Chapter 130
Sophia nodded casually. "This Dr. Q is the Mr. Barnes' final and most important disciple. She's been recuperating abroad due to health issues, but when she heard about our cancer drug collaboration with Celestial University, she returned specifically to participate."
Arthur recalled the rumors that this particular disciple had cancer, which explained her fragile health.
Still, being Gabriel Barnes' most important student was no small matter.
"Since she's Mr. Barnes' student, we should extend every courtesy," he said, pressing his lips together. "Make arrangements—I'll personally host a welcome dinner for her tonight."
"Very well, Mr. Windsor," Sophia replied simply before hanging up.
Heidi, who had been listening beside him, began calculating her next move. "Arthur, if Mr. Barnes' student is joining the experiment, does that mean Mr. Barnes himself might come?"
Arthur understood her thinking. "Don't worry, I'll have a proper conversation with him this time."
Heidi nodded obediently and leaned against his shoulder, a calculating gleam flashing in her eyes. "I can live without the Deputy General Manager position at the Windsor Group, but I must become Mr. Barnes' student. I want to improve myself so I can be worthy of you."
Arthur paused, his gaze darkening.
---
This was Alton and Blake's third visit to the apartment.
"Caroline's been gone for days without any word," Blake said, his eyes bloodshot. "Where could she possibly be?"
Alton didn't respond. He reeked of cigarettes, his once-immaculate suit now wrinkled and disheveled. He looked utterly haggard, wondering the same thing himself.
Just then, his phone rang. He mechanically answered, having already lost hope for any meaningful news.
But the man on the other end mentioned Caroline's name.
"Mr. Brooks, hello."
Alton froze for a long moment, his voice bitter when he finally spoke. "You're saying Caroline died in a fire?"
"Yes," the staff member replied solemnly. "This was due to our negligence. We'll take full responsibility for the damages and compensation. We're calling now hoping you can come retrieve Ms. Hamilton's remains."
After hanging up, Alton fell silent while Blake's vacant eyes gradually regained focus.
"No, that can't be right," Blake insisted. "I haven't even reconnected with her properly. How could she be dead? I don't believe it!"
He had just found his older sister. How could she die just like that—before they could even make a nice conversation?
Alton didn't believe it either. He followed the address provided by the staff, only to discover it was the cancer drug research facility jointly operated by the Windsor Group and Celestial University.
He stopped abruptly in his tracks, recalling how Caroline had asked about cancer trial subjects previously.
He hadn't thought much of it at the time, but now he realized she likely planned to become a test subject herself. Yet he had noticed nothing then.
This was Blake's first visit to the research facility. With a heavy heart and conflicted curiosity, his eyes scanned the surroundings until suddenly he froze, his body trembling as he grabbed Alton's arm.
"Alton, I think I just saw my sister."
Alton instinctively looked where Blake was pointing, but saw only Sophia talking with two researchers—no one else.
Even Blake began doubting himself. "Do you think I might have seen my sister's ghost?"
Alton sighed wearily. "You should read more."
---
After they left, Caroline emerged from a nearby corner.
"They're both really worried about you," Sophia said hesitantly. "Is keeping this from them really the best idea?"
In all these years, she'd never seen Alton look so worn down.
Caroline was silent for a moment before shaking her head. "We can't tell Alton yet. Right now, we need to catch the mole in the facility."
What confused her more was why that Blake she'd seen at Eros Lounge that night was now with her senior brother. And strangely, that man seemed familiar somehow.
Caroline adjusted her mask, quickly pushing these thoughts aside as she greeted Connor with a smile. "Dr. Cox, rebuilding the research facility must have been exhausting. Thank you for your hard work."
Connor wore a friendly smile while discreetly studying her. "Dr. Q, since it's your first day, you should familiarize yourself with everything. If you have questions later, feel free to ask Sophia."
Caroline paused briefly. That was clearly his way of keeping her away from the actual experiments. But she hadn't come here to back down.
"How thoughtful of you, Dr. Cox," she smiled slightly. "However, I'm here for the cancer drug. Until we successfully develop it, I can't afford to rest. If you're tired, I can speak with my teacher and arrange for you to take a couple days off?"
Connor mentally cursed her but maintained his pleasant expression. "Your dedication is admirable. With you here, I'm certain we'll develop the cancer drug in no time."
Just then, a researcher hurried to Connor's side. "Dr. Cox, we're about to begin the experiment, but the subject's condition is unstable—we can't achieve the required low-temperature state."
"Mr. Barnes was supposed to handle the medical aspects," Connor said, glancing casually at Caroline. "Since he isn't here, we'll proceed with the cryogenic experiment instead."
"I've studied under my teacher for years and picked up some medical knowledge," Caroline replied with a faint smile. "While I can't compare to him, I can certainly assist with the experiment."
Connor had no intention of giving her this opportunity. "You're a cancer patient. Rest would be better for you."
"The cryogenic experiment may be promising, but the data isn't comprehensive enough," Caroline countered. "With so few clinical cases, unexpected complications are likely. We must take responsibility for every volunteer, don't you agree?"
Connor looked at her defiantly. "It's precisely because I'm taking responsibility for the volunteers that I've made this decision. No one knows your capabilities, and experiments can easily go wrong."
As he finished speaking, he saw Caroline's fingers swiftly touch the back of his neck before withdrawing. "What did you do?"
In the next moment, Connor discovered he couldn't move—truly couldn't move. He could feel his sensations disappearing.
Caroline smiled lightly and removed a silver needle from the back of his neck. Soon, Connor's sensations returned, but he eyed Caroline warily.
"Do you still question my abilities, Dr. Cox?" Caroline asked, seemingly unconcerned.
"Not at all," Connor forced a smile through gritted teeth. "Go ahead and assist with the experiment. I'm sure the results will satisfy everyone."