Chapter 473
To demonstrate the potency of the Soulgrip Threadworm, Ivy ordered a chicken to be brought in. She made it swallow the threadworm and then used medicinal smoke to stimulate its power.
The crowd watched in astonishment as the chicken went wild, pecking at anyone it encountered and flying frantically around the courtroom in a frenzied display of aggression. Even the most renowned local fighting rooster, brought in to challenge the erratic chicken, lost an eye instantly. The chicken only calmed down after Ivy used more medicine, and it slowly threw up the Soulgrip Threadworm.
“This creature is called the Soulgrip Threadworm, and it’s controlled by someone,” Ivy explained. “When Lola ingested it, it was merely an egg. These eggs are resistant to high temperatures. Once inside the body, it travels through the bloodstream to the brain. This process generally takes about six months, which aligns with James’s account. Now that the threadworm has matured, anyone exposed to the activating substance or brought under someone else’s control will display erratic, crazed behavior.”
As the crowd stared in shock, Patrick stepped forward and said, “So, someone intended to harm this family and had plotted meticulously. Lola was merely a tool in their scheme and is also a victim.”
The crowd was in an uproar.
Ivy cleaned up the scene and turned to the terrified James. “You were lucky. The person who poisoned Lola didn’t anticipate that anyone could extract the threadworm, or they didn’t think anyone would investigate in this direction. That’s why you weren’t killed. But your situation has stirred suspicion. You’ve always been Lola’s physician, and that gold ingot wasn’t easy money. It might have cost you your life.”
James broke into a cold sweat and collapsed onto the ground.
As the sun set and night fell, Ivy’s carrier pigeon returned to Hell Monarch Estate with a brief message: [First step successful, second step continues to unravel.] In other words, Patrick wouldn’t return soon. Ivy had a mission and hinted to Patrick that the huge public reaction and the stir among the people suggested that someone might be pulling strings behind the scenes.
Patrick was also eager to achieve results. He didn’t want to be perceived as holding his position only because of Sylvia. If it turned out that someone was orchestrating the chaos from behind the scenes, causing a nationwide uproar and public outrage, uncovering the full extent of it could make him a hero. Carissa was sitting nearby, working on her embroidery. She saw the pigeon courier and remarked, “By clearing yourself from this case and uncovering the truth, you’ve achieved a double win.”
Rafael watched as her needle moved swiftly, forming the outline of a duck. After a moment of distraction, he replied, “It’s more than that. It’s a triple win. The whole court knows I insisted on a re-examination and sending a special investigator. If someone is trying to bring me down, I’ll turn their schemes to my advantage and enhance my popularity further. Let them fume.”
Carissa smiled gently and continued her embroidery.
Rafael, curious, asked, “Who is this duck for?”
Carissa answered, “It’s for Leona’s child. As the child’s aunt, I need to show some thoughtfulness.”
Rafael looked at her gesture and said with some difficulty, “It’s thoughtful, indeed, but I think buying something might be better—perhaps a gold locket or a necklace? If you want to make a gift, we have embroiderers in the estate. Your skills are suited for weapons, not needles. This seems like using a sledgehammer to crack a nut.”
Carissa gave him a look and said, “I know you’re implying my embroidery isn’t that great, but Lily says I’ve made a lot of progress, and I actually enjoy doing this.”
Rafael thought to himself that while Carissa might enjoy it, it was a pity she lacked talent.