It must have been serious if the usually level-headed Alexander was in such a rush. He didn't want Lily to worry, however, so he didn't answer immediately.

After a few bites, his restless heart calmed. "Something happened at the Burnwken factory. I need to go check it out."

Though his tone was light, Lily knew it was more serious than he let on. Otherwise, he wouldn't be making such a last-minute trip.

"What happened?" she asked bluntly.

Alexander froze, looking at her. Knowing her temper, he sighed softly, put down his spoon, and explained, "A mass poisoning incident occurred at one of the Burnwken factories."

"Mass poisoning?" Lily was astounded. It could be anything—food poisoning from contaminated food, for instance, wouldn't be a major concern. Industrial poisoning, however, was a different story.

"What's the situation?" she pressed.

"Three have died so far."

"Died?!" Lily's expectation of hospitalization, at most, was far surpassed.

"Yeah," Alexander nodded solemnly. "I don't know the details yet, but the management team's been hospitalized. I'm going to investigate."

He finished speaking, set down his bowl, and stood to leave.

"Wait!" Lily quickly searched a nearby drawer. She returned with a small vial. "Take this."

"What's this?" It resembled a perfume vial, but Alexander knew it was more. Lily wouldn't have fetched perfume.

She pressed the vial into his palm. "This is from my recent lab work. It contains a detoxifying herbal extract. It might help."

Alexander was both touched and amused. "I don't know what caused the poisoning or what kind it is. This might detoxify me, but it won't cure everything. I appreciate it, but..."

"But you still have to bring it!" she interrupted. "I can't make an antidote for every poison, but I can detoxify someone from most. Don't underestimate me. I'm a professional!"

"I know you're a professional perfumer, but with medicinal herbs..." He knew she'd been studying them, but learning and application were different. Her experience was limited. Still, it was a vast field. Before he could finish, he met her stern gaze and quickly amended, "You're also a professional with medicinal herbs. I believe you!"

Lily laughed, carefully tucking the vial into his pocket. "Take care. Let me know when you reach Burnwken."

"Okay." Alexander kissed her.

As he was leaving, Lily put her arm around his neck and deepened the kiss passionately. This surprised Alexander; she was usually shy and reserved. It was a rare display of initiative, and he responded readily.