Chapter 425 A Race Against the Unknown

But aside from discovering that never-before-seen substance, Sierra had nothing. No clues, no answers–she couldn’t even analyze its composition. So how was she supposed to make an antidote?

It had taken so long to develop medicine for Dora and her grandmother. Would Johnathan even have that kind of time?

A persistent high fever—and this was only the first day. His heart was already showing signs of distress. What would happen next?

The more Sierra thought about it, the more it felt like everything was collapsing. But she didn’t dare let it show. In a low voice, she said:

“Before I came back, I already sent it to my professor and my seniors. They know a lot of people—maybe someone will recognize it. You know I didn’t start out in this field. My fundamentals are weak, and there’s so much I don’t know. But just because I don’t know doesn’t mean others won’t. Maybe someone’s seen it before. Especially the old professors—they’ve done so many experiments and studies. Maybe…”

Johnathan cut her off.

“Sierra.”

He reached out and took her hand. “Don’t be scared. I’m right here.”

Sierra fell silent.

Yes—she was scared. Terrified.

She was never one to speak much. But just now, she’d rambled without pause.

“Aren’t we supposed to be working together? Then let me in on it too. Don’t forget—I’m technically one of your teachers.”

Johnathan’s face wore the same calm smile it always did, like he wasn’t the one burning up with fever.

Sierra forced herself to calm down. Slowly, she explained what she’d found and pulled up the data for him to see.

“This really is something that’s never been seen before,” Johnathan said.

Normally, something like this would be classified as a virus. But it wasn’t. And if it hadn’t been Sierra, no one would’ve noticed it at all. It was buried within normal readings—practically invisible.

Johnathan had seen a lot in his time, but even he had never encountered anything like this.

“Whoever did this… they really know what they’re doing.”

To create something like this…

Sierra was fuming.

How could he still praise them at a time like this? Was he not worried at all?

Seeing her face darken, Johnathan quickly added:

“Don’t panic. If they went through this much trouble to take me alive, it means I’m still useful to them. They’re not going to kill me.”

At least, not right away. They just wanted to keep him in check.

Hearing that only made Sierra even more anxious.

“This is how they plan to control you.”

“I’m afraid what we’re seeing today is only the beginning.”

Johnathan knew that too. But instead of responding, he simply said:

“At least for now, my life’s not in danger, right?”

“There’s still time. No need to panic yet.”

Seeing him trying to comfort her, Sierra finally settled down.

She looked at Johnathan and nodded.

“Right. We still have time.”

“You should rest. I’m going to talk to your grandfather.”

“I’ll come too.”

Johnathan got out of bed. He didn’t look the least bit unwell.

But Sierra knew how much pain he could hide. Even when his ribs were fractured and his organs damaged, he’d never uttered a word of complaint.

The two of them went downstairs. Wayne was waiting for them.

Seeing them, he asked, “Well? Any conclusions?”

“I found something,” Sierra said.

She knew how powerful the Wynn family was. She explained her discovery.

When Wayne heard it was an unknown substance, his expression changed. He immediately called for the butler.

“Take Ms. Sierra to the research building.”

On the estate, there was a small house outfitted just for the doctors—fully equipped.

After giving the order, Wayne turned back to Sierra.

“Everything you need is there. I’ve already called in the best experts from the capital.”

“Whatever you want to do, whatever tests you need—just tell them.”

“If anyone questions it, let them know this is by my order.”

Sierra glanced at Johnathan, who nodded at her. Then she followed the butler out.

Once she was gone, Wayne turned to his grandson.

“Do you have any idea what it is?”

“…No.”

Johnathan answered without hesitation.

Wayne’s heart sank. “No? But aren’t you an expert in this field? How can you not know?”

Seeing his grandfather’s obvious panic, Johnathan said:

“Grandpa.”

Wayne had weathered many storms in his life, but that one word from his grandson snapped him out of it.

“What can I do?” he asked quietly.