Chapter 1378

"No," Alexander said. "We checked all surveillance footage and found no evidence of poisoning. Food residue tests also came back negative."

"So, if it wasn't the food, what about the water supply?" Lily asked thoughtfully.

"I considered that and had it tested as well."

"If it's not the food or water, and this wasn't an accident, it's incredibly strange," Lily mused, furrowing her brow. She desperately wanted to help her husband resolve the situation. With fatalities involved, they needed to understand what happened and provide answers to the victims' families.

"Our investigation shows the workers remained at the factory and ate their meals there. They haven't had contact with outsiders in days," Alexander explained. After a pause, he added, "We're still investigating, and I believe we'll find out what happened. Don't worry too much, okay?"

Static disrupted Alexander's voice, and the call began to break up.

"I know," Lily replied. "Take care of yourself. Things are a bit chaotic there; you must stay safe." She'd heard news reports about the war-torn region and was deeply concerned.

"I will. I'll be fine!"

Alexander said something else, but the connection was too poor to understand.

"What?" Lily asked, covering one ear.

"Nothing. Bad signal. I'll tell you later, okay? Stop worrying!" he stressed.

"Okay, I know..." Before she could finish, the line went dead.

The signal was unstable, just as he'd said. However, Lily felt slightly reassured. Judging by his voice, Alexander was safe, though tired. He clearly had a difficult problem on his hands, but she was powerless to help from afar, leaving her only to wait. For the first time, the distance between them felt agonizing.

'This is nerve-wracking!' Back home, Maria reveled in her perceived triumph. 'That miracle doctor is something else! His words shocked Tasia. Serves her right for her recent backtalk! He's right; Lily Russell is using Anastasia as a guinea pig, even though that silly girl considers her a friend. Tasia's such a fool!' Her good mood soured, however, when she saw Fabian drinking.

"Why are you drinking again? Shouldn't you be working on the bid submission? Why have you been so free lately? I'm exhausted from running around!" Maria demanded, collapsing into a chair and summoning a housekeeper for tea and snacks.

"I'm not in a hurry," Fabian replied indifferently, raising an eyebrow. "And neither should you be! This project is ours. What else would I be doing besides drinking?"

"You're that confident?" Maria questioned, surprised by his sudden assurance. He'd been fretting just two days ago.

"Of course!" Fabian smirked. "Alexander Russell hasn't returned from overseas, and there's no news. I think he might be dead, and even if he's okay, he won't make the bidding event. Who else will get the contract but me? Just get ready for a good life with me, okay?"