Chapter 1982: Do You Still Not Believe It?

"Christina, drop the act! I'm taking care of my husband's infection. You're already infected and on your own."

Roxanne hesitated, then realized Christina still threatened Lucian, despite her impending doom. Compassion etched her face as she subtly reminded Christina of the situation. What a foolish woman!

Despite the gravity of the situation, Christina offered a coy, contemptuous grin and shook her head firmly. "No way. You may be skilled, but you can't develop a vaccine this quickly. To survive, you'll have to use me to get the vaccine from Mr. Goldstein."

Madilyn scoffed icily. "Ha! I knew you wouldn't believe it. Look at us—perfectly calm. Think before jumping to conclusions."

Christina's gaze darted between the three of them. Shaking her head vehemently, she insisted, "Impossible! Even if flown from Moranta, the vaccine wouldn't arrive in three hours. You're just stalling!"

"Stalling?" Lucian's voice dripped with icy contempt. "Do you honestly believe I'd let anyone dictate my life?"

Christina refused to believe Roxanne or Madilyn, but Lucian's words shattered her composure. His confidence was palpable; his pronouncements felt achievable. Roxanne was capable of creating a vaccine! Astonishment warred with anger and disbelief.

"You're of no value to us," Lucian stated calmly. "And I'm not letting you go this time."

"No! How did you do that, Roxanne? How?"

Lucian's words sealed Christina's fate, but she remained defiant, her gaze fixed stubbornly on Roxanne.

Madilyn shook her head. "Oh, I feel sorry for you. We don't need Moranta. Roxanne's institute has the resources to produce the vaccine, knowing the method. Less than three hours. Give it up."

Roxanne's phone rang—Peregrine. She answered immediately.

"Roxanne, the vaccine's ready. It's en route. How are you? No worsening of symptoms?" Peregrine sounded concerned.

"We're fine. Deliver it, but prioritize safety," Roxanne instructed, before hanging up. She nodded firmly to Lucian and Madilyn.

"That's quick! Just over an hour!" Madilyn relaxed, casting an amused glance at Christina. "Hear that? The vaccine's ready! Still don't trust us?"

The news struck Christina like lightning. Frozen, she didn't react for what felt like an eternity—thirty seconds. Then, she trembled uncontrollably, too weak to stand, slumping against the wall into a fetal position.

In a daze, she muttered, "I admit defeat. I've lost! I failed my revenge. Roxanne, I despise you! I curse you, but why are you so lucky? Roxanne, rot in hell!"

Seconds later, a surge of emotion propelled her to lunge at Roxanne.