Chapter 305: Willing to Return to Solstice Haven?

Chapter 305: Willing to Return to Solstice Haven?

"What the hell is she trying to accomplish?" Sophia raked her fingers through her hair in frustration. Every time she recalled that list of test subjects labeled "White Dove Project," her scalp prickled with unease.

Jane had poured enormous resources—both human and financial—into developing this neurological drug. Surely it wasn't just to create a batch of mindless puppets to serve her tea?

There had to be some darker conspiracy lurking beneath the surface.

"Ms. Johnson, there's no need to worry excessively." Professor Bennett's measured tone cut through the tension, his deliberate cadence gradually loosening the knot in Sophia's chest. "The human brain is extraordinarily complex, and autonomous consciousness is remarkably resilient. Right now, our primary concern should be the physical damage caused by the prohibited compounds in the serum, along with the residual toxins in his bloodstream."

Through the video call, the researcher nodded in agreement. "Whatever Jane's ultimate goal may be, the notion of transforming humans into obedient puppets through neurological drugs is fundamentally impractical."

The buzzing in Sophia's head gradually subsided, a glimmer of hope rekindling in her eyes. "So if we can analyze the serum's formula and develop an antidote, John can recover?"

"Theoretically, genetic mutations are irreversible. However, the reactive compounds in the serum that are attacking his system can be neutralized."

In other words, he could return to being a functional person—the albinism just couldn't be undone.

"Good." Sophia exhaled sharply, her shoulders sagging with relief as her mind began racing through possibilities.

Andrew watched her worry over John with such intensity, a sour jealousy twisting in his gut. "Sophia."

"What?" She looked up, meeting Andrew's penetrating, serious gaze through the screen.

Those eyes always seemed capable of seeing straight through her.

Andrew's tone left no room for argument. "Go home. Get some sleep. And if you don't listen, dismantling the Johnson family would be child's play for me."

Sophia's pupils dilated slightly—not from fear of his threat, but from the startling realization that once again, he'd read her thoughts with unsettling precision.

"But—"

He cut her off coldly. "No buts. I'll handle everything else. Go to bed. Don't make me say it a third time."

Sophia pressed her lips together, dissatisfied with his high-handed approach yet unable to refute him. Reluctantly, she murmured an acknowledgment, thanked Professor Bennett, and had Harrison turn the car around.

Returning to her apartment wasn't realistic. The silver sports car ultimately pulled into Applewood Estate's garage.

John lay in bed, his breathing steady, his pallid face appearing almost peaceful under the amber lamplight—as though he'd merely drifted into a deep, dreamless sleep.

Beside the bed, Brandon sat with his head propped on one hand, elbow resting on the nightstand, eyelids drooping heavily as he nodded off intermittently.

Sophia tiptoed into the room, but before she could approach, Michael caught her wrist and gently guided her back out, quietly closing the door behind them.

"I tried convincing Mr. Wright to rest in the guest room several times, but he insisted on keeping watch." Michael's voice was low as his gaze flickered toward the door crack before returning to Sophia's face.

She bit her lip, understanding that Brandon's vigil wasn't truly about John—it was because she cared, so he refused to leave.

"Tired?" Michael's palm cupped her cheek, his thumb brushing over the faint shadows beneath her eyes. His voice was low and tender. "You haven't slept properly in two days. Go upstairs and rest. We'll deal with everything tomorrow."

Sophia shook her head, her voice carrying exhausted but stubborn determination. "I'm used to pulling all-nighters, but Brandon's getting older. He can't keep this up. I'll convince him to rest. I'll take over tonight."

Michael studied her, his lips pressed into a thin line, before finally conceding with a nod. He knew her obstinacy—and it broke his heart every time.

"Then I'll make you some coffee." He ruffled her hair, his tone carrying helpless affection. "Can't help with much else, but at least I can keep you awake."

"Don't bother." She caught his wrist, her fingertips lightly pressing against his pulse. "You haven't slept much either these past two days. Go lie down on the couch."

Michael chuckled softly, gently extracting his hand from her grasp. His phoenix eyes curved with mischief. "What if John suddenly wakes up in the middle of the night and goes berserk? Someone's got to shield you, right?"

Sophia couldn't help but laugh, the tension in her shoulders finally easing. She tilted her head, deliberately drawing out her words. "Fine. But I want a caramel macchiato."

"Your wish is my command." He tapped his chest playfully before heading toward the kitchen.

Brandon stirred groggily as someone patted his shoulder. Opening his eyes, his vision focused on Sophia crouching beside him, holding a cup of coffee.

"Sir, have some coffee and go sleep in one of the upstairs guest rooms."

Brandon accepted the cup and took a couple of sips, feigning casualness. "Did the test results come back?"

"Yes." Sophia understood Brandon's tsundere nature—if he asked, it meant he cared. She answered earnestly, "John's albinism is confirmed to be a random genetic mutation caused by drug side effects. Andrew's team has already analyzed the serum's composition and started working on an antidote."

Brandon lowered his gaze, silently finishing the entire cup of coffee. After a long pause, he finally spoke again, his tone tinged with wonder. "Technology really has come so far..."

"Even advanced technology is built step by step. Without the foundation laid by our predecessors, how could we ever construct skyscrapers?" Sophia's smile was serene. She'd always felt fortunate to live in this era.

Her ambition to stand at the pinnacle of the business world ultimately stemmed from wanting to leave her mark on this age.

Now Vertex Innovations Group had achieved that recognition. Mention cutting-edge domestic chip technology, and people thought of Vertex. Mention Vertex, and they thought of Chairman Sophia.

Having reached such heights in commerce, she was satisfied. So next, she planned to pursue something different.

"Once John's antidote is ready, I'd like to return to Solstice Haven and continue studying medicine under you."

She spoke these words with a smile, and Brandon's hands—usually rock-steady when wielding acupuncture needles—trembled involuntarily.

He stared at Sophia in disbelief, as though confirming she wasn't joking.

"You've built a successful career now, become a big-shot entrepreneur... and you're willing to come back to Solstice Haven with me?"

"I haven't completed my training yet." Sophia took the empty coffee cup from his hands and helped him to his feet, guiding him toward the door. "I wouldn't want word getting out that Mr. Wright's student is some half-baked physician. That would be embarrassing for both of us!"