Chapter 1713

A troubled look crossed Roxanne's face. "Are you even familiar with the lab equipment?" she asked. Jonathan had been in charge of Queen Group for years; it had likely been a long time since he'd handled anything related to their medicinal herb research. "I'm not willing to take risks at this critical moment."

Embarrassed, Jonathan rubbed his nose. "How about I ask a trustworthy employee to do it?"

She shook her head. "No, I still want to do it myself. I can't trust others. You understand, don't you?"

He nodded. "I do. It concerns your life; naturally, you want to be meticulous. However..." He glanced carefully at Lucian. His expression alone spoke volumes; he wouldn't let her go.

"Jack was confident no one could crack his formula, which means he must have done something special when synthesizing it! I've been working with him for a long time, so only I know how to figure it out!" Turning to Lucian, she pleaded, "If we submit to him tonight, there will be a next time. We can't allow him to continue acting arrogantly! We must end this today!"

Lucian understood her reasoning, but he cared more about keeping her alive.

After a long silence, Peregrine spoke. "Before we create the antidote, you should stay in bed and avoid tiring yourself."

Dejection clouded Roxanne's eyes. "But... is there anyone who can see through Jack's trick except me? No, I must go. There's not much time left."

"If you insist on tiring yourself, you may trigger the poison prematurely. Then there won't be enough time to save you, even if you ask Jack for the antidote," Peregrine said seriously. "You mustn't move when your blood vessels are hardening!"

Lucian was astonished. Roxanne knew the risks, yet she still intended to proceed. He pressed her shoulder, staring at her with resolute determination. He wouldn't let her leave the bed.

She lowered her head. "I think I can develop the antidote before the poison activates. That way—"

His cold voice interrupted. "Did it occur to you that you're gambling with your life?"

Resignedly, she met his gaze. "I don't want us to live under Jack's thumb. I'm worried about you, Lucian. You were always outstanding, never submitting to anyone. But because of me, you're willing to sacrifice your marriage. For six years, you never compromised, yet... I feel like I'm dragging you down. I blame myself, and I don't want to see you defer to anyone. At the same time, I don't want any involvement with that two-faced Jack anymore!"

Lucian grasped her hand. "I'd rather submit to Jack than let you die."