Frederick's gaze fell on the report and frowned as he reached for it.
After pouring him a glass of water, Carson explained.
"On its own, the various substances wouldn't cause much harm to the human body. We've experimented on it to investigate the other unknown substances, yet nothing abnormal could be found. The thing is, when all the various substances were combined injected into mice, we saw that it induced obvious unresponsiveness and slow reactions. Of course, mice are different from to human body so it's not conclusive. But the thing that confusesthe most is how can these substances trigger a chain of reactions without producing any toxins? Throughout the experiment, I extracted specimens testing in several phases. However, in-vitro culture wasn't effective at all!" Carson knocked his fists on his head and sighed.
"I used to think that I was knowledgeable in the field. But in the past few years, I suddenly realised that experts are among the people. Although I can easily handle challenging cases, I am absolutely incapable of dealing with these kind of dirty tricks! I have even sent it to my friends abroad to analyze and investigate. All their conclusions cback with similar results. The effects are serious indeed. But I will definitely find a way. Don't worry too much about it, Frederick! We'll overcthis obstacle.!" Frederick reached out and gave Carson a hug. He even patted him on the shoulder and displayed a faint smile. "I believe in you! Go rest. There are dark circles under your eyes!" At that moment, Frederick was a lot calmer. It seemed like he had accepted reality and was prepared for the worst.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtIn the room, the two sat down, got a fresh pot of coffee, then re-organized their thoughts to discuss further on how to deal with the current situation.
In the CEO's office at Soaver International, Frederick finished his work then started his research on amnesia again. He scoured the internet, making use of all channels, even posting his questions on various forums.
As he read through the replies, he could almost tell that most of them were scammers. Clinging to hope, he got in touch with two of them. Unfortunately, it was expected, both of them were either bragging or asking for money.
Seeing someone agreed on the random symptom of coughing up blood that Frederick simply made up, he deleted the contact without a second thought.
So unreliable! As days went by, anxiety and uneasiness grew in his heart, reaching a point where it was about to explode. At that moment, he was a drowning man who was clutching at straws.
The experts agreed that the illness was caused by the extraordinary combination of substances that could damage the cranial nerves or triggered skind of genetic mutation. Either could possibly cause cerebellar atrophy. Symptoms of cerebellar atrophy were unresponsive movements, inarticulacy, forgetfulness, and more, similar to Alzheimer's disease.
The conclusions of several experts were similar, and yet he still searched the Intefor any sign of hope for a cure! Geez, His brain must be flooded with water! He even offered a million-dollar reward online! Wasn't he just attracting swindlers and insults? Knocking his fists against his head, he was on the verge of a mental breakdown! Later, he called for an update on Alicia's current situation. His biggest fear was hearing reports of emerging symptoms. Carson had once said that every occurrence of any symptom could mean that her condition had worsened. The biggest issue was that no amount of research could be completed in just a few days' time. A feasible plan would logically take years.
Would Ally be able to hold on till then? He hung up the phone in a daze, stroking the ring on his finger. An unprecedented heaviness settled on Frederick's shoulder as his eyes fell on the photo on the table.
It was a group photo of him, Alicia, and his grandma surrounded by blooming flowers against a sunshine-filled backdrop. They were smiling brightly. The photo was like a breathtaking drawing that tugged at your heartstrings. Taking apart the picture frame, he removed a picture of a young woman that was holding a child in her arms. Fingers gently caressing the gorgeous face of the woman, sadness filled his gaze. "Mom, am I doomed? Am I destined to be alone in my lifetime? Any challenge I have encountered in my career can always be easily solved. But why this? Why can't my loved one and I be together forever?" He clenched his fist tightly and thought, "It's said that the road to happiness is filled with setbacks. But the setbacks we've faced... wasn't it more than enough?" His gaze landed on the brightly smiling figure. As his rough fingers caressed on the fair and exquisite face, he said softly, "Without you, of what use is wealth to me?" In the end, they were just a pile of worldly possessions.
An anonymous number lit up on his phone and woke him from his thoughts. After glancing at it, Frederick immediately guessed who it was. Other than Danica, who else was so insensible as to call him continuously? If he didn't answer, his phone will probably be bombarded with messages again! Before the vibrations stopped, he tapped on the answer button. As usual, he remained silent. After a moment of silence, a gloomy female voice rang in his ears.
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏm"Frederick, there's swhite hair on my head already..." Her voice was ghost- like, chilling to the bone. Although it wasn't night tyet, her voice sounded frightening over the phone. He finally opened his mouth. He was unexpectedly calm.
"Danica, when will you stop this nonsense? Does messing around withevery now and then give you a sense of accomplishment? Don't you know that any last bit of affection I had for you is being eroded by your childish act? Congratulations, every last bit of it is finally gone!" In the beginning, he had sympathy towards her situation! Letting out a slight sigh, Frederick answered with a question, "Does doing this make you feel better?" He knew that in the end, what she wanted was to drag Frederick into her sufferings and misfortunes.
"I'm going to die, anyway. What's wrong withbeing selfish and willful for once before my death? My u life is already so short, can't I be willful for just once? I don't care if I go to hell. I don't even care if have an afterlife..." If she had the sfate in her next life, she might as well live like a beast instead! Her character was completely distorted. Danica shouted in a low voice,
"If I don't fight for it, who will givethe chance to do so? I don't have much tleft! Who wants to be a good person? Should Bretend to be gentle, considerate, magnanimous and virtuous? I just wanted to spend my last moments with the only 'happiness' in my life... What's wrong with that? Do you think she will do better than me? Do you think she will act any better if she had known that she would die in no time?" Her sharp voice pierced through his eardrums, while Frederick stayed silent.
She had lost her mind, and he was left speechless! "I only ask for half a year, then no one will disturb the both of you ever again. Best of both worlds, ain't it?" When Danica brought up the old matter again, Frederick pondered for a moment with a solemn expression.
"Danica, all the love we had for each other seems in vain. If you had found back your own happiness back then, I would've definitely given you my blessings!" In other words, she didn't love him at all and she didn't understand love at all! All the while, the one person she loved was herself! After a short pause, Frederick provoked.
"If this is the funeral that you have prepared for the three of us, I with definitely choose to suffer with her! I don't accept your threats. From now on, don't ever disturbagain!"