Chapter 399

Elyse knew what Linden wanted. It wasn't just about sending a few pictures.

Her anger boiled, her teeth grinding, but she understood the opportunity to eliminate Cedric was a rare one that couldn't slip by.

After a heavy silence, she called Natalie over and showed her the message.

Natalie nearly spat in disgust. "What? Linden actually thinks he can sleep with me? When I was the most beautiful girl in school, adored by all the guys, Linden was hiding in the corner, too scared to even look my way! What's he thinking? He actually believes he can sleep with me? He's way out of his league! Someone needs to show him a mirror!"

Natalie couldn't hide her contempt.

Elyse snatched her phone back. "I don't like him either, but right now, Linden is the only one who can get close to Cedric.He said the medical team is about to be reshuffled, and soon, we won't get such a good chance again."

Hearing this, Natalie frowned, her voice sharp. "So what are you saying, Mom? You want me to sleep with this disgusting man?"

Elyse, of course, was reluctant. She had raised her daughter, stunningly beautiful and deserving of nothing but the best. "So, what do you think we should do?"

Natalie's anger boiled, her mind a whirlwind. Just the thought of Linden-a repulsive rat no one wanted around-daring to think he could sleep with her made her sick to her stomach.

Just then,she saw Nina nearby.

In some ways, they were strikingly alike.

Natalie's gaze turned cold and distant. "Mom,I have an idea."

Elyse didn't catch on right away, but when she did,she asked,"Do you think it will work? Linden's wanted you for years. He'll recognize you instantly."

Natalie spoke in a detached tone. "There are plenty of themed hotels these days with dim lighting. We can have Nina wear a silk scarf over her face. Since she and I share a similar look, Linden won't be able to tell us apart. Isn't the medical team about to be reorganized soon? Linden won't have time to figure it out." Elyse nodded,herexpression thoughtful."Alright,then."

With that, Elyse went off to find Nina.

Nina was taken aback. "Mom, what did yousay?"

Natalie stood off to the side, her expression cold and uninterested, her voice calm and factual. "Didn't you claim before that you'd do anything to have Cedric?Now's the moment to prove it. Cedric is in critical condition, and the only one who can help him is Linden. But Linden made it clear-he won't treat Cedric unless you're willing to sleep with him first."

Nina's mind was a whirlwind, her voice quivering with uncertainty. "I can't!"

Elyse spoke, her tone soothing. "Darling, why not? It's a small price to pay for something so important. Once you do this, Cedric will be forever grateful when he wakes up. You'll have made such a huge sacrifice for him-it'll win his heart, without a doubt."

Nina's thoughts spiraled in turmoil. "But if I go through with this, Cedric will despise me!"

Natalie scoffed. "Nina, are you out of your mind? Why would Cedric despise you? You're doing this for him.It's just one time. Why are you making such a big deal?This kind of thing is common in our circle. You said you'd do anything for Cedric, didn't you? So why are you backing out now?" Tears streamed down Nina's face as she clung desperately to Elyse's hand. "But Mom, I want to save myself for Cedric. I don't want to give myself to a stranger!"

Elyse shook her hand off. "Don't be so naive. This is your opportunity. Cedric never truly noticed you.You need to understand-this is your moment. If you don't take it, how else will you make him feel guilty enough to marry you? A small sacrifice now for a lifetime of wealth and security. What's the better choice here?"

Nina stood frozen, unable to move.

"Take your time, but make up your mind in five minutes. If you can't go through with it, then forget it.Let Cedric die. It's not like it matters to us." With those cutting words, Natalie turned on her heel and walked out.

The situation had hit her like a storm, and Nina felt completely lost. She gazed helplessly at her mother,her face streaked with tears. "Mom, is Linden really the only one who can save Cedric? Isn't there any other way?"

Elyse shook her head. "There's no other option."

Nina's head hung low, and her lips trembled as tears streamed down her face.

"Alright!" At last, she relented. She stood there, shaking, mustering every ounce of her strength to force out that one word.

Elyse smiled brightly, lavishing her with praise. "I knew you were clever. Once Cedric wakes up, he'll owe you everything. You'll be able to proudly tell him that you sacrificed something precious to save him. He'll be grateful to you for the rest of his life."

Nina wasn't certain whether Cedric would feel thankful, but the idea made her feel sick to her stomach.

She had guarded her innocence for so long, dreaming of giving herself to Cedric. But now, it was to be taken by a stranger.

Her head dropped, feeling heavy with despair. She even wanted to die.