The Prison-Made Queen novel Chapter 482

Abel tugged at his flimsy jacket to show it off to Leilani, trying to prove his resilience. Then, rubbing his hands together, he glanced around before leaning in closer to Leilani, lowering his voice. "Dr. Sloan, can I ask you something quietly... Is there any progress on Payton's poison?"

Abel had seen how dedicated Leilani had been over the past few days. Her intensity filled him with hope that perhaps she really could save Payton.

Leilani's footsteps faltered slightly, and her voice dropped. "I'm still researching it."

Abel's eyes dimmed for a split second, but he quickly plastered a smile back on his face. "That's okay! Dr. Sloan, I believe in you! Out of all the doctors Payton has seen, you're the most serious and the most skilled. Don't put too much pressure on yourself, and don't burn out. I know you can do it."

The night wind brushed past them as Leilani gripped the handle of the thermos tighter. She knew Abel was trying to comfort her, but to her ears, his words only made her feel worse.

She took a deep breath and forced a smile that looked perfectly natural. "Alright, it's getting late. Let's go home."

Abel happily fell into step behind her, chattering away about how Payton had coughed up blood again today but stubbornly refused to take his medicine. Leilani listened calmly to his ramblings, but inwardly, a suspicion began to take root.

When they arrived at the villa, Payton hadn't gone to bed yet. He was sitting in his wheelchair under the tree in the backyard, eyes closed in rest.

Hearing their footsteps, he spoke without turning around. "You're back?"

Leilani glanced at Abel. Although she didn't say a word, Abel intuitively understood that she needed a private moment with Payton.

Payton suddenly laughed. "Sharp kid. Truly sharp. I knew I could fool Abel, but I couldn't fool you."

He tilted his head back to look at the night sky, his tone as calm as if he were discussing tomorrow's weather. "This poison has been in my body for so many years. It has long since fused with my flesh and blood. To be honest, living this long is already a bonus."

Leilani felt a tightness in her chest. "Then why ask me to treat you in the first place?"

It made her desperate efforts over the past few days seem laughable. Leilani was usually emotionally stable, but in this moment of realization, she felt a rare surge of anger. Was Payton playing games with her?

Payton remained silent for a moment before speaking softly. "Because I wanted to see... just how skilled Paulina's apprentice really is. And to be clear, I wasn't toying with you. It's just that this poison has been with me for too many years. I've consulted countless doctors, and most gave me no hope. So, naturally, regarding you..."