Upon returning to land, Maria quickly produced a contract, eager to have Quentin sign it before they parted ways.
However, she suddenly felt a wave of dizziness. Shaking her head and taking a deep breath, she hoped the sensation would pass.
But it didn't. Her head felt even more muddled, and the words on the contract became increasingly blurry.
"Maria, you don't look well. Perhaps you should rest a bit," Jessica remarked with concern.
Just as Maria tried to respond, the world around her spun wildly. She collapsed unconscious.
Jessica screamed in alarm, yelling, "Maria has fainted!"
...
Alexander rushed over, his gaze intensifying as he beheld the unconscious Maria.
Her face was as pale as a sheet, and her lips slowly turned black. Was she poisoned?
Alexander gripped her wrist, attempting to channel his life power into her body to assess her condition. But as he did, Maria suddenly coughed up a mouthful of blood.
