From the very start to this moment, I have never entertained the thought of getting close to the Rothschild family, much less considering marriage. Friendship holds no appeal for me either;
“The only reason I am here today is to engage in this business discussion with you, so you can be assured of my intentions. My presence here is not solely for my sake; it reflects on my personal honor as well as the reputation of the Nordic royal family. I cannot afford to bring you any harm.”
After her statement, she picked up a ss of water from Howard’s bedside, noticing there was still a quarter left. She opted to use one of her own cups instead. Taking a leaf-shaped brooch, she carefully scraped off about one-tenth of a blood-dispersing and heart-saving elixir and ced it into the cup to dissolve.
Seeing her actions, Howard grew anxious, eximing: “What are you nning to do? I… I warn you to think twice! If anything happens to me, the Rothschild family will never forgive you!”
Helena chuckled lightly and retorted: “Mr. Rothschild, do you truly believe I would harm you? What would I gain from your death? Not a single cent of your vast fortune woulde to me, and I’d face legal repercussions and disgrace. How could I, the esteemed Queen of Northern Europe, allow myself to fall into such a predicament?”<h3 style="background-color:DodgerBlue">
While Howard recognized the logic in her words, he still felt uneasy watching her movements. He stammered: “So… so what do you intend to do with that… that pill…?”
Calmly, Helena responded: “Naturally, you will take it first. Your stuttering makesmunication quite challenging. By taking these medicines, we can alleviate your stutter. This will not only help usmunicate better, but it will also save you some energy, don’t you agree?”<fn1a4d> ???s ??????? ?s ?????? ?? find(?)ovel</fn1a4d>
Helena then approached Howard’s bedside, observing his fearful expression. “I apologize, Mr. Rothschild. Our Nordic royal family typically conducts itself with great dignity. I am being somewhat blunt today in the interest of saving time. Please understand.”
In a state of panic, Howard stammered: “You… you shouldn’te any closer…”
In that moment, he wished to reach out and press the calling bell.
However, due to his stroke, Howard’s body was already partially paralyzed. He couldn’t even grip a cigar properly. His anxiety only made his body less responsive.
Helena didn’t give him a chance to resist. She pinched his cheeks to force his mouth open and poured the mixture of water and blood-dispersing elixir directly down his throat.
Howard’s face paled in fear, his legs instinctively wanting to kick and struggle, but trembling and weak, he found he couldn’t muster any strength. He truly feared that Helena intended to poison him, and the thought nearly made him faint.
He initially tried to spit out the liquid, but Helena didn’t allow him that opportunity. While he struggled to contain it, she discarded the cup with one hand, then grabbed his chin and tilted his head back, urging firmly, “Drink it!”