Chapter 236

Madison huddled on the ground, her arms wrapped around her legs as she sobbed uncontrollably. A deep sense of regret and helplessness washed over her. She felt that if she hadn't been so arrogant, she might have been rising to success alongside Cameron, enjoying the happiness she had now lost.

Cameron walked away, his expressionless face betraying no emotion. Madison's sobs faded behind him; his eyes showed no pity. She was no longer worthy of his attention.

"Cameron, is it okay to leave Madison here alone?" Dakota asked, her concern evident despite her unease over Madison's recent actions. She worried Madison might do something drastic, harming herself or others.

"What could possibly happen to her?" Cameron's voice was icy, his coldness directed solely at Madison.

He then showed concern for Dakota. "But your face is swollen. Let's get some medicine to reduce the swelling when we get back," he suggested.

Dakota was surprised. "Do you know which medicine to get?"

"I learned a bit from my mentor. Let's get you home," Cameron said gently.

Dakota nodded, glancing at Cameron's features. Her eyes shimmered with unshed tears. This was the first time he had shown her such care; she felt a profound sense of security.

Half an hour later, Cameron dropped Dakota off. "Dakota, wait here for me. I'll go to the nearby pharmacy to get some medicine," he said. They lacked the necessary supplies at home.

Dakota smiled warmly. Cameron left the apartment complex and walked to the pharmacy, about 300 yards away. The shop was run by a man in his seventies.

"Sir, I need three ounces each of ephedra, patchouli, poria, and winter melon seed," Cameron said, listing the ingredients smoothly.

"Right away, sir," the shopkeeper replied, fetching, weighing, and handing over the herbs. "Here are the ingredients you requested."

"Thank you," Cameron said, paying and preparing to leave.

Just then, Tara entered—a woman in a white coat, with big, wavy hair and a noticeable perfume. Cameron twitched. She was the woman who had caused him trouble in the hospital ward; he had blocked her on Messenger two days prior.

Tara seemed preoccupied, her usual keenness dulled. On a normal day, she might have approached him, taking him back to her lab. But Cameron preferred this; it avoided unnecessary trouble, as Tara was not easy to deal with.

He planned to leave quietly, but Tara's brows furrowed slightly, as if sensing something. She turned and saw him trying to sneak away. Her lips curled into an amused smile, and her unique, bell-like laughter filled the air. "What a coincidence, handsome man. We meet again."

Cameron paused, surprised to be noticed. He turned and smiled. "Dr. Smith, what a coincidence, indeed."