Leilani pursed her lips. "I received the money."
"Yeah," Payton replied, his tone flat. "I should have given it to you sooner, but I never found the right time."
Leilani's throat tightened. "So... is this all of Paulina's savings?"
Did Payton really not save a single cent for himself?
There was a few seconds of silence on the other end before Payton spoke softly. "Most of it. The rest is what I've saved up over the years. I won't be needing it anyway."
"Since you're Paulina's apprentice, you're practically family," he continued. "This money was always meant to be left to you and Abel after I die; I'm just giving it to you early."
His casual words made Leilani's eyes burn with unshed tears. The underlying meaning was clear—Payton had already prepared himself for death.
Leilani couldn't quite describe the complex emotions swirling in her chest. She clenched her jaw, taking several deep breaths to suppress her feelings before speaking solemnly into the phone.
"Payton, I will keep the promise I made to you. I'll find the antidote and cure your poison."
A soft chuckle came through the receiver. Payton's voice was unusually gentle. "I know. I'll be waiting for your good news."
After hanging up, Leilani stood motionless for a long time. Outside the window, the city lights sparkled over the endless stream of traffic, while in her hands, she held the life savings of Paulina and Payton. She closed her eyes and pressed the phone tightly against her chest.

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