Chasel looked at Thaddeus''s bloodless face, his expression somber. "But after thousands of experiments, I''ve only managed to develop something that alleviates the withdrawal symptoms. I still can''t find a cure. My skills arecking... I''m useless."


    "Don''t say that! What you''ve aplished is incredible!" Gordon quickly reassured him. "Many people struggle their entire lives to ovee addiction tomon drugs. What Mr. Abernathy took was a highly concentrated poison. The fact that you can ease his suffering is already a miracle."


    "Chasel..." Thaddeus''s mind was clearing, but he was still incredibly weak, as if he might shatter at the slightest touch.


    "I''m here." Chasel leaned closer, dabbing the sweat and tears from Thaddeus''s face with a tissue.


    Thaddeus''s breathing was ragged, his eyes clouded. "My condition... keep it a secret... especially from her."


    Chasel knew exactly who "her" was. It could only be Evadne. He understood that Thaddeus wasn''t asking this out of pride. He simply couldn''t bear the thought of Evadne seeing him in such a broken state, of her being disappointed in him.


    Gordon helped Thaddeus to his feet, supporting him. "Dr. Bright, please understand. The fewer people who know about Mr. Abernathy''s true condition, the better." Chasel nodded grimly. "I understand."


    Leaning heavily on Gordon, Thaddeus forced himself to stand straighter. "Chasel, my brother... he''s been looking for you. Will you stay?"


    "I''ll teach Mr. Gordon the acupuncture technique and leave him my medication. He can administer the treatment from now on." Chasel''s gaze dropped, his expression cold and final. "I won''t be returning to this country until I''ve developed an effective antidote. And please, do not tell Cassius about myb in Country M. I never want to see him again for as long as I live."


    ...


    Chad and Alexia finally reached the underground parking garage, surrounded by a phnx of bodyguards. The reporters were relentless, shouting sharp, pointed questions. The livestream had ended, but the online discussion about the day''s drama—and the condemnation of Chad-raged on. The positive public image he had carefully cultivated since his return now had a long, ugly crack in it.


    Just as they were about to get into the car, four police officers pushed through the crowd and approached Alexia. "Ms Alexia, you are under. arrest for bribery, suborning perjury, and defamation. You need toe with us."


    "I... I..." Alexia stammered as the officers took her by the arms. She looked desperately at Chad for help, but he didn''t even spare her a nce before getting into the car.


    Alexia''s face went white, her heart sinking like a stone.


    ...


    The luxury car sped towards Windermere Estate.


    "Mr. Abernathy, Ms. Alexia has been


    What are your


    alons?" the secretary in the


    passenger seat asked


    cautiously


    Chad leaned back, his eyes closed. "Any word from Hans?" he asked, his voice chillingly calm.


    "Not yet..."


    The man''s expression darkened, bing as stormy and menacing as a tempestuous sky.


    Just then, his phone rang. It was Frederic.


    "Dad," Chad answered, his voice as warm as ever, but his eyes were cold and merciless.


    On the other end, Frederic''s voice was tight with suppressed rage. "Come home immediately. We need to talk."