The Prison-Made Queen novel Chapter 423

Leilani’s breath hitched, a wave of indescribable emotion swelling in her chest. "This is..."

Payton’s hand rested on the armrest of his wheelchair as he spoke calmly. "Those are Paulina’s medical notes. Before she left, she entrusted them to me, saying they should be given to her successor one day."

He turned his blind eyes toward her, his gaze piercing despite the emptiness. "Now, they are yours."

Leilani gently stroked the pages. Paulina’s handwriting pressed deep into the paper; she could almost feel the focus her mentor had possessed while writing this years ago. Taking a deep breath, she closed the manuscript. "Thank you."

Payton waved a hand dismissively. "Don't thank me. As Paulina’s apprentice, you deserve this." He paused, then suddenly changed the subject. "Starting tomorrow, in addition to treating me... I will also be teaching you combat skills."

Leilani stared at him, stunned. "Combat skills?"

Payton nodded. "If you want to inherit Paulina’s legacy and her medical arts, knowing how to defend yourself is essential. After all, Paulina made quite a few enemies. If those people find out you’re her disciple, they won't let you off the hook."

Leilani understood the logic, but she frowned, her gaze drifting to his paralyzed legs and sightless eyes. "But in your current condition... how can you teach me?"

Payton chuckled low in his throat, a sound filled with rasping arrogance. "Little girl, don't let my current appearance fool you. Before I was crippled, I was 'Nighthawk,' ranked third on the dark web's hitman list."

He tapped his fingers rhythmically on the armrest, his tone playful. "Even if I can't demonstrate physically, guiding you through theory is... more than within my capabilities."

Next to the text was a sketch of a peculiar herb with a note: "Snow Reishi: The only substance capable of alleviating the toxicity."

Leilani’s eyes narrowed. Wasn't this the exact poison Mr. Chilton was suffering from? Had Paulina encountered this specific poison years ago? Was this all just a coincidence?

She closed the manuscript and looked out at the dark night, her thoughts churning. The mystery surrounding Paulina was immense. What was the relationship between Payton and Paulina? Who had poisoned him? And who were these powerful enemies Paulina had offended?

The questions swirled in her mind, but she knew now was not the time to demand answers. Curing the poison, becoming stronger, and unlocking the secret of the pendant—these were her immediate priorities.

Leilani put away the manuscript and turned off the light to sleep.