Chapter 1658

That was why she continued her experiments, meticulously adjusting the doses. Even so, she remained uncertain about the medicine's efficacy.

"Do you know what I've given you?" she asked, leaning closer, her voice low.

Austin didn't reply, his gaze dropping. Rhea smiled, whispering in his ear, "It's poison."

Her red lips curved into a strange smile. Even these words elicited no response. Tied and motionless, he sat like a lifeless statue.

Bored by his lack of reaction, Rhea smacked her lips. "Don't worry," she said. "This poison isn't fatal, but it will make you stronger. Once you overcome this phase, you'll be invulnerable to all poisons. Wouldn't that be a boon for a miracle doctor?"

Austin raised his head, his eyes seeming to ask, Do you take me for a fool?

Rhea smiled. "You don't believe me? I've read your traditional medicine books. Ancient texts detail methods for achieving immunity to all poisons. Haven't you tried them yourself? Or do you doubt your own practices? Believe it or not, you're just one of many test subjects. You can't escape; you're destined for this laboratory."

Wiping her fingers, she continued, "Isn't this good? You wanted to stay in the lab? Now your wish is granted. You can stay here for life. Wonderful!"

Austin's lips twitched, but he remained silent. He looked at Rhea, then sighed, seemingly uninterested in further interaction.

"Miracle Doctor, Austin Fike," Rhea murmured, watching as he was blindfolded. "In your eyes, who's better? Me or Lily?"

She scrutinized his expression. Though blindfolded, he seemed to sense her approach. Slowly, the corners of his lips lifted. Finally, he spoke: "You?"

Rhea raised an eyebrow at his soft scoff. His mockery chilled her. Her eyelids twitched as she sneered, "I'll show you! I'll let you see with your own eyes who's better—me or Lily!"

She gestured, and the men took Austin away. He offered no resistance, his hands bound like a puppet, passively allowing himself to be led out.

Their plan proceeded precisely. Half an hour later, the medicine took effect, draining his strength. Two more pills were forced into his mouth as he remained bound. He ate them obediently.

Rhea and her associates believed his willpower had broken, that he'd given up on escape. After all, he’d already taken the two pills Mike provided.

But Austin was willing to gamble again. Even if deceived and defeated, it was a gamble he had to take. Even if the odds were ten thousand to one, or a hundred thousand to one, he would try. What place could be more terrifying than this purgatory?