Chapter 1681

When asked, Lily replied blandly, "We'll know soon."

"Even if he's the one, will he act, considering the risk?"

The man removed his goggles, revealing himself as Dr. Blanc, the very man who ordered her confinement. Lily nodded.

"He will!" she said, then posed a seemingly unrelated question. "I heard the vaccine development center began research recently?"

"That's right," Dr. Blanc replied. He wasn't in charge, but the project's significance and relevance to their current situation made him aware of it.

"What does that have to do with his actions? Would a stalled cure impede vaccine research? Or are there conspirators involved?" Pausing thoughtfully, Dr. Blanc said, "Ah, yes. I recall your husband's company initially secured that project before it... was retendered, wasn't it?"

He didn't know why it was retendered, but Secretary Rollins' personal approval suggested the man had his reasons.

"Yes," Lily nodded. Her confinement didn't mean she was unaware of external events. Alexander's absence didn't equate to disengagement from his company. He'd led the corporation for years; his continued position spoke to his capabilities. He was recuperating, his phone confiscated, but he still had his methods.

Upon losing the contract inexplicably, the company's top management called an emergency meeting, intending to reclaim the project. Alexander stopped them. Though not close, he and Cameron were old friends; Alexander understood him. However, his health forced him to postpone addressing the strange incident. He opted to wait and see.

Curiously, the project landed with Cameron's brother-in-law. While a typical nepotistic maneuver, Alexander suspected otherwise. If Cameron desired wealth and cared enough to obtain it, he could have done so long ago, without making it so public. Alexander also wondered what Fabian had done or threatened Cameron with. His men were still investigating.

Even Anastasia remained unaware of Rhea Moore's possible involvement.

Lily worked tirelessly on the cure, hoping to complete her task early and end the pandemic. She longed to be with her son and friends again. She and Dr. Blanc sat facing each other, a sudden silence filling the air.

"Alex..." Dr. Blanc began, but a warning siren vibrated from his pocket. He subconsciously glanced at Lily, then they both stood abruptly.