Chapter 1164

Heather was growing weaker daily, postponing her return to the Riggs Estate. Even rising from bed proved arduous. She began to question the authenticity of the secret handbook, eventually realizing that its practices had weakened her. "Could the handbook be fake, and did I harm myself because of it?" she wondered. Further inspection revealed brilliant writings and flawlessly executed illustrations. While the techniques differed from conventional methods, nothing in the handbook seemed illogical or contradictory.

Despite her diligent efforts to enhance her vitality, she vomited blood frequently and felt her energy rapidly depleting. Her strength waned, leaving her perpetually drowsy and curtailing her waking hours. Something was amiss, but she couldn't pinpoint the cause.

"Chump..." she whispered weakly. He materialized instantly.

"Ms. Riggs?"

"Bring me a doctor," she murmured, her eyes half-closed.

"A doctor?" Chump was surprised. Heather, usually robust from her kickboxing training, rarely fell ill, requiring only rest for injuries. This was unprecedented.

"Yes," she nodded, understanding his surprise. "Something's wrong, but I can't go to the hospital. Find a reliable doctor discreetly. I need to know what's happening to me."

"Are you okay, Ms. Riggs?" Chump asked anxiously.

Heather shook her head, slowing her breathing. Even speaking was exhausting. "I'm managing for now. Keep this quiet and return quickly."

"Yes, Ms. Riggs!"

Chump hurried away. Heather closed her eyes, fatigued yet unable to sleep. Weakness hampered even the simplest movements; lifting an arm proved a struggle, resulting only in a twitch of her fingertips. "This is horrible! My condition is far worse than I imagined," she thought.

Her mind clouded, she attempted to review the handbook's instructions, finding nothing amiss. "Perhaps I should confront Alexander? Did he set me up? Or, if the manual is genuine, am I on the verge of a breakthrough, a significant increase in vitality?"

She heard a faint noise from the doorway. The subtle breeze indicated someone's presence, despite the lack of footsteps.

Without opening her eyes, she asked, "Chump, back so soon?" But she immediately doubted it. Chump would never enter without knocking.

Her alertness remained, despite her condition. Opening her eyes, she saw a shadowy figure entering behind her.

The person chuckled, "Chump? He won't be coming back."

Stunned, Heather struggled to focus, to identify the intruder. "It's you?"