Chapter 1720: This Is Not An Antidote

Time ticked slowly. As darkness fell, more components of the antidote were identified, but the crucial medicinal herb remained elusive. Roxanne's condition worsened; while she could sit upright at noon, she now needed Lucian's support, clenching her jaw against the intensifying pain.

"We're running out of time. I'm contacting Jack now!" Lucian's anxiety was evident.

Roxanne, with difficulty, grasped his wrist. "Let's wait a little longer. I can hold on a while longer." Hope flickered; as long as they weren't at a critical point, there was still a chance.

Peregrine tapped the molecular formula on the screen. "Let's do another test. I want to find out what this is!" Madilyn promptly performed another test.

Before the results appeared, Peregrine exclaimed, "I've got it! The key isn't the medicinal herb; it's a chemical added during manufacturing!" The altered formula precisely reflected the herbs mixed with chemicals.

Madilyn, understanding instantly, excitedly told Roxanne, "Roxanne, Old Mr. Lomax figured it out! We can start creating the antidote immediately!" Knowing the key component of the poison made creating the antidote seem simple.

Roxanne sighed in relief, forcing a smile. "That's great." Madilyn, engrossed in testing throughout the afternoon, hadn't noticed Roxanne's deteriorating state. The smile vanished as she saw Roxanne's worsening condition, replaced by worry.

"But we're running out of time. We spent so long figuring out the poison's components..." Roxanne might not survive until the antidote was ready.

Roxanne calmly reassured her, "Don't worry. We still have time. You'll create it in time. Don't panic." Madilyn's eyes welled up at Roxanne's weak voice. Seeing Peregrine still struggling with the formula heightened her panic.

Moments later, Peregrine approached the screen, his gaze grim. "This isn't quite right."

Roxanne's heart sank. "Why?"

Peregrine shook his head. "Based on my experience, this formula slows the poison, but doesn't eliminate it. It won't work, no matter the dosage."

A chilling realization struck Roxanne. "Is this not an antidote at all? Does it only slow the poison's effects?" Jack's ruthlessness dawned on her. He intended to use this tactic to acquire Farwell Group and the research institute.

A shiver ran down her spine. She turned to Lucian, taking his hand. Initially, she considered Lucian finding Jack as a last resort, but now, realizing Jack's plan, she couldn't allow it. Jack already knew they were seeking the antidote; who knew what he might do if Lucian met him?