Chapter 142
In the laboratory.
Caroline frowned slightly as she completed a set of data comparisons.
"Dr. Q, what's the verdict?" Connor asked anxiously, hovering at her shoulder. "We're at a critical stage—volunteers are about to take the second-phase medication. Should we continue or halt the experiment?"
After a moment of silence, Caroline nodded. "Continue. I'll personally supervise the second phase. You needn't worry, Dr. Cox."
"Thank goodness," Connor sighed with visible relief. "We're fortunate to have you. Without your expertise, our research couldn't proceed."
As he finished speaking, the color drained from his face, and he swayed on his feet.
His assistant quickly steadied him. "Dr. Cox, you haven't slept for two days straight working on this data. Your body can't take much more."
"You've worked hard," Caroline said, her gaze flickering over him. "Go rest."
Connor didn't refuse. "Thank you, Dr. Q. Getting older—the body doesn't keep up like it used to."
As his assistant helped him leave, Connor casually tapped the laboratory door on his way out.
Once alone, Caroline turned her attention to the volunteer. To begin the second phase, she needed to lower their body temperature to a near-death state—only then would the medication reach maximum effectiveness.
She took out silver needles and methodically began blocking key acupuncture points.
Minutes later, nearly twenty-four needles were positioned at critical locations across the volunteer's body. Their face had turned pale, breathing shallow.
"Administer the medication," Caroline instructed calmly.
Sophia, who had been waiting nearby, immediately stepped forward with her team to inject the special drug.
Hidden in a corner, a reporter captured everything.
The next day.
Headlines about the Windsor Group's research facility abusing volunteers flooded the news. Reports even claimed researchers had fled with stolen drug data.
#Shocking Revelation: Celestial University research facility tortures volunteers, destroying their only hope for survival!#
#Sources claim cancer treatment data was stolen long ago. Facility researchers are deliberately giving patients false hope while secretly killing them!#
The story sparked immediate public outrage. People who had recently praised the Windsor Group for their cancer research initiative now turned against them.
[What 'fellow cancer sufferer' female doctor? She's just psychologically twisted, inflicting her own pain on others!]
[Look at all those needles in the patient—imagine the pain. Isn't she supposed to be a researcher? Why resort to alternative medicine? She could permanently harm someone!]
[I heard this female doctor has powerful connections—even the Windsor Group CEO won't cross her. She just returned from abroad and immediately joined the research facility. Think about that level of influence!]
The online hostility toward Caroline intensified. Someone even uncovered information about her recent hotel encounter with Arthur, fueling malicious speculation.
---
At Riverside Loft.
"This is my gift to you. Do you like it?" Connor whispered, his hands wandering inappropriately as he held someone in his arms.
Though disgust flashed in Heidi's eyes, she smiled coquettishly. "You're so clever. You always know how to please me."
She wrapped her arms around his neck, her breath warm against his ear. "What's your next move? Dr. Q is Mr. Barnes's student. Few people in academia can challenge her position."
Connor scoffed. "She's just a recently returned patient. What power does she have against me? Celestial University will soon select their top professor, and I'll definitely stand out. When that happens, I'll crush her completely—just for you."
"Once this scandal grows, I'll step in to save the day. Even if Arthur wants to use that bitch, he won't have the chance."
"Perfect," Heidi purred, tugging at his tie. "If you fail, you'll never see me again."
The trap she had set for Dr. Q at the hotel hadn't worked. This time, she was determined to ruin the woman's reputation.
No one knew that Heidi and Connor had known each other for years—even longer than Heidi had known Arthur. But what truly bound their interests together was Arthur himself.
Connor's eyes grew hazy with desire. He could no longer resist her teasing and pulled her close, breathing heavily.
"Don't worry, baby. Whatever you want, I'll get it for you."
Though inwardly repulsed, Heidi played along, moaning softly.
---
Meanwhile, at the Windsor Group headquarters.
An assistant hurried into the CEO's office with documents.
"Mr. Windsor, a reporter infiltrated the research facility—that's how Dr. Q's treatment photos were leaked," he explained.
"We tried contacting the reporter privately, but they insist on publishing everything. They're deliberately trying to smear Dr. Q and the company."
Dr. Q was currently the only person at the facility who could perform acupuncture, and she held the formula. They had to protect her at all costs.
Arthur rubbed his temples. "Have you reached Connor and Dr. Q?"
"Dr. Cox is resting at home due to illness. Dr. Q is on her way here now."
With that information, Arthur made his decision. "Prepare for a press conference."
---
When Caroline received the news, she had just been handed a speech draft by an assistant.
She raised an eyebrow as she skimmed it. "This speech is too corporate. The public won't accept it."
The assistant nodded in agreement. "What do you suggest, Dr. Q?"
"Take me to Mr. Windsor. I have a way to manage this public opinion crisis."
Delighted, the assistant immediately escorted Caroline to the CEO's office and knocked.
"Come in," came a cold voice from within.
As she entered, Caroline paused briefly, giving Arthur a meaningful look. She noted his unusual appearance—his suit colors didn't match, and even his white shirt was wrinkled.
Arthur was typically meticulous about his appearance, always impeccably dressed in tailored black suits with razor-sharp creases.
Arthur frowned and tugged at his tie. "What is it, Dr. Q? The press conference starts in half an hour."
The assistant relayed Caroline's earlier words.
Arthur remained silent, his eyes fixed on her, waiting for her to continue.