Austin didn't leave that day and stayed at Alexander's place. When Alexander went downstairs, he spotted Austin sitting in a rocking chair on the patio, facing the yard. He grabbed two beer cans and offered one to Austin. "Want one?" Austin smiled, took the beer, popped the tab, and took a swig. "I used to think you were just a shitty businessman who only cared about money, but now I feel—"

"I'm not?" Alexander asked.

"Now I feel you're a savvy businessman who might not care much about money," Austin laughed, amused by his own half-joke.

Alexander chuckled and sipped his beer. However, he frowned, then looked at Austin. "So, there's nothing you can do about what's inside Rhea?"

He hadn't asked this question when Mike was around; Mike was emotionally unstable, and Alexander didn't want to agitate him.

"The simplest approach is knowing the formula," Austin said, gazing at the moon. "Otherwise, we need to analyze its pharmacological properties, which will take time. I read some experimental notes at the lab. The materials weren't rare, but they dared to try anything."

The organization didn't care about human lives; their recklessness was unsurprising.

"So the results were often unexpected," Austin paused, toying with his can. "It's not impossible, but I need time."

Time was precious, and that was precisely what they lacked.

"How much time?" Alexander asked.

Austin turned to him but remained silent; he didn't know. The infection on the estate, for instance, had lasted for days. They'd been about to give up when they found a cure. No one could predict how long it would take.

Alexander changed the subject. "How are things with the X Department? Their workload isn't pressing, right? That's why you're able to stay here."

"Yup!" Austin chuckled, clinking his can against Alexander's before draining it. Feeling refreshed by the cold beer, he burped. "Our department took over and reorganized the vaccine development center's management. You no longer need to worry about it."

"So soon?" Alexander was surprised. He knew the X Department was handling the situation at the center, but he hadn't expected such a swift resolution.

"Well, they're efficient," Austin nodded, smiling. "It was easy to take over since it was in disarray. Besides, Edward knew about the situation and offered great help."