<b>Chapter </b><b>262 </b>


    After putting away the nket, Owen walked out and headed into the kitchen. “Wait a sec. I’ll heat up the food.”


    Aria gave a natural nod, then sat down and began reviewing the documents on the coffee table.


    With experienced doctors present, it was only natural that the infected patients distrusted the young research team.


    The only patient they had there was Betty.


    After recovery, infected patients developed specific antibodies against the virus in their blood, which could theoretically be used to treat other infected individuals.


    However, the levels and activity of these antibodies varied among patients, and there was also the potential risk of transmitting other pathogens.


    Moreover, the limited sma supply presented a major obstacle to this treatment approach.


    Most of those young researchers studied modern medicine, with only about one–fifth having studied traditional medicine.


    Traditionally, there was a clear divide between modern and traditional medicine, making many doctors and patients reluctant to ept such interdisciplinary coboration.


    A proven sess story could make all the difference.


    If they managed to cure Betty, the other infected patients might finally start to believe in them.


    Caleb cast a subtle nce toward the kitchen, his gaze lingering briefly on Owen’s retreating figure before finally settling on Aria.


    Aria flipped through the documents at a brisk pace, pen in hand, making quick notes and marks as she went.


    She finished reviewing a day’s worth of research in no time, closed the files, and handed them to Caleb. “Here, can you please pass these on to them? <b>I’ll </b>head to theb early tomorrow.”


    Caleb put away the documents, nodded, and sat down beside her. With feigned casualness, he asked, “Aria, what do you think of Owen?”


    Aria’s fingers paused midair. She looked up at Caleb<b>, </b>confusion shing in her eyes.


    She thought, ‘Wait. After what just happened, does Caleb think there’s something going on between Owen and me<b>?</b>‘


    She weighed her words before saying, “Hees from a decent family. He’s handsome and talented, and highly skilled professionally. I bet he has no shortage of admirers.


    “Why do you ask, Caleb?”


    Her expression remained as calm as ever, her eyes revealing nothing.


    ‘Aria doesn’t like Owen,‘ Caleb thought.


    Caleb couldn’t suppress a smirk. “Nothing.”


    “I’m going to freshen up,” said Caleb.


    “Okay,” Aria said.


    Owen had prepared an extra dish<b>, </b>making it four dishes and <b>a </b>soup for the three of them–all in modest portions.


    During the meal, Owen caught the subtle slightly smug nces Caleb threw his way. There was a hint of schadenfreude in his eyes.


    <b>1/2 </b>


    <b>10:59 </b><b>Th? </b>12 <b>Jun </b>TD <b>T </b>


    ‘He’s probablyughing at how I won’t be able to win Aria’s affection anytime soon, Owen thought wryly.


    After all, Caleb was Aria’s own brother. The fact that he was not actively blocking him was already a blessing,


    After dinner, Aria headed to the makeshift ER where Giana was being treated.


    Still uneasy after what had happened in the afternoon, Caleb decided to go with her.


    Owen caught up with Caleb and said, “You need deliver those documents to the research team. I’ll go with Aria instead.”


    Without hesitation, he quickened his pace and caught


    Caleb couldn’t help but marvel at Owen’s shamelessnes


    in another direction.


    to Aria.


    ‘Man, this guy’s got some nerve,‘ he thought, but decided <i>to </i>keep quiet and simply walked off


    At the entrance, Owen said, “I’ll wait over there and check work messages<i>. </i>Text me when you’re ready to leave.


    “Okay.” Aria watched Owen’s retreating figure, a strange feeling stirring in her chest.


    He had been acting more than just a friend.


    Maybe that look in his eyes earlier wasn’t just her imagination.


    But it wasn’t the time to dwell on it.


    Pushing the thought aside, Aria lifted the curtain and stepped inside.


    When Giana saw Aria, her expression brightened with excitement. “I’ve been taking the medicine as prescribed, and my stomach doesn’t hurt anymore<b>!</b>”


    Aria nodded and sat down to check her pulse. After a few minutes, she said gently, “You’re doing well. Just keep it up. You don’t need more acupuncture. Taking traditional medicine is enough. But remember, absolutely no modern medicine.”


    “Nonsense!” A sharp, reproachful voice suddenly cut in.