Chapter 1144:
Dominic moved ahead, his posture rigid with restrained fury. He had been pulled onto a red-eye flight and briefed on the unfolding situation before the plane had even landed. The anger burning in his eyes left no room for doubt. “You’ve trampled over years of my work and dedication,” Dominic said coldly. “We exist to push medicine forward. How did you let greed rot everything we stood for?”
Kane’s gaze swept across the sea of white coats, his thoughts spinning wildly. He turned toward Rylie, confusion and unease written plainly on his face. “What exactly is this supposed to be?” he asked hoarsely. “Are you talking about working together now?”
“Work with our boss?” Nightingale let out a sharp, humorless laugh. “You honestly believe you’re even qualified to stand in the same room?”
“Starting today,” Rylie said evenly, her tone calm and final, “this entire research initiative will be placed under the joint supervision of Professor Holden and me. Anyone found to have cooperated with the outlaw motorcycle syndicate will be handled internally by the Costa Syndicate. All open and revoked research posts will be reassigned to personnel under my authority.”
Without the slightest pause, elite operatives stepped forward, forcefully pulling black hoods over Kane and every other researcher implicated in the scheme. Their protests and frantic pleas went unanswered as they were hauled bodily from the laboratory.
As he watched the scene unfold, Dominic frowned and asked quietly, “You’re not involving the authorities? Will there be any legal proceedings at all?”
ѕ𝗍o𝘳𝗶е𝘴 yo𝘂 𝘸on’𝗍 𝗉𝗎𝘁 𝗱𝗼𝘄𝘯 оn 𝘨а𝘭𝗇𝗈𝘷𝘦𝗹𝘀.с𝘰𝘮
Nightingale responded in Rylie’s stead, his tone deliberately noncommittal. “Punishment is inevitable,” he said calmly. “Whether they disappear beneath the waves or vanish beneath desert sands is still undecided.”
Embezzling from and betraying the Costa Syndicate in plain sight demanded swift and uncompromising retaliation. Any hesitation would only weaken their authority and invite future challenges. The fate awaiting those researchers was already sealed—and it would not be merciful.
With the room finally emptied, Rylie’s team moved in without delay. Data was cataloged, systems were thoroughly audited, and samples were reexamined with professional precision. The transition unfolded with disciplined efficiency, free of chaos or hesitation.
Rylie then turned to Dominic, her expression sincere and resolute. “Professor Holden,” she said gravely, “this research is directly connected to Brad’s worsening condition. I hope you’ll take charge of my team and commit yourself fully to seeing this through.”
Dominic already knew the truth—that the legendary figure was still alive. He released a long, weighted sigh, exhaustion and resolve mingling in his expression. “He’s suffered more than anyone ever should,” Dominic said quietly. “I’ll give everything I have to help him survive.” After a brief pause, he added, “And you—are you heading out immediately?”
Rylie spoke calmly, explaining that her schedule was tight and she wouldn’t be able to remain on-site for long. “If any issues arise in the next few days, you can bring them to me,” she added. “Most of the data is already committed to memory.”
During her remaining days in Marinth, she intended to support Dominic’s research in every way she reasonably could.
Around the same time, a fresh set of experimental results arrived at the facility.
Rylie guided Dominic toward the newly delivered files and began her explanation. “This work was done while I was in Crolens. The Reid family initially supervised it, but I assumed control later. It focuses on treating Brad’s neurological disorder.”
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