“I believe I’ve seen the other medicinal herbs in the Damaris family’s ancient medicine books before.” In the end, Peregrine couldn’t recall the rest of the medicinal herbs.
Hesitantly, Roxanne said, “Give me some time. I believe I can figure them out based on the leads you’ve provided.”
When he realized she had read those ancient medicine books too, he was shocked but didn’t show it on his face. “The other medicinal herbs aren’t as important as the key component. I doubt Jack would’ve made it that easy for us to figure out.”
As long as they couldn’t ascertain that crucial ingredient, they wouldn’t be able to develop the antidote.
Carefully, Jonathan voiced his speculation. “I don’t think it’s just a matter of figuring out the medicinal herbs. Perhaps Jack was so sure we wouldn’t be able to create the cure because he used an unconventional method to synthesize the poison. That may be why it’s so difficult to discern the poison’s raw materials.” It would explain why someone as skilled as Peregrine and Roxanne still couldn’t make heads or tails of the poison after so long.
Silence ensued. The atmosphere in the room. turned gloomy. Both Peregrine and Roxanne were deep in thought with a frown.
Even though they were in deep water, none of them intend to give up. “Will this help?” Lucian presented a bottle sitting at the side to the rest.
The other three glanced at the bottle, puzzled. Thus, he explained, “This is the bottle that contained the antidote. Perhaps some residues of the antidote remain inside and can come in handy.”
After he fed Roxanne the antidote, he kept the bottle. He didn’t give it too much thought back then, but he was glad he did it since it might provide a lead to the clueless doctors.
“You kept the bottle? Why didn’t you take it out earlier?” admonished Peregrine, though he was relieved to hear that.
That revelation visibly lightened Roxanne’s mood. “Lucian’s not proficient in pharmacology, Old Mr. Lomax. There’s no need to snap at him.”
Then she beamed gratefully at Lucian. “Thank you for being scrupulous! These few drops of the antidote may be immensely helpful!”
Jonathan added, “It’s difficult to figure out the composition of the poison and the antidote in such a short period. However, we may find new leads if we can grasp part of the antidote’s and poison’s formula!” We may be able to identify the poison’s formulae based on the partial formula of the antidote!
That idea excited Roxanne and Peregrine. With a serious expression, Peregrine urged, “Let’s not dawdle! Since we have the antidote, we can analyze it right now!”
Roxanne nodded. “The analytical equipment in the hospital is inadequate, so I’ll head to the research institute right away.”
As she spoke, she attempted to leave the bed. Lucian frowned as he watched her ignoring her condition. “You shouldn’t be moving around right now.” The more time passes since Roxanne consumes the antidote, the more ill she looks. Considering Jack’s threat earlier, if Roxanne tries to act recklessly again, the poison may kick in before tonight! If that happens, even if they figure out the poison’s formula, it may be too late for her!
“I’ll go, Roxanne. I know a bit about pharmacology,” proposed Jonathan.
A troubled look surfaced on Roxanne’s countenance. “Are you even still familiar with the lab equipment?” I’m certain Jonathan has been the person in charge of Queen Group for the past few years. It’s likely been a long while since he touched anything related to Queen Group’s research on medicinal herbs. I’m not willing to take risks at this critical moment.
Embarrassed, Jonathan rubbed his nose. “How about I ask a trustworthy employee in my company to do it?” She shook her head. “No, I still want to do it myself, I can’t trust others to pull it off. You understand me, don’t you?”
Upon hearing that, he nodded. “I do. It concerns your life, after all. Naturally, you want to be meticulous about it. However…”
He carefully glanced at Lucian. Based on his expression alone, I can tell he won’t let her go.
“Jack was confident no one could crack his formulae, which means he must’ve done something special when synthesizing it! I’ve been working with him for a long time, so only I know how to figure it out!” Turning to Lucian, she pleaded sincerely, “If we submit to him tonight, there’ll be a next time. We can’t allow him to keep acting arrogantly like that! We must end this today!”
Of course, Lucian understood her reasoning. However, he cared more about keeping her alive. After staying silent for a long while, Peregrine spoke up. “Before we create the antidote, you should stay on the bed and avoid wearing yourself down.”
In response, a dejected look swirled in Roxanne’s eyes. “But…” Is there even anyone who can see through Jack’s trick except me? No, I must go. There’s not much time left.
“If you insist on tiring yourself, you may trigger the poison ahead of time. When that happens, there won’t be enough time to save you, even if you ask Jack for the antidote.” A serious expression formed on his face. “You should know you mustn’t move when your blood vessels are hardening!”
Lucian was astonished to hear that. Roxanne knew what would happen if she forced herself to leave the bed, yet she still wanted to follow through with her plan.
Upon pressing Roxanne’s shoulder with his hand, he stared at her with a resolute look. No matter what, I won’t let her leave the bed! In response, she lowered her head in guilt. “I just think I can develop the antidote before the poison activates. That way-”
His cold voice interrupted her. “Did it occur to you that you’re gambling with your life right now?”
Resignedly, she raised her head to meet his eyes. “I don’t want us to live under Jack’s thumb.” I’m primarily worried about Lucian. He was always an outstanding man, never submitting to anyone else. However, because of me, he’s willing to sacrifice his marriage.
For six years, he never made any compromises on his marriage, yet… Just thinking about that makes me feel like I’m dragging him down. I can’t help but blame myself, and I don’t want to see him defer to anyone for any reason. At the same time, I don’t want any involvement with that two- faced Jack anymore!
“I rather submit to Jack than let you die,” uttered Lucian as he grasped her hand.
Roxanne had no choice but to abandon the idea of visiting the research institute due to Lucian’s insistence and come up with another one.
“Ms. Xander’s medical skills are great.” Knitting his eyebrows, Lucian proposed, “Maybe you can ask her to go to the research institute in your stead. Then you can tell her what to do on the phone.” If I remember correctly, Madilyn has always worked in the medical industry. She even treated Roxanne with a few experts during the past few days. Her skills are clearly extraordinary.
Hesitation flashed past Roxanne’s eyes. “Madilyn…” She may have excellent medical skills, but she’s not very good when it comes to pharmacology.
After a brief contemplation, she concluded that there was no other way and nodded. “I’ll call her right now and ask her to head to the research institute.” At most, I’ll ask her to carry out the test before I read the results through a video call.
Promptly, she called Madilyn, and the latter answered. “I was just about to visit you, Roxanne! How are you doing right now?”
Roxanne went straight to the point. “Go to the research institute right now, Madilyn. Mr. Queen will send the antidote over later. Please help me analyze the antidote’s components there. It doesn’t have to be thorough. Just do as much as you can.”
Upon hearing that, Madilyn felt her heart drop. Still, despite not knowing what had happened, she immediately stood and said, “I’ll head out right now. Contact me if anything comes up.”
“Call me once you reach the research institute.” Then Roxanne hung up the phone and turned to Jonathan. “Please deliver the antidote to the research institute.” He grabbed the bottle and assured her, “I’ll reach there as fast as I can. We’ll definitely develop a cure!”
In response, she smiled at him weakly. Without delay, he dashed out of the room, then the building, and drove speedily toward the research institute.
New Book: Back Home to Marry Off Myself
Loredana’s father left the family for his mistress, leaving them to fend for themselves abroad. When life was at its toughest, her father showed up with “good news” after 8 years of absence: To marry off Loredana to a paralyzed son of the wealthy Mendelsohn family.