Chapter 1404

Austin scoffed, glancing at Rhea. "Ms. Moore, you seem knowledgeable about medicinal herbs. Why didn't you treat your cousin's illness?"

"That's none of your business," Rhea replied lightly. "However, your prescribed medications are useless!"

This repeated dismissal angered him. "You shouldn't tell me that. Tell your mother; perhaps she'll listen. I frankly don't want to be involved." He was implying that he only treated Anastasia due to Maria's pleas.

"Do you not want to, or do you not know how to?" Rhea's smile felt mocking.

"You shouldn't be involved unless you want to ruin the reputation you've worked so hard to earn," she warned.

"Ms. Moore, it seems you don't want your cousin to recover," Austin leaned in, gazing into her mesmerizing eyes. Their unique, long, upturned shape gave her an unknowingly seductive quality, even when smiling, hinting at hidden meaning. She returned his gaze.

"Her recovery is irrelevant. I'm more interested in you, Mr. Dominic's secret apprentice. I'm eager to assess your capabilities."

"How much credit would you give me, Ms. Moore?" Austin's intrigue grew.

Rhea raised her hands, slowly curling nine fingers, leaving one index finger waving before his face.

Scoffing, he asked, "One out of ten?"

She shook her head. "Not even one!"

Austin bristled. "You!"

"What? Are you angry?" Rhea leaned back, arms crossed, chin resting on her hand. "The miracle doctor is easily riled. I haven't even said much."

"Don't provoke me. My capabilities speak for themselves!" Austin looked around. "We're in the same lab, different projects. Let's see who achieves the most. Talk is cheap."

"You're right," Rhea nodded, smiling. "But you took over Lily's research, didn't you? I heard she finished it before handing it over, and her lost data was recovered. Isn't that… shameless?"

"Who said I'd use her work?" Austin disliked this. "She only did the basics. I…" He paused, deciding against further explanation. "Whatever. You wouldn't understand." He then asked curiously, "What research are you working on?"

She glanced at him, smiling mysteriously. She stood, picking up a cigarette box and lighter from the table, approaching him.

"I'm working on…" she began, only to finish with, "You wouldn't understand!" She left the balcony, leaving Austin speechless.