Chapter 1043

Chapter 1043:

Madisyn was already intent on leaving with Andrew, having been left with a bitter taste by Ailyn’s earlier behavior. “I’m afraid I—”

Before Madisyn could decline, Ailyn took a dramatic step. “Dr. Mia, my behavior earlier was inexcusable. Please accept my deepest apologies,” she said, and shockingly, she struck herself across the face. The sound echoed sharply, causing Madisyn to wince.

“Please, Dr. Mia, overlook my past foolishness and help.”

The echo of the slap resonated down the hallway, drawing the elders closer to Madisyn.

“Dr. Mia, we’ve prepared a collaborative project with the Klein Group, and we’re ready to meet your usual fees. Moreover, we know you’ve been seeking the Liliuma fruit. While this plant is extinct elsewhere, our family possesses the last known one. We’d be willing to provide it as part of our agreement.”

“Dr. Mia, we earnestly request your expertise…”

When Madisyn decided to leave with Andrew earlier, she had already had no intention of making a deal with these people. But the mention of “Liliuma” sparked a visible reaction.

The plant, detailed in her mentor’s medical manual, had evaded her for years. She hadn’t expected these people to have it.

Andrew, observing closely, was the first to perceive the shift in Madisyn’s demeanor.

Andrew wasn’t sure of Madisyn’s decision, but he knew one thing for sure—he would stand by her, no matter what.

Madisyn’s impression of Ailyn had been shaped by their earlier confrontations, leaving her convinced that Ailyn was someone hard to get along with.

But everything shifted when Ailyn discovered she was Dr. Mia. Overwhelmed by regret, Ailyn apologized again and again. She went as far as to slap herself repeatedly, refusing to stop until Madisyn accepted her apology.

Madisyn’s gaze softened. This raw display of remorse was unexpected, and for the first time, she saw Ailyn in a new light.

As the heiress of the prominent Vettel family, Ailyn had always carried an air of arrogance, but she also possessed a clear understanding of the pros and cons of any situation.

Madisyn realized that someone like Ailyn wasn’t to be taken lightly. And with getting the Liliuma being her late mentor’s final wish, she knew she couldn’t walk away now.

After a pause, Madisyn’s voice cut through the tension. “Mr. Vettel, you don’t have to do this.”

Ailyn froze, her hand mid-motion, her cheeks red from her self-inflicted slaps. Tears pooled in her eyes, but she held them back, her pride refusing to let them fall.

“Dr. Mia,” she whispered, her voice breaking. “I don’t know how else to show you how sorry I am. Please… tell me what to do.”

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