Chapter 948: Extreme Pain

Jealousy gnawed at Colby. He'd assumed Roxanne's call concerned the fire's unusual nature; he hadn't anticipated this. He'd done so much, yet Roxanne barely acknowledged him! Well, he wouldn't mind teaching her a lesson. Colby deliberately slowed his work, making subtle mistakes. Roxanne's anxiety over the infected people? He'd ensure their suffering prolonged, teaching her to seek professional help in the future. He knew more about medicinal herbs than Lucian, after all.

"Is it not done yet?" Lucian asked, frowning at the clock.

Colby raised his head nonchalantly. "The herbal quantities must be precise; I must be careful measuring them."

Lucian, suppressing his worry, fell silent, his gaze fixed on Colby's every move. Feeling Lucian's scrutiny, Colby resumed his regular pace, fearing suspicion. After completing the prescription, he checked the time—a half-hour delay. Satisfaction flickered in his eyes as he handed the herbs to Lucian. "It's done. You should go, Mr. Farwell."

Lucian took the herbs, murmured his thanks, and departed. Colby watched him leave with a sinister smile. One day, Roxanne would see only him. Lucian and Jack were merely stepping stones.

Back at the campsite, Roxanne anxiously awaited Lucian, unaware of the events at the institute. Benny and Estella were writhing in pain, nearing unconsciousness.

Archie's alarm was evident. "Mommy, are Benny and Essie going to be okay? They seem to be in so much pain…"

Roxanne, suppressing her own anxiety, reassured him, "Don't worry. Mr. Farwell will be here soon."

Estella, seemingly hearing them, weakly opened her eyes and reached for Roxanne, who immediately gathered the child into her arms, stroking her back and murmuring soothing words. Archie gently massaged Benny's stomach.

Darkness fell as the four waited anxiously in the car. Then, a bright light appeared in the distance.

Archie's eyes widened. "Mommy, Mr. Farwell is here!" He couldn't imagine anyone else arriving at that hour.

The light enveloped them. Roxanne, still holding Estella, looked towards it. A sigh of relief escaped her lips as she recognized the familiar Bentley. Lucian had arrived.

The car pulled up beside them. Lucian emerged, carrying a bag of medicinal herbs.

"Mr. Farwell!" Archie ran to him excitedly.

Lucian, his expression grim, patted Archie's head before hurrying to Roxanne. He wore only a thin shirt on the chilly night. Seeing him, Roxanne calmed, though it took a moment for her to fully recover. Lucian's gaze shifted from her to Benny and Estella.