Chapter 1402

After Lily left the institute, the laboratory atmosphere grew even more oppressive. Austin, a workaholic who practically lived in the lab, conducted experiments incessantly, his repeated failures fueling a worsening temper. The other staff grew increasingly tense.

Austin was perplexed. Their previous successes, with all data restored, should have made these experiments easier, yet they were stuck. The herb extraction process itself was straightforward; the fusion with fragrances presented an insurmountable obstacle. He’d initially tried decreasing medicinal effects to increase fragrance concentration, sacrificing potency for the desired scent. However, he could no longer reduce the herb dosage without rendering the concoction ineffective, and the disproportionate ratio was noticeable to the other staff. Without adjustment, the herbs' overpowering smell would overwhelm any fragrance.

His anxiety and irritability mounted. He raged silently, "The crucial step is extracting the herbs' medicinal properties, ensuring patient absorption! Why mask the smell with fragrances? These herbs are to save lives! If they choose death over a disagreeable odor, let them!" Yet, he lacked the courage to confront Thompson, understanding the researcher’s unwavering dedication. He even suspected Thompson's persistence stemmed less from creating an undetectable, lethal substance, and more from a desire to prove his hypothesis and plan viable.

Another failed experiment's data appeared. Frustration overwhelmed him; the urge to abandon everything was intense. He wanted only to escape and rest. Rising, he removed his gloves, washed his hands, shed his coat, and sought fresh air.

On the balcony, a figure leaned against the railing, seated in a chair, a cigarette between their fingers. The person turned at his approach. Raising an eyebrow, she casually brushed her hair with her cigarette hand, exuding an effortless seductiveness. Recognizing Rhea Moore, Austin recalled her as "wild," a stark contrast to Lily's aloofness. Lily’s presence inspired a sense of needing to avoid disturbing her, whereas Rhea projected strength and authority. He remembered being subtly dominated by her in their last conversation, passively following her train of thought.

He moved to the railing, took a cigarette, and lit it, watching the city lights. "Out for some fresh air too?" he asked, his voice directed towards Rhea, yet sounding almost self-addressed.

Rhea merely glanced at him. She slowly brought the cigarette to her lips, inhaling deeply.

He anticipated silence; her lack of response didn't surprise him. Turning, he asked, "Failed your experiment, too?" A mocking smile played on his lips, implying their shared failure. He intended to convey their mutual defeat, but Rhea remained silent, her upturned eyes narrowing slightly, her expression unreadable.

Her gaze unsettled him, extinguishing his desire to converse. Arguing with a stranger felt pointless, especially since he'd been inexplicably at odds with women lately. Initially, he’d considered himself superior, competition irrelevant, believing himself a genius, even a miracle doctor's grandnephew. Did he truly need to compete with these women? But since meeting Lily, his life felt adrift, a constant competition with himself and others. This relentless struggle had drained him, leaving him perpetually irritable.

As he prepared to leave, Rhea leaned forward, seemingly closer.