Chapter 1214
Tarquin put away his phone and pulled her into his arms with a quick kiss.
“Just got back?” he asked.
“Yeah. The kids are downstairs with Mom. Caroline and Blossom stayed over at Winona’s; they didn’t come home with us p>
Tarquin said, “Don’t worry about them. I’ve arranged for someone to keep an eye on them. They’ll be safe p>
“I know. But what’s on your mind? Talk to me,” Elysia said as she settled onto his lap, gently smoothing the worry lines from his brow.
Tarquin wrapped an arm around her waist, his thoughts heavy.
Zane had both the virus and the cure-and claimed he’d make a billion dollars in three months. That kind of confidence? It was… unnerving.
He could just release the virus, then sell the cure for a fortune. It wouldn’t be the first time something like this happened out here. Plenty of pharmaceutical companies played both sides of the fence.
But Zane’s so-called ‘cure’ couldn’t even kill the mutated strain. If he really unleashed this thing, the consequences would be unimaginable.
The only real solution was to develop a working antidote-fast. Before Zane or his mysterious partner made their move.
But Tarquin wasn’t a doctor. He could only do so much.
“Is there a problem with the antidote Zane gave you?” Elysia asked suddenly.
Tarquin’s eyes flicked up. “Did you hear something p>
Elysia replied, “Dr. Benjamin called this afternoon. I was helping Winona tidy up, so I missed it. When I called back, he was really vague-hung up after just a few words p>
“Dr. Benjamin knows I have a medical background. Maybe he wanted my help with the antidote p>
Tarquin didn’t answer, but the look in his eyes said enough.
Benjamin knew Elysia was skilled in alternative medicine, and if he’d hit a wall with the virus, it made sense he’d turn to her. But Benjamin also knew there was something shady going on with Zane and his secret partner, and working with an unknown virus was dangerous. He wouldn’t involve Elysia unless he had no other choice.
So when he reached out, he was hesitant, not wanting to say too much. Elysia pressed, “Is that what you’re worried about? The antidote?” Tarquin was quiet for a moment, then decided to keep it to himself.
“No, just work stuff. Nothing you need to worry about. I’ve got it handled p>
He didn’t want Elysia involved unless it was absolutely necessary. Besides, Central Pharmaceuticals was still too small-Zane wouldn’t release anything just yet. He’d wait until he could mass-produce the antidote and really cash in.
For now, there was no immediate danger. Maybe the World Pharmaceutical Organization could handle it. If not… maybe then Elysia could help.
Elysia didn’t press.
“Should I call Dr. Benjamin and check in? I know my way around herbal remedies; maybe I could help if there’s an issue with the antidote,” she offered.
“No need. If Benjamin really needs you, he’ll say so,” Tarquin replied.
Just then, Evan’s cheerful voice floated up from downstairs.
“Mommy! Grandpa’s home p>
Elysia’s face lit up. “Dad’s here p>
“Sounds like it p>
Elysia’s worries melted away as she hurried downstairs to see Clayton, Tarquin at her heels.
Downstairs, Clayton was lifting the kids high into the air, spinning them around one by one. After everyone had a turn, Baby, clutching her stuffed bunny, piped up, “Grandpa hasn’t lifted Lan yet! Grandpa, it’s Lan’s turn p>
Baby adored Lan. She couldn’t even fall asleep unless Lan’s little dog bed was in her room at night.