Chapter 1669: Why Do You Say That?

Colby’s eyes widened in shock at Lucian’s words. He had even hired Old Mr. Lomax, yet even he couldn't manage Roxanne's condition. Otherwise, Lucian wouldn't be here.

"What else did the old gentleman say?" Colby pressed, eager for Peregrine's diagnosis.

Lucian shook his head, his expression grim. "Old Mr. Lomax is still searching medical literature for a cure."

Colby's brow furrowed, his gaze thoughtful. "Let me consider this. I'll think of something." He felt the weight of his imprisonment while Roxanne lay critically ill. Even Old Mr. Lomax's failure fueled his determination to act.

Lucian's words echoed in his mind. Colby strained to decipher any clues, but despite racking his brain, he couldn't think of any herb matching the drug's potency. Frustration mounted.

"Dr. Jarvis spent most of her time in the lab," he mused aloud. "She's highly sensitive to the scents of herbs, even rare ones. She would have noticed anything poisonous, and Jack knows this. To mask the scent, he must have used a strong fragrance."

Lucian, touched by Colby's distress, said gently, "Don't push yourself. As you said, even Old Mr. Lomax is at a loss."

Colby composed himself, though defeat lingered in his eyes. "If Old Mr. Lomax found a solution, Dr. Jarvis would be overjoyed to learn he'd saved her."

Lucian looked at him, puzzled. "Why do you say that?" He knew Roxanne idolized the legendary Old Mr. Lomax, but Colby's words hinted at something more.

A memory surfaced. "I worked with Dr. Jarvis on several medications—some based on Old Mr. Lomax's research—that would be incredibly valuable to the industry. He should have received a share of the profits."

Peregrine, vanished years ago, had left behind incomplete research, freely released in the hope someone would continue his work. Many in the medical field took up the challenge, but Roxanne alone perfected the drugs. Attempts to contact Peregrine failed. Uneasy about not sharing profits with him, Roxanne priced the drugs minimally, barely covering costs—a tribute to the man they owed. This act had deeply impressed Colby, fostering a growing affection that eventually blossomed into obsession. Now, remembering his past actions, Colby couldn't help but resent himself.