The Queen's Back

After Bud figured out what was happening, he sent all the information he had gathered to Maxwell to ensure they would have accurate details as soon as they landed. In the stillness of the night, the drugged Ava felt a bit of strength returning. She realized that it would take time for Mona to reach Fusceland.

She couldn't just sit and wait. Determined to escape, Ava struggled to sit up but immediately felt weak and collapsed back onto the bed.

Ava helplessly lay there, tears streaming down her face.

She didn't claim to be a

to be a good person, but she had never done anything to deserve this kind of suffering. She couldn't understand why she had to endure such pain. At some point. Soren approached, looking at Ava lying on the bed, her features resembling Chelsea's. He felt a flicker of emotion and said. "You're awake. Here, drink this He held out a cup of water to her.

Unsure if there was anything mixed in the water, Ava angrily swatted the cup away, shouting. "It's illegal to change my heart without my consent."

Soren watched the shattered

And what if it is illegal cup on the floor. He knew it was illegal, but this was abroad. Afterward, he could find a way to dispose of the body in the sea. Even if the police were called, they wouldn't uncover the truth.

He lowered his He lowered his

Ava listened to

adding.

Once you're in hell, don't blame me. Blame your mother for giving birth to Chelsea, for not raising her, and for giving her such poor health. I had no choice. This was my only option." "Ava, you've lived well enough for these decades, so let your sister enjoy a good life too." swords and roared, "You If Soren hadn't said anything, she would still below that's my mother's business. Why should I pay for it? I had no idea I even had a sister until you mentioned it." be unaware of of Chelsea's "Now that you know, you'd better willingly give your heart to her. In return, Chelsea and I will be grateful to you, with her life. It was simply absurd and infuriating

existence. Ava didn't think she should pay

Soren said.

Ava realized Soren was dead set on taking her heart. It was pointless to say more, so she decided to remain silent and hope the anesthesia would wear off quickly. She needed to stall for time, waiting for Mona to rescue her. It was ridiculous that she would give her heart to someone she didn't even know,

"The surgery is scheduled for tomorrow morning, so don't even think about escaping." Soren said when Ava fell silent, After saying that, he administered more anesthesia to her, fearing she might try to escape. The cold liquid flowed into her body, bringing on a wave of drowsiness. Ava struggled, but her body was completely unresponsive. Suddenly, the silence was pierced by the ringing of a phone.

Ava tightly shut her eyes, her long lashes trembling slightly. The anesthesia had just begun to wear off, and now another dose was administered. She could only pray that Mona would arrive before the surgery tomorrow.

81

When the ringing stopped. Ava heard Soren exclaim in frustration, "What did you say? Say it again. Chelsea is missing?

Ava didn't open her eyes. She was growing weaker and realized Soren had stood up since the bed shifted.

After Soren left. Ava clutched her nails tightly. She didn't want to pass out. This was a good opportunity to escape.

She struggled to sit up, but her body was completely out of her control.

Suddenly, a pair of strong hands pulled her up, and the warmth of the arms enveloped her. Ava felt like she had grasped onto a lifeline and strained to open her eyes to see the person in front of her.

11

In her hazy vision, she saw a fair face with a small mole at the corner of his eye, not unattractive. It actually added a bit of allure to him. He had a straight nose and thin lips.

He said softly. "Don't be afraid. I'm a friend of Maxwell's. I'm here to save you."

Hearing Bud's words, Ava felt the fear inside her dissipate by more than half. She quickly nodded, but the drowsiness. washed over her, and she fell into unconsciousness.

Bud called out to Ava twice and realized she was already unconscious.

Looking around, he mumbled an apology, then quickly threw lack the covers and lifted Ava from the bed, heading for theContent property of NôvelDra/ma.Org.

door.

At the entrance. Bud's men were stationed. Seeing Ava had been rescued, they followed Bud out.

Let's head back to my place. Maxwell and the others should be arriving soon," Bud said.

The hotel Bud referred to was another suite in the same hotel. He wanted to take his men there as well to avoid any rumors about a man and woman being alone together, which could tarnish Ava's reputation. He cradled Ava in his arms, using his coat to cover most of her face, shielding her from passersby.

pretending to be a loving couple with Soren.

After all, she had been here for a few day watched Chelsea, who was confused and asking why he was there. He finally realized that something was off. He couldn't spare a moment to answer her and abruptly turned to leave. He knew someone had discovered his plan

Meanwhile, at the hospital I next door, Soren

and was trying to save Ava. That phone call was just a a distraction.

Chelsea noticed Soren's grave expression and frowned. "Soren."

Soren's mind was entirely on Ava. He wanted to know if she was still safe in the hotel and replied hurriedly, "It's fine. You just rest Fll be back soon."

As Chelsea watched him leave, she silently prayed for everything to go smoothly with the surgery.

She brushed a few strands of hair from her forehead, her eyes filled with hope and anticipation for good health. She felt no guilt towards Ava

On the contrary, she thought it was only right for Ava to donate her heart. Chelsea-thought, 'We share the same parents. Why should she be healthy and have a good family? I couldn't accept that.' After Soren rushed back to the hotel, he found the room empty and kicked the foot of the bed in frustration.

Ava being rescued meant his plan had failed.

Not only could he not perform the surgery on Chelsea, but he could also end up in prison because of this.