Spoiled by Mr. Russell, Chapter 2045

Alexander assumed Austin's call signaled Dominic's illness. Rhea glanced over, anticipating Alexander's response. He froze as the call connected. A familiar, slightly raspy voice barked, "What did you just say? You rotten brat, don't you know your place?"

Alexander was stunned. Dominic's voice, surprisingly robust, filled him with disbelief.

"Old... old man?" Alexander asked incredulously, fearing he'd misheard.

"Just call me 'sir.' I have a question for you. What the hell are you doing?! Have you given up on your son?" Dominic's characteristically critical tone returned. Alexander felt reassured by the older man's strong voice.

"Have you recovered? Are you feeling okay?" Alexander asked softly.

"What do you think? I've seen it all. This little virus can't bring me down!" Dominic's confidence belied the fatigue he'd experienced days before. Alexander felt genuine relief.

"You've really recovered! That's great! Have you found a solution to the virus?" Alexander, suppressing his joy, pressed for answers. He assumed a solution must exist.

Before Dominic could reply, Rhea vehemently contradicted him. "That's impossible! There's no way they could have found a cure. Don't mistake temporary suppression for elimination. That's impossible!"

Disbelief etched her features. If they've truly overcome the virus, that would mean I failed, right? No, it can't be! The virus in Austin resulted from my years of research. It's different from the previous experiments. I've devoted so much time to this. I only used the ultimate end product on Austin and Cameron. Cameron almost lost control—I've witnessed his attacks and suffering, I know the consequences of his spread. Now they won't need me anymore since they've solved the virus themselves. How can that be possible?!

Alexander ignored Rhea, gesturing to Edward, who quickly fetched duct tape to silence her. Rhea could only mumble.

"Old man, have you really found a solution? Have you overcome the virus?" Alexander repeated.

Dominic paused, sensing something was wrong. "Wait a minute. Whose voice was that? It sounded like a woman. You're not fooling around with someone behind my apprentice's back, are you?"

Alexander laughed. "No, I'm dealing with something here. Old man, please answer me. Have you found a solution to this virus? Not just for you, but for everyone?"