflagration at the Jones estate fifteen years ago, Rita had disappeared, taking the Venacure formula with her. Production ceased entirely thereafter. Any remaining Venacure existed solely in the possession of fortunate individuals who had acquired it fifteen years prior.
Moreover, the components required for Venacure were exceedingly scarce, and its production demanded extraordinary patience. The annual yield remained minimal, with each pill commanding exorbitant prices. Anyone who possessed it would guard the pharmaceutical treasure with unwavering vigilance. Even if Venacure remained in circulation, acquisition proved virtually impossible. Possessors preserved it exclusively for dire emergencies, categorically refusing monetary offers.
Charles’s declaration extinguished the nascent hope that had momentarily illuminated everyone’s countenance.
Elliana was just about to reveal her possession of Venacure when Jeff’s expression brightened dramatically.
“I know where to find Venacure!” he exclaimed emphatically.
All attention pivoted toward him.
Irene inquired with palpable eagerness, “Where might it be?”
Though Irene harbored minimal concern for Barbara, the deteriorating circumstances placed both her and Jeff in a precarious position. She desperately anticipated Barbara’s recovery to defuse the volatile situation.
Jeff darted toward Trinity, seizing her hand. “Trinity, you possess a Venacure pill, correct?”
When Jeff proclaimed his knowledge of Venacure’s whereabouts, Trinity’s internal alarm activated immediately. She indeed possessed a single pill, bequeathed by her deceased grandfather. To impress Jeff, her devoted admirer, she had previously boasted about this possession. Now, regret consumed her for this indiscretion. Venacure’s incalculable value prevented her from expending it on someone as inconsequential to her as Barbara.
“Jeff, I sincerely apologize,” Trinity offered, manufacturing an apologetic expression. “I’ve already utilized it.”
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“Utilized it?” Jeff raised an eyebrow.
“Indeed, recall that hiking expedition when I sustained an ankle injury? I administered it for pain management.”
“I see…” Jeff’s shoulders slumped as he retreated dejectedly to Irene’s proximity.
Jeff’s faith in Trinity disintegrated irreparably. When Eloisa confronted him earlier, he had implored Trinity for assistance, only to face abandonment. Now, requesting Trinity’s contribution of Venacure to preserve Barbara, she refused again. He recognized her deception. He had observed her handling the pill’s container merely days before. Trinity had consistently professed to regard him as her own brother, yet it proved to be mere platitudes. When confronted with critical circumstances, she had demonstrated complete indifference to his predicament. He acknowledged his foolishness in defending her blindly in the past.
Collective sighs of disappointment permeated the atmosphere as resolution seemed increasingly unattainable.
Ruben addressed Paulina purposefully, “Paulina, how long until Cole’s back? Instruct him to exploit every available connection to secure a Venacure pill, regardless of cost!”
“Understood, initiating contact immediately.”
As Paulina extracted her communication device, Elliana interjected, “Such elaborate measures are unnecessary. Barbara’s condition cannot withstand protracted delay. Even if Cole successfully procures a pill, transportation logistics would render it ineffective for her salvation.”
Paulina suspended her actions.
Elliana confronted Eloisa, whose gaze reflected profound desperation, and offered a compassionate smile. “Please maintain your optimism. I possess a Venacure pill.”
Collective astonishment greeted Elliana’s pronouncement.
Eloisa appeared instantaneously revitalized, her eyes igniting with renewed expectation. “Does sincerity underlie your claim?”
“Indisputably.” Elliana unfurled her fingers, revealing an obsidian pill that commanded universal attention.
Ruben leaned forward, barely containing his exhilaration. “That’s unmistakable! That’s authentic Venacure. Its appearance perfectly mirrors the one Cole consumed years ago!”
After momentary contemplation, Ruben commented, “Though its olfactory properties seem slightly altered…”
“This originated from my mother’s collection. After fifteen years, minor aromatic variations are anticipated,” Elliana spoke smoothly. Of course, this explanation deviated from factual reality. The scent diverged because she had modified Rita’s…
Fundamental formulation, enhancing the pill’s efficacy. She deliberately withheld this information, avoiding unnecessary complications.
Ruben accepted Elliana’s explanation without reservation. “You have a point.”
Eloisa’s gaze glistened with restored optimism, fixated on the pill in Elliana’s grasp as though contemplating an invaluable treasure. “Can this diminutive genuinely bring my Barbara back?”
“Unquestionably,” Elliana affirmed with unshakeable conviction.
Elliana’s certainty infused Eloisa with renewed vitality, overwhelming her emotional restraint.
“Mrs. Evans, throughout years of research attempting to ameliorate Barbara’s condition, I’ve accumulated substantial pharmaceutical knowledge. I comprehend Venacure’s extraordinary rarity. During its production era, one single pill commanded millions. Currently, with a negligible supply remaining, its value transcends monetary assessment. Are you genuinely prepared to give it up for Barbara’s benefit?”
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