Chapter 1163

Arriving in the better-ventilated corridor, Jack concernedly asked Roxanne, "How are you feeling?" He had been near the flask's opening, but his poisoning symptoms were less severe due to his quick reaction.

Roxanne's head spun violently, but she fought the vertigo. Staring at the research facility's entrance, she asked, "H-Has everyone evacuated the building?" The gas was highly poisonous and spread rapidly; she feared other researchers might be affected. Jack's heart ached at her concern for others in her weakened state. "Dr. Galloway is already evacuating the premises. Don't worry," he reassured her, then grasped her wrist to check her condition. Roxanne instinctively recoiled from the touch, but lacked the strength to even lift her arm.

"This reaction is unusual," Jack observed during his examination. "This poisonous gas shouldn't be present, regardless of experimental errors." Roxanne knew this, but lacked the energy to discuss it.

Soon, Colby arrived, leading a group of researchers, leaving a few experienced colleagues to manage the emergency. They surrounded Roxanne, a flurry of questions erupting. "How's Dr. Jarvis?" "Shouldn't this experiment have been conducted in a designated lab?" "What happened? How did this poisonous gas form?" The air grew still as more people gathered.

Roxanne's face paled, her cough weakening. "Dr. Jarvis!" Colby feigned concern, crouching beside them. "Mr. Damaris, how is Dr. Jarvis doing?" Jack merely glared at him, ignoring the question. Then, Roxanne violently coughed. "Oh no!" Jack's pupils constricted as he instinctively caught her as she slumped into his arms, unconscious.

Colby's gaze darkened at their intimate posture. He'd hoped for Jack to be severely poisoned, separating him from Roxanne. His plan, however, had been flawed; Roxanne had unstoppered the flask. To avoid exposure, he could only watch her inhale the poisonous gas. He'd considered intervening, but feared it might expose him. Even if Roxanne were poisoned, he'd still partly achieve his goal—she would be hospitalized, unable to spend time with Jack. This thought exhilarated him.

Concealing his emotions, Colby hypocritically addressed the onlookers. "Why are you all gathering here? Dr. Jarvis needs fresh air! Don't you know basic safety procedures?" The experienced researchers quickly dispersed. Turning to Jack, Colby said, "I'll contact the hospital," then swiftly moved to a corner, calling a hospital. Afterwards, he located Lucian's number, sent him a message, his face impassive.