chapter900

Grace was honestly fuming, but what could she do? Connor and Lydia were all over each other right now, and there was nothing she could say to stop it.

Lucinda, men always want something new. Give it time. Once Connor gets bored with that slut Lydia, he'll dump her so fast. Or, when I find the right chance, I'll handle her myself. Then, who do you think will be the one marrying Connor? It'll be you, of course."

Lucinda knew it made sense, but just picturing Lydia and Connor tangled up together, doing who knows what it made her want to scream.

"She's such a cheap, shameless whore. Why would Connor ever choose her over me? What does she have that I don't?" Lucinda just couldn't wrap her head around

it.

Grace came closer and gently rubbed her back. Lucinda, don't make yourself sick over this. There's some nasty virus going around right now. Lydia's always out and about. With her luck, maybe she'll catch it, or even better, maybe she'll die from it. Then we wouldn't have to lift a finger."

Lucinda drew in a shaky breath, her eyes cold and sharp. "You're right. It would be a blessing if she just disappeared for good."

Meanwhile, Garrett was showing Lydia the results of their research.

For the past week, the whole team-Kevin included-had barely slept more than a couple hours a night. They'd thrown themselves into the lab, chasing after a cure. Finally, all that effort paid off. With Lydia's guidance, they'd put together an alternative formula. The only question was, would it actually work?

Things at the border had calmed down in the last few days. Honestly, it was almost unbelievable. Patients with milder symptoms, the ones who took Lydia's medicine and kept up with their exercises, were actually getting better. Even the severe cases, after taking the antidote, were recovering by the day. People at the hospital were amazed. No one doubted Lydia anymore. Word was spreading everywhere maybe she really was a miracle worker.

Now, with Garrett bringing this new formula, it felt like the crisis could finally be over. If everything went smoothly, they could have things under control in just a couple weeks.

"Thank you for everything you've done." Lydia looked down at the formula in her hand, and even though she looked exhausted, a real smile broke through.

Garrett's face lit up. "Lydia, do you really think it'll work?"

She glanced up at him. "The virus keeps mutating, so I'll add two more herbs. That should do it."

"That's amazing. We were getting so worried we wouldn't be able to help

at all." Garrett finally let himsel

relax He'd been running on empty, barely sleeping and living off nerves and hope.

"This wouldn't have worked without all of you." Lydia said it honestly, looking around

at the tired but hopeful faces.

This formula was cheap enough for anyone to afford and strong enough to help. It

could save so many lives. It was worth more than gold.

"I'll call Kevin right now and tell him to start production." Garrett was already reaching for his phone.

Lydia nodded. "Go ahead."

As the two of them talked inside, someone was lurking in the hallway, listening in. A shadow slipped away from the door.

Spencer hurried back to his office. He unlocked his cabinet and pulled out a second phone, dialing a number fast.

Someone picked up almost

immediately. The voice on the other

end was low and rough, full of anger. "What have you been doing? The was was supposed to spread. Now? you're telling me it's contained?"

Spencer was so frustrated he could scream. Everything was going fine until a girl called Lydia showed up with an antidote I couldn't do anything about it."

"They're still infected. Quietly spread the virus again. Don't let anything mess up our plan."

"I can't even get out. They're watching me like a hawk. I'm risking everything just making this call."