[Chapter 123: They Are Getting Closer and Closer]
"What is this? How can it be so miraculous?"
Frank Douglas stared at Daniel in shock, his eyes almost bulging out of their sockets.
"Wait a moment before speaking."
Daniel pointed to the sofa. "Sit down and let your body absorb the medicinal power."
Frank Douglas obeyed and sat down, feeling the changes stirring within him. A growing look of wonder and joy spread across his face.
About ten minutes later, Daniel said, "That's enough."
Frank Douglas looked up, still amazed. "What exactly is this? It's truly incredible."
Daniel answered, "These are Elixirs."
"Elixirs?" Frank Douglas paused, then his eyes brightened. "Are they like the Fountain of Youth?"
Daniel shook his head. "Something as elusive as immortality isn't so easy to achieve. Do you really think these Elixirs can grant it?"
"Of course not," Frank Douglas replied. "Anyway, we are getting off-topic," Frank Douglas admitted with a self-deprecating grin. "Are you planning to use Elixirs to strengthen Katherine's soul?"
Daniel hesitated. "Let's talk about that later. Come, let's proceed."
He handed Frank Douglas a Foundation Reinforcement Elixir. Frank Douglas took it eagerly, about to pop it into his mouth.
"Wait, go take it in the restroom," Daniel instructed.
"Huh?" Frank Douglas looked puzzled. This was the first time anyone had told him to take something in the restroom.
"Trust me," Daniel said firmly.
Seeing Daniel's serious expression, Frank had no choice but to comply. The restroom was just beside the reception room.
This time, Frank didn't return for over half an hour.
When he finally came back, Daniel immediately noticed a foul smell. He covered his nose. "You should go outside to air out for a bit first."
Frank looked embarrassed. No one had ever complained about his smell in all these years. The only time he had felt that kind of shame was back when he was poor. At that time, he was extremely angry, but now, he just felt ashamed.
When Daniel took the Foundation Reinforcement Elixir, he didn't need to use the restroom because his body was already nourished by magical energy. The effect on him was minimal.
But Frank Douglas was different, he looked very unhealthy, and this Elixir's effects were fully overwhelming him.
Frank stepped outside to freshen up and then returned.
"Mr. Cross, I think this Elixir is even more miraculous than the last," Frank said, rolling up his sleeves in surprise. "Look, I actually have muscles on my arms, and I've lost some weight; my pants feel looser."
Daniel nodded approvingly. "Not bad."
Seeing Daniel's calm reaction, Frank worried he still smelled bad. "Should I go change my clothes again?"
"No need. You'll be running around later."
"Running around?" Frank Douglas was first startled, then thrilled. "There's more?"
Daniel flipped his hand and handed him an Osteogenic Elixir.
Frank Douglas took it eagerly. "Do I have to take this one in the restroom too?"
"No, not this one."
Frank Douglas's face lit up even more at that news. No restroom visit meant there would be more after this.
He was about to put the Osteogenic Elixir in his mouth when Daniel said, "Find a place where you can lie flat. Take it, then just lie there and wait for the medicinal effect to pass. Do nothing else. Also, prepare lunch. A large one, enough for ten people."
"Okay, I'll have the butler arrange it."
After making the arrangements, Frank Douglas returned to his bedroom as Daniel instructed. He took the Elixir and immediately lay down on the bed.
Soon, he understood why Daniel wanted him to lie flat. The sensation was truly extraordinary.
Daniel took over half an hour to fully digest the effects of the Osteogenic Elixir, but Frank would take even longer.
...
Daniel didn't sit idly in the reception room waiting. Instead, he went to the Old Woman's room, that was actually Katherine's true self.
Seeing Daniel, the Old Woman grew a bit agitated. She couldn't speak but looked at him with questioning eyes.
Daniel knew what she wanted to ask and said gently, "Soon. Just a little longer."
Though vague, the Old Woman's eyes brightened a bit with hope.
...
After spending some time there, Daniel went to Tanusha's room. She was inhabiting Katherine's body.
Tanusha still wore a bite guard and was strapped to the bed with restraints, though not a straitjacket. A physical therapist was massaging her.
Because she was usually immobilized, her muscles were gradually atrophying. But daily massages helped prevent it.
Like the Old Woman, Tanusha became agitated when she saw Daniel.
"Mr. Cross, please wait a moment. We're almost done," the head nurse said, recognizing Daniel from previous visits.
"Okay," Daniel said.
A few minutes later, the massage was finished. Tanusha was strapped back into her straitjacket, and the nurse and therapist left, leaving only Daniel and Tanusha.
As Daniel removed the bite guard from her mouth, Tanusha immediately asked, "Have you found a way to transfer us back?"
"Aren't you a little impatient?" Daniel teased.
Tanusha's madness was gone, replaced by sharp clarity. "The thought of them taking me back makes each day feel like a year. I'd rather be transferred back and die here. I believe Frank Douglas will treat my remains kindly."
"Don't you know they won't kill you if they bring you back?" Daniel said.
"Of course I know. They'll use my identity to scheme for the Douglas family's assets. But once they get the assets, they'll transfer them quickly to a foundation they control. After I'm no longer useful, they'll inflict the cruelest, most painful punishments on me."
"You're quite clear-headed now."
Tanusha was a bit angry. "Have you found a way yet or not?"
"Don't worry. As soon as I do, I'll tell you."
"Please hurry," she urged. "They're getting closer and closer."
"If only you had known this earlier, why did you go through with it in the first place?" Daniel asked quietly as he put the bite guard back on her.
Muffled sounds came from behind him as he left.
...
Both Frank Douglas and Tanusha's urgency made Daniel feel the same pressing weight.
He found a quiet spot, pulled out his laptop, connected to Douglas's home network, and logged into the forum to check messages.
Marcus Hale hadn't sent anything, meaning he wasn't done gathering all the medicinal ingredients.
Daniel sent him a message asking about the progress, but Marcus probably wouldn't reply for a while.
Daniel closed his laptop and took a stroll through the garden.
Douglas family garden was beautiful, clearly maintained with great care and expense.
Suddenly, Daniel paused. His gaze fixed on a plant nestled in the flowerbed.
*****
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