The Queen's Back

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Barbara received Jane's permission and obediently sat beside her, Albert smiled at her as if to say, "See, I was right!"

Mona witnessed all of this. With her grandfather still lying in the hospital bed, she did not want to trouble her grandmother. She could not be bothered to argue with Barbara, and since Albert was also present, she felt it was important to maintain appearances, so she said nothing

The group did not have to wait long in the ward before Luke's team appeared.

When Luke arrived, Jane became especially excited, thinking that Bernard, who had been bedridden, was about to wake up. She asked eagerly, "Dr. Bird, how's the progress on the antidotel

Her voice was filled with excitement but tinged with nervousness. She could not shake the lingering worry-what if the antidote had not been developed?

However, Jane quickly prepared herself mentally. If the antidote research failed, the worst-case scenario would be that Bernard remained unconscious, just as he had been a few days earlier. She could accept this outcome

When Barbara saw Jane stand up, she quickly supported her arm and also asked anxiously, "Doctor, is my grandfather going to wake up?

Mona's attention was also focused on Luke, eager to hear what he had to say. Logically, with the thousand-year-old herb in hand, the antidote for her grandfather's poisoning should already be possible to create. She only feared something unexpected might occur. Maxwell wrapped his arm around Mona's shoulder to ease her tension.

Dr. Bird nodded, then shook his head, saying, The antidote for Bernard has been developed, but there is one component unsure about regarding the exact dosage. We do not know if there will be side effects if Bernard takes it, unless

we're

He suddenly paused mid-sentence, leaving Jane anxious. She asked, "Unless what? Dr. Bird, just tell us everything at once. We can handle it." "Unless someone tests the drug first, so we can adjust it based on how they respond after taking it, Luke finished, his expression calm but serious. Jane blinked, stunned for a moment. "Will testing the drug be life-threatening, or are there side effects?" Her voice held a tremor, betraying her worry.

All medicine contains some degree of toxicity, and someone who is not poisoned taking the antidote would certainly experience side effects.

"It's not life-threatening, Luke reassured her, "but there are definitely side effects-like a brief coma or, if too much is taken, nosebleed. In more serious cases, it could affect the person's future health. We'd gauge all of this based on the tester's reactions. Ideally, a young person should try it since their body is better suited to handle it."

As Luke's explanation ended, the room fell into an uneasy silence. Everyone exchanged tense glances. Mona's eyes fixed ont the pill resting on the coffee table. Without thinking, she reached out to take it.

She felt it was her responsibility to test the medicine for her grandfather, and she was willing to do so.

Before her hand could touch the coffee table, Maxwell gently pulled her back and softly said. "Mona, with me here, this is not your responsibility"

At the same time, Barbara's gaze lingered on the pills as well.

If she were to test the antidote for Bernard today, even if Bernard later found out that his poisoning had been orchestrated

by Jeremy and Beatrice, it would not involve her. After all, she had not poisoned him; she only knew the details. This was her chance to show her loyalty.

As long as she tested the medicine for Bernard, Barbara knew he would surely be grateful when he woke up. He might even acknowledge her as part of the Clem family again.

This was her opportunity-a chance to return to the family and gain the forgiveness of the elders. But the uncertainty loomed. The doctor had no idea about the exact side effects of the medicine, nor did he know what kind of damage it might cause to her body. "Maxwell, Mona, stop arguing." Albert said suddenly, stepping forward. "Let me do it. I've been in the army recently, and my body is in good shape. A small red pill like this won't allect me."

Before anyone could respond, he bent down, reaching for the pill on the coffee table.

Barbara reacted faster, snatching it up before Albert could get his hands on it. Without hesitation, under everyone's watchful eyes, she placed the pill in her mouth and swallowed it dry without needing water. Then, she turned to Albert. "Albert, I'm older than you. If anything happens, I should be the one to face it first," she said, her tone resolute.

Her words and actions stunned everyone, especially Jane. As she turned to her grandmother and cousins, tears welled up in Barbara's eyes. "Grandma, Mona, I know I was wrong before. Please forgive me. I consider you my family," she pleaded, her voice full of remorse.

The sight of Barbara, who had just taken the pill for Bernard without hesitation, filled Jane's heart with gratitude

Now that she thought about it, Barbara's mistake was sleeping with Teddy. Later on, she was punished for it. It was not up to her to decide who her father was. She was kicked out of the family just like that. It was unfair to her. She was a poor child.

"Mona, Grandma, please forgive Barbara. Besides, Mona is living a good life now. We wouldn't have seen through Teddy's true colors if it weren't for Barbara. If Mona had married that scumbag Teddy, she wouldn't have been happy in the end," Albert said, looking at Barbara beside him. He felt everyone in the family had let her down, including himself.

"Let's not talk about this for now, Forgive me, Barbara. Do you feel uncomfortable anywhere? Jane asked. The most important thing now was how Barbara felt after testing the medicine.

She never expected that the person who would end up testing the medicine for Bernard would be Barbara.

"I feel a little dizzy right now. Mona, please forgive me. I know I made a mistake. I remember you were always the best to me in the past. You always thought of me when you had good things," Barbara said, looking at Mona in Maxwell's arms. pitifully. "Barbara, you're thinking too much. I don't blame you anymore, Mona said reluctantly, meeting Barbara's gaze.

the current situation, Barbara testing the medicine for Bernard was a favor to the family. If she continued to dwell on Barbara and Teddy, it would show she was petty. It probably would not just be Albert who was dissatisfied with her; Jane likely would, too. Then, it's good that you don't blame me anymore," Barbara said. Then she felt her eyes grow heavy and her body go weak. She fell back, but Albert quickly caught her, helping her to the sofa behind them

Barbara was surrounded by people led by Albert and Luke's team for a moment.

"Her temperature is elevated, and she fainted. Looks like the medication was room for a complete blood test," Luke instructed.

strong. Let's move her to the examination

After everyone left Bernard's hospital room. Mona sat on the sofa, and Maxwell sat beside her.