Chapter 1984: Stop Going Down This Path

The result of Lucian's drug testing came out half an hour later. Fortunately, the drug worked exceptionally well, completely curing his cough. However, it left him incredibly thirsty and caused profuse sweating.

“Here, drink some water,” Roxanne explained, handing him a bottle. “The drug will stimulate your body's immune system to eliminate the virus.”

“Will it affect pregnant women?” Lucian asked, still worried about Roxanne.

“No,” Roxanne reassured him, taking a pill herself. “This drug is absorbed into the intestinal walls and excreted within eight hours. It’ll be fine!”

Madilyn followed suit, then excitedly distributed the remaining pills among the doctors and nurses. Just like that, the morning's crisis was averted by one in the afternoon.

Jonathan approached Centers for Disease Control personnel at the hospital entrance, updating them on the situation and prompting them to lift the restrictions. Still concerned about someone, he rushed back to the director's office, only to find Lucian and Roxanne sharing a tender moment.

“Lucian, Roxanne, are you two okay? Where’s Madilyn?” he asked.

Lucian and Roxanne smiled at his anxious expression.

“Why do you ask? Are you worried about her?” Roxanne teased.

Jonathan chuckled awkwardly. “I’m guessing she’s all right, then. That’s good to know…”

“What are you doing standing around? Go help her in the emergency ward!” Lucian urged impatiently.

Jonathan nodded and ran from the office.

Meanwhile, across the street, Coralie watched everything unfold with wide eyes. Roxanne had produced the medicine quickly, Madilyn was safe, the hospital crisis was averted, and Christina had been arrested. She was relieved she hadn't left earlier; Lucian would have caught her.

Shawn stood behind her, his expression conflicted. Coralie turned, a sheepish expression on her face. “Thanks for warning me, Shawn. Half an hour later, and Lucian would have caught me red-handed!”

“Give it up, Coralie,” Shawn said softly. “Jonathan doesn’t have feelings for you. Continue down this path, and you’ll end up like Christina.”

Coralie fell silent, reluctance in her eyes, but she knew he was right.

“But I really like Jonathan!” she protested.

“No, Coralie. This isn’t the same. Remember wanting my toys as children? This is no different. You want to prove yourself, but Jonathan isn’t a prize. Stop before it’s too late!” Shawn retorted coldly.

Coralie fell silent, lost in thought.

Later that evening, the police explained Christina’s situation to Lucian. Hospital psychiatrists had confirmed her severe mental illness and need for long-term treatment. The police would continue gathering evidence for prosecution, but sentencing would be delayed until her recovery. They thanked Roxanne for warning them about Christina’s potential infection, preventing a wider outbreak.

“Mr. Farwell,” a police officer politely asked, “she’s developed symptoms of the new bacterial infection. I understand Ms. Jarvis created a cure. Can Christina receive treatment?”

Lucian relayed this to Roxanne.

“Give it to her,” Roxanne replied coldly. “It wouldn’t be punishment enough if she died.”