Chapter 1453

Light streamed through the doorway as Austin entered Thompson's view.

"You!" Thompson exclaimed, eyes widening in surprise. He hadn't expected anyone to be hidden in the room.

"Professor Thompson, it's me," Austin whispered, pressing a finger to his lips. He feared Rhea might overhear, though she'd left some time ago. He knew he'd be in serious trouble if she returned.

"Aus...tin?" Thompson's voice was softer than expected, suggesting he didn't want to escalate the situation.

"Professor Thompson, it's me!" Austin repeated, his tone and meaning subtly altered.

"You..." Thompson sighed, glancing outside before entering the room, quickly closing and locking the door behind him. Approaching Austin, he asked, "Why are you here?"

"I..." Austin offered a wry smile. "Why am I here? That's what I'd like to know! I overheard something I shouldn't have!" He patted his chest, then remembered the item he held. "It's this. I managed to create a medicine that could calm patients. I came to share the good news with you!" He took a few steps forward, emphasizing his honesty.

Thompson's eyes brightened at the news, but as he reached for the test tube, he hesitated, sighing. His inner thoughts: So what if he succeeded? Everything's gone so wrong, so far from my original intentions. It's moving in the opposite direction.

"Professor Thompson, I'm sorry! I didn't mean to eavesdrop, but could you explain your earlier conversation? Why did you say it would harm others? Aren't we doing this to save lives, to ease patients' pain? Why would it be harmful?" Having been discovered, Austin decided to be frank, as Thompson didn't seem hostile. He'd heard the conversation, and there was no denying it.

Thompson turned his back, silent.

Austin pressed on. "Professor Thompson, what is this research really for? Who is the 'superior' you mentioned? An investor? Even an investor can't demand we harm others! How dare Rhea threaten you like that?"

"Stay out of this. Pretend you heard nothing," Thompson said, waving a hand and using the other to steady himself against the table, looking utterly exhausted.

"I would, if I hadn't heard it! We both graduated from medical school; regardless of our specialty, we share the same goal—to save lives! How can we do anything to harm people?" Austin's voice was thick with emotion.

"They... did they threaten you?"

"That's not it." Thompson repeated the phrase, still refusing to face Austin. His back was slumped; he looked years older than just weeks ago. "Austin, stay out of this! You weren't here, and I didn't see you. Go home, rest. There's nothing to do here anymore," he said, his back still to Austin, hands gripping the table as if for support.

"Professor Thompson, let's report this to the police!" Austin blurted out.