Chapter 1537

It was impossible for her to retreat. She pressed the dagger at her waist and descended the stairs. The stairs were unlit. At the bottom, a faint light emanated from the end of a passage. Clearly, this was a basement or secret room—unexpected in such a simple cabin hidden within the forest. It was, however, an ideal place for recuperation and concealment.

A few steps forward, a cough—Alexander's. Excitement surged. She took a few more steps, calling softly, "Alex?"

The interior, contrary to her expectations, resembled a study, complete with bookshelves and computers. A neatly made bed occupied one side of the room. Alexander sat behind a desk, coughing into one hand while his other manipulated the mouse. He frowned, seemingly engrossed in something on the screen.

"You…" Lily was speechless.

Alexander glanced up, calmly donning a mask from the desk's edge. "You're here." His face was calm, devoid of overt excitement, though a spark of happiness shone in his eyes.

"Why are you still working when you should be resting?!" Lily's voice held a sharp edge. He'd constantly urged her to rest; his own illness seemed to matter little.

"I am resting. I just got up to sit here for a while," he replied, offering a weak smile. The dark circles under his eyes belied his words.

"You're always like this!" She glared, then quickly moved to him, scrutinizing his face. He'd lost weight; his cheekbones were prominent, his appearance haggard, yet his spirits seemed bright, his movements unburdened. This eased Lily's worry somewhat.

After a moment, she reached for his hand.

"What are you doing?" Alexander was startled, instinctively pulling back. But Lily held firm.

"Hold on!" she commanded. "Let me check your pulse!"

Alexander chuckled. "You know how to check pulses? You've only been in the lab for months, studying herbs. When did you become a doctor?" He began to cough.

Lily ignored his jest, carefully checking his pulse. She looked solemnly into his eyes. "Take off your mask!"

Alexander was stunned. "You know what I have. Even with your precautions…"

"Listen to me and take it off!" she insisted.

"Lily…"

"If you don't, I will. And if you accidentally pull mine off, all my precautions are useless!" Her seriousness was undeniable.

He sighed, a gesture of helpless resignation, and slowly removed his mask.