Chapter 694: I’ve Never Performed an Autopsy

Hayley’s POV:

Max turned to face me, saying nothing. After a brief pause, he slipped his gloves back on and stated, “I don’t like having outsiders around when I examine a body. That includes the client.”

“Fine.” Without arguing, I turned and left, shutting the door behind me. As soon as it closed, Claudio started complaining, “Hayley, if you were planning an autopsy, you should’ve told me. Why let yourself get treated like that?”

I didn’t reply, standing silently to the side.

An hour later, the door finally opened. Max pulled off his mask and met my gaze. “You were right. Some kind of drug caused rapid deterioration of the pulmonary nerve, shutting down his breathing the moment he bit his tongue. That’s why he died instantly.”

“Can you identify the drug?” I asked.

“I’ll need to run tests first,” Max replied evenly. Then, his expression shifted as he studied me. “Ms. Carson, this isn’t your first time performing an autopsy, is it?”

I casually replied, “I’ve never performed an autopsy before.”

“Really?” His eyes narrowed slightly. “Then how did you know something was wrong with his lungs?”

“I observed him while he was alive,” I answered calmly. “I could sense it.”

“Is that so?” Max took a slow step closer, his voice laced with meaning. “I once met someone in Arcadia who pointed out a mistake I made in an autopsy. She was a high-ranking Alpha werewolf. Her codename was Halcyon. I wonder if you’ve heard of her.”

“I haven’t.” I didn’t even bother looking up. “Your job is done. You can leave now. I’ll send your payment soon.”

Max straightened as if he had already gotten an answer. He peeled off his gloves, retrieved his case, and strode toward the exit. Just before passing me, he paused and said, “Well then, see you next time.”

As Max stepped out, Benjamin squinted dangerously. He watched Max closely before saying, “I’ll walk you out.” Once they reached the doorway, Benjamin came to a halt and warned coldly, “Stay away from Hayley.”

Max turned and folded his arms, giving Benjamin a mock bow before smirking. “You’re just her fiancé. Are you planning to eliminate every single person interested in her?”

Benjamin’s expression darkened as a powerful Alpha aura radiated from him. “Don’t act clueless,” he said coldly. “If you even think about making a move on her, you’ll be the next one on the autopsy table.”

Max clicked his tongue, completely unfazed. “Terrifying. But tell me, do you plan to eliminate every single person interested in her? I know you’re the Alpha of the Midnight Pack, but from what I hear, there are those ranked above you who have their eyes on Hayley too.”

Benjamin’s crimson eyes narrowed as he clenched his jaw. After a moment of silence, he growled, “Then I’ll kill them all!”

Max raised a brow and gave him a thumbs-up. “Bold answer.” He paused before adding, “Anyone can take down one or two opponents. Let’s see if you’re still this confident when you realize who you’re up against.”

With that, he turned and strode into the darkness, his figure gradually fading from sight. Benjamin remained standing there for a while before finally stepping back inside.

The next day, as dawn broke, Zayd helped Frederick wash up when Henry suddenly burst into the room.