It seemed as though a beast had once tried to rip Maria apart.

"The scar has significantly diminished. I'm confident there won't be much remaining by the time of the ceremony."

At the same time, within Barbara's chambers, situated in the opulent Jenkins family estate, Barbara undressed and reclined on the bed, permitting Doris to delicately administer the ointment to her scar.

It was the very same scar in the same spot as Maria's.

The vertical scar, resembling a rift in Barbara's delicate form, had significantly faded over the past few years.

To Barbara's knowledge, the ointment Doris applied to her wound possessed remarkable scar-removing properties while simultaneously nourishing the skin.

Naturally, this miraculous ointment could solely be acquired from the exclusive establishments of the Association of Healthcare Professionals. The cost of each diminutive vial even exceeded that of the latest seasonal offerings from prestigious perfumeries.

Yet, with the unwavering backing of the Jenkins family, Barbara could afford to use it even for an additional two decades.

"Doris, are we running low on Rejuvenating Cream?" Barbara inquired nonchalantly.

"Indeed, my lady." In response, Doris nodded.

Barbara went on, “I'll arrange for an order tomorrow. Let's maintain the quantity at twenty boxes of Rejuvenating Cream. Ensure you retrieve the delivery upon arrival, and kindly jog my grandmother's memory regarding settling the bill."

“Absolutely, my lady. You need not fret," Doris responded promptly.

Yet, inwardly, Doris couldn't help but murmur, “Twenty boxes of Rejuvenating Cream! Even with the discount offered by the Association of Healthcare Professionals, it would likely amount to several million dollars."

She couldn't deny that Barbara exhibited a certain level of extravagance. For nearly two decades, Barbara had indulged in Rejuvenating Cream, a luxury unattainable by the common populace.

Naturally, Doris refrained from voicing these thoughts aloud.

But the Rejuvenating Cream indisputably yielded results. As Doris applied the cream to the scar, Barbara's skin was as supple as an infant's.

This specialized treatment alone would cost more than ten million dollars.

Regardless of how much an average family doted on their daughters, amassing such a sum of money was beyond their means.

Suddenly, a thought struck Doris. She inquired cautiously, “My lady, how is the development of your new pills progressing?"

Barbara cast a brief, disheartened glance at Doris but ultimately nodded and responded, “They are merely second or third-grade pills.

What could possibly go awry? Please convey this to my grandmother and assure her not to fret. The initial batch will be completed in a matter of days."

Upon hearing this, Doris believed supporting Barbara financially was a worthwhile investment.

Speaking of the pill alchemists' cultivation, Barbara's level was higher than Elton's, with the latter assuming the role of her assistant.

Through their combined efforts, the quantity and quality of the pills had seen remarkable enhancement.