Katie cautioned her.

The medicine in question was crucial for Luciana to get a good night's sleep. Her stop taking medicine had led to frequent night awakenings, leaving her unable to find rest. The toll on her mental well-being was becoming increasingly apparent. As long as she had this medicine, her nights were peaceful.

Luciana expressed her thanks warmly, “Katie, you're incredibly kind."

"Luciana, how many times must I tell you? There's no need for such formality with me." Katie, feigning irritation and locking eyes with Luciana, said, “You've always been like a mother to me in my heart.

Do you still see me as an outsider?"

Luciana's face softened as she met Katie's gaze. “Katie, in my eyes, you're like a daughter-in-law..."

Luciana's voice trailed off. When "daughter-in-law" escaped her Lips, those words seemed to strike her suddenly.

The next moment, her hands flew to Katie's throat, her voice rising in a frenzy. “You... You will bring my son to ruin. I will not let you harm him! I will not let you!"

Caught completely off guard, Katie found herself being forcefully pushed down into the car seat by Luciana.

Luciana, who had always maintained her strength through regular exercise, now had her gaunt fingers gripping Katie's throat Like iron bands, tightening with every passing second. It seemed she wouldn't cease until Katie was devoid of breath.

In a panic, Katie managed to grab her handbag and struck Luciana on the head with all her might.

The blow brought Luciana back to her senses momentarily. She gazed at Katie, then at her own actions, and let out a horrified scream, releasing her grip.

“Katie, I'm so sorry. I truly lost my senses, confusing you for someone else..." Luciana paused mid-sentence, her mind racing to recall whom she had imagined strangling. Her expression turned to one of panic, her fingers quivering.

Luciana was baffled. Why did Katie's face seem to morph into Raegan's in her moment of frenzy? Was Raegan truly alive? The image of that passing figure she had seen in the hospital earlier sharpened Luciana's gaze.

Gasping for air, Katie was seized by a bout of coughing. She never expected that Luciana would spiral into such a state of mental turmoil. Maybe it was the recent adjustment in the way hypnotized Luciana that tipped her over.

Katie had always been cautious, especially to avoid drawing Mitchel's attention to Luciana's so-called therapy, directing Mr. Gomez to handle things with the utmost discretion.

Luciana, now somewhat calmer, patted on Katie's back, asking with concern, “Katie, are you alright?"

With her complexion still washed out, Katie managed a weak nod. “I'm fine, Luciana, really."

Internally, Katie mulled over the situation. While hypnotic effects were shown on Luciana, it seemed Luciana's mental state had deteriorated more than anticipated. To avoid arousing suspicion, Katie decided it would be wise to ensure Luciana's stability, suggesting Luciana continue her medication at home for a few more days first.

Back in the hospital ward, as Raegan entered Mitchel's ward with a lunch box in hand, she found him engrossed in work on his laptop.