Chapter 1690

Elijah's tone hardened, his eyes blazing with hatred. "If we're blaming someone, it's those who injected Austin with this virus! Who are they? What virus was it?"

Austin spoke softly, "Besides some underground employees, the only person I know is Rhea Moore, and…" Mike's face flashed in his mind. He hesitated, unsure why he omitted Mike's name. He felt conflicted; Mike had hurt him, yet also saved him. He yearned to understand Mike's true motives.

"And?!" Elijah pressed, consumed by a desire to apprehend those who harmed his son and inflict retribution.

"I don't know," Austin admitted, shaking his head slowly, his brow furrowed. "I suspect a more powerful force behind her, but I've never seen them. The research institute was a front; their real aim is to develop viruses that could devastate humanity. They're creating drugs to subtly poison people, controlling them! They're dangerous; you must call the police!"

"Don't worry. We will," Elijah assured him. "We'll get justice for you."

Elijah was stunned. He hadn't anticipated such a lawless organization. "I knew those at the institute weren't good. The last time I came looking for you, they pretended not to know you. That woman…"

"Rhea Moore!" Michelle interjected, remembering clearly.

"Yes, Rhea Moore! That name sounds familiar," Elijah mused, a spark of recognition in his eyes.

"Didn't you hear? The vaccine project was re-tendered a few days ago, and it was a huge deal. Fabian Moore's daughter, Rhea Moore, won the bid," Michelle explained.

Elijah nodded vigorously. "That's it! How did you know?" Michelle snorted. "Mrs. Moore boasts about her precious daughter constantly! I couldn't avoid hearing about her. I never expected her to be involved! Austin, just wait; I'll find her!"

"Come back!" Elijah called, restraining his wife as she rose abruptly. "Don't alert them! Why are you so impulsive?!"

"So what should we do? I'm calling the police now and having her arrested!" Michelle raged, her sorrow morphing into furious anger. She felt she'd tear Rhea apart if given the chance.

"Of course, we'll arrest her, but we must prevent her escape! Since Austin escaped, they'll be on high alert. What if she's already in hiding?" Elijah countered, his mind racing, yet surprisingly calm. "I'll have someone watch the Moore family. They're more intricate than they seem, especially with Secretary Collins being related. We can't act rashly. Plus, the research institute has been emptied. We have no idea where these people are; they're probably in hiding!"

He rose and headed outside. "Dad, I'll make some calls. You rest."

"Honey… Austin…" Michelle’s eyes darted between them before she said, "Austin, wait here. Mom and Dad will help you get your revenge!" She then followed her husband.

Two older men and a bound Austin remained in the room.