When he arrived at his destination, he saw Madilyn waiting at the entrance with Linda. Roxanne had also called Linda for help..
“What’s the situation right now, Mr. Queen? Why do we suddenly need to study the antidote’s components?” After grabbing the bottle, Madilyn strode toward the laboratory.
Jonathan disclosed, “The antidote Jack provided yesterday didn’t have enough dosage to remove the poison from Roxanne’s body completely. So, we still need to synthesize our own antidote to save her.”
That shocked Madilyn. “What? How can Jack do such a thing? That’s so vile!” “Yep. He’s a despicable man!” Worry bubbled in Madilyn’s heart. If that’s the case, then Roxanne….
Linda couldn’t believe her ears. Earlier, when Roxanne called me, she only asked me to lend Madilyn a hand. I didn’t expect the situation to be this dire!
Despite her apprehension, she cheered herself and the other two up. “Dr. Jarvis will be fine! She’s a distinguished doctor. Even Dr. Lambert claimed she’s his most outstanding student!”
At the same time, she prayed for Roxanne’s safety in her heart. When the trio arrived at the laboratory, Madilyn cleared her mind and called Roxanne.
Concurrently, in the ward, Roxanne and Peregrine discussed the methods to analyze the antidote’s content.
“A single test won’t be sufficient. However, we only have a limited amount of the antidote left. We need to come up with the most efficient and effective way to examine it,” suggested Roxanne.
Her voice sounded weak due to her feeble body and her speaking too long. Peregrine was worried about that problem, too.
After the two came up with a few possible solutions, Madilyn called. Roxanne answered the call and heard, “I’ve arrived, Roxanne. What do you need me to do?”
Her tone sounds somber. Jonathan probably told her about what was going on with me. However, I don’t have the time to comfort her right now. Without delay, she informed Madilyn of Peregrine’s and her plan.
Madilyn listened attentively and voiced her opinion when she noticed something illogical. Eventually, they came up with three tests to: conduct on the antidote that wouldn’t waste it and would ascertain its components effectively.
Although, Madilyn couldn’t help but blurt, “Still, there’s no guarantee it’ll have the medicinal herbs you need.”
Grinning, Roxanne comforted, “With how things have turned out, we can only do our best. I’ll be counting on you.”
With that, Madilyn began conducting the tests in silence. Meanwhile, Jonathan held his phone for Roxanne and Peregrine to watch Madilyn’s movements through a video call. It was just in case Madilyn got something wrong.
At the side, Linda clenched her fists nervously and prayed in her heart. There must be a medicinal herb within it that Dr. Jarvis needs! Considering how many people she has saved, I’m sure Lady Luck will smile at her!
“You can start the next test. I’ll check the report later,” uttered Roxanne upon noticing the conclusion of the analysis.
Just as she ended her sentence, she coughed twice. The pain was radiating from her body. Still, she endured the agony and continued to watch Madilyn work. Upon seeing her like that, Peregrine turned toward the instruments monitoring her status next to the bed.
When he saw the numbers on the screen, he peered at Roxanne with a complicated look. Her body’s deteriorating fast because the antidote has run its course. Based on the values I’m seeing, she must be in excruciating pain right now. Yet, she’s still holding herself together to keep going. Her willpower is really a rare sight. Although, I’m not sure how much longer she can hold on.
Similarly, Lucian had noticed the rapid decline of Roxanne’s condition. He could feel his heart sinking. However, he was aware of the importance of her work. Thus, he stood quietly at the side while his hatred for Jack burned brighter. That despicable man! How dare he make Roxanne suffer! Once she’s recovered, I’ll pay him back by a thousandfold!
The trio in the laboratory didn’t have time to look at the screen, but they could still tell Roxanne’s condition had worsened through her voice alone. As her voice grew weaker, the trio became more despondent. Madilyn’s hands were even trembling.
Upon noticing her friend’s expression, Roxanne. lifted her spirit and comforted Madilyn with a smile. “Calm down, Madilyn. Just make sure you don’t make any mistakes. I can still keep going.”
Lowering her eyes, Madilyn nodded wordlessly and did her best to compose herself while holding back the lump in her throat.
Eventually, noon arrived. Noticing that, Lucian asked Cayden to buy them. lunch. However, Peregrine and Roxanne were too absorbed in their work to eat.
“You should eat something.” Lucian persuaded resignedly, “Even if you don’t, Old Mr. Lomax should still do so.”
In response, Roxanne reluctantly turned her attention to Peregrine for a few seconds. “I heard from Lucian that you’ve been staying up all night for the past few days, Old. Mr. Lomax. I bet you must be tired. You should eat something. I can still keep my eyes on the screen.”
I am feeling quite tired. Peregrine sighed. “I suppose my body isn’t as vigorous as it used to be. Very well, then. I’ll eat while you keep watch.” Then, he started eating at the side. She nodded and returned to the screen to watch Madilyn work.
Furrowing his eyebrows, Lucian wanted to advise Roxanne to eat since she didn’t seem to do that. However, he swallowed his words when he thought about how she was saving herself.
Hence, he grabbed the lunchbox from Cayden, plopped down next to the bed, and fed her. Roxanne was so focused that it took her a few seconds to realize she was eating. She flashed an apologetic smile at him after detecting the heart-wrenching look in his eyes.
“It’s fine if you work. Although, you still need to eat,” remarked Lucian with resignation. Without hesitation, she shifted her sight back to the screen and saw Madilyn had inserted the rest of the fluid into the testing instrument, waiting for the result.
When the test was over, Roxanne recommended, “It’s noon already, so all of you should get some rest. Linda, please help buy lunch for Madilyn and Mr. Queen.”
Linda promptly agreed and left. The other two took a breather. As Peregrine ate his lunch, he witnessed how Lucian cared for Roxanne and commented, “Your relationship with him sure is splendid.”
Roxanne was slightly taken aback by that. Then, she realized she was still being fed lunch by Lucian like a child. Upon detecting the delight in the old man’s eyes, she lowered hers with embarrassment and grabbed the lunchbox from Lucian.
Lucian went along with her wish, placing the lunchbox and the cutleries on the table. Again, Peregrine expressed his thoughts. “The Farwell boy is much more caring than his cold appearance suggests.”
Roxanne could feel her cheeks burning as she beamed at Lucian. If it were six years ago, I wouldn’t have expected Lucian to care for me like this. Now that I finally have what I’ve dreamed of, I must hold on to it tightly. There’s no way I’ll lose what’s most precious to me because of Jack!
“I’m fairly certain he won’t forgive me if I fail to save you today, based on what I’ve observed of you two so far.” The edges of Peregrine’s lips curved upward as he put aside the lunchbox.
Then he turned to Cayden. “Please send me to the research institute. I want to monitor the progress there.”
In response, Cayden glanced at Lucian to seek his approval. Instead of saying anything, Lucian hinted at Roxanne to make the decision.
“Regardless of how this ends, only my life’s on the line. Lucian’s simply worried about me. That’s why he looks a little unfriendly. Please don’t mind him.” She first defended Lucian before speaking to Peregrine gratefully. “With that said, I thank you in advance for your effort. I’ll feel much more at ease with you there.”
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.