Chapter 3 Dawson clicked his tongue impatiently and ordered someone to turn off the phone. "Alice, are you still breastfeeding? Do you have to tattle to grandfather about everything? Don't you have any shame?" "I don't believe it. There are so many skilled doctors in the world. Are you really the only one who can perform this surgery?" "Don't think so highly of yourself! Only grandfather would buy into your nonsense." "I'm telling you, if you don't properly apologize to Kari today, this isn't over!" A snake slithered up my leg, and I panicked, trying to escape, but my injured leg gave out, and I collapsed onto the ground. Tears welled in my eyes as I screamed with all my might at the helicopter above, "Help me! Dawson!" Dawson studied me for a long moment, noticing my fear didn't seem fake, and he hesitated, uncertain. Kari caught the concern in Dawson's eyes and, a trace of cunning flashing across her face, pouted coquettishly. "Alice, don't worry. These are all captive-bred pet snakes. They're not venomous, and their fangs have been removed. They won't bite." But I stared at the snakes before me, their jaws wide and eyes glowing green. These were no pets-they were real venomous snakes. Suddenly, a brightly colored snake reared up and flicked its tongue at me, and the next second, it lunged and bit through my calf. The bite swelled quickly, turning black, and the other snakes, smelling blood, crawled onto me. Soon, the snakes wrapped around my neck, cold and slimy, tightening with each moment. Breathing became difficult. I reached out, trying to pull them off, but their sharp fangs pierced my hand. The snakes coiled tighter, and I lay on the ground, barely conscious, as the venom spread through my body. In a haze, I thought I saw Death itself beckoning me. Seeing me surrounded by the snake swarm, Dawson panicked. "What's happening? Lower the helicopter now! Quick!" Kari, unwilling to concede, grabbed Dawson's hand. 3.95% "Dawson, don't you trust me? I caught each of these snakes myself. There's no way Alice could get hurt like this. She's faking it, just trying to win your sympathy!" "But..." Dawson hesitated, frustrated and unsettled. Finally, the private doctor couldn't hold back. "Mr. Hill, it doesn't look fake. She really seems poisoned, and she's about to be suffocated by the snakes!" Hearing that, Dawson's eyes widened. Ignoring Kari's protests, he rushed to the cockpit and ordered an emergency landing. When Dawson saw the dense wounds and leech bites on my legs, he couldn't help it-his eyes reddened, and he quickly drove the snakes away. "Alice, honey, are you okay? Don't scare me like that..." "Why are there so many leeches? And weren't these snakes supposed to be pets? How could they hurt me?" The private doctor, seeing my injuries, panicked and pulled out antivenom. "Mr. Hill, Mrs. Hill has been bitten by venomous snakes. The antivenom must be administered immediately, or the consequences could be disastrous!" Kari eagerly stepped forward and grabbed the antivenom. "I'll do it! It's my fault she's like this. I have to take responsibility!" But the next second, she tripped, and the vial smashed on the ground. "Oh no! I'm so sorry, Alice! I didn't mean it, I just wanted to help..." Dawson pinched the bridge of his nose in frustration, hesitating but ultimately unable to scold Kari. "Dawson, I think I've found a way to save Alice," she said. "What way?" "Cut out the poisoned part of the flesh. That should stop the venom from spreading!" She blinked innocently, speaking as lightly as if she were choosing what to eat for dinner. Dawson didn't hesitate for a moment. "At this point, that's all we can do. Cut out the poisoned part of her leg!" The doctor flinched but, pressured by Dawson, gritted his teeth and picked up the scalpel. Chapter 3 3.95% Seeing this, my heart sank. I forced myself to stand, dizzy, trying to run, but Kari, anticipating my move, grabbed me. Out of everyone's sight, she twisted the flesh around my waist again and again with all her strength. 1 tried to push her away in pain, but before my hands could touch her, she shouted, "Ah!" She was flung like a broken kite, rolling twice, her hands scraped and bleeding from the muddy ground. "My stomach hurts! My baby!" "Mr. Hill! Mrs. Hill is bleeding!" Chiminar 3 3.45% Title: Addicted to You Author: CrushReel Genre: Romance, Billionaire, CEO, Modern, Romantic, Hidden Feelings, Mansion, Office, Meet Again Status: ongoing In "Addicted to You," a captivating romance unfolds between Audrey and Floyd. Despite Floyd's arranged marriage and family struggles, he continually comes to Audrey's rescue after their one-night stand that has left her secretly pining for him for eight years. As their paths intertwine in unexpected ways within the backdrop of a luxurious mansion and high-stakes office dynamics, hidden feelings resurface, igniting a tale of love, loyalty, and second chances. This modern romantic narrative by CrushReel delves deep into themes of forbidden love, self-discovery, and the complexities of relationships in the world of billionaires and CEOs. What sets "Addicted to You" apart is its deft exploration of the characters' internal conflicts and the magnetic pull drawing them together despite external obstacles. Experience the emotional rollercoaster as Audrey and Floyd navigate their undeniable connection amidst societal expectations and personal dilemmas. Available to read online at CrushReel for those seeking a story that goes beyond conventional romance tropes with its rich character development and intricate plot twists.