CHAPTER 676

Joshua looked at Benedict who was lying in Cedrick’s arms weakly, and his smile disappeared. “I have been in this line for many years and consider myself a professional. Whether my eyes are closed or if I find myself in a dream, I assure you that I won’t make a mistake! Please trust in my abilities. I will not be careless when it comes to the lives of these two children.”

Given their longstanding relationship, Cedrick naturally placed his trust in Joshua. It would indeed be a wise decision to entrust the blood tests to him.

As soon as the two children entered the laboratory, Joshua directed his undivided attention toward conducting the bloodwork.

Concerned about Gwendolyn’s emotional well-being, Cedrick decided not to let her enter the laboratory. Instead, the two adults remained outside and patiently awaited the test results.

The couple sat side by side. Cedrick could sense the tension within Gwendolyn, so he tenderly embraced her to distract her from thinking about the children getting their blood drawn.

“It will be over very soon.”

Gwendolyn nestled into his arms, her heart overwhelmed by fear and anxiety.

Half an hour later, the lights of the laboratory went off. They assumed that the results must be out.

Gwendolyn gently released herself from Cedrick’s embrace and rose to her feet. She then strode toward the door of the laboratory.

As the sound of the door unlocking reverberated through the hallway, the couple’s attention was drawn to Joshua, who stood on the other side, holding the results in his hands. Adjusting his black-rimmed glasses, he appeared ready to step out and join them.

Gwendolyn asked anxiously, “How is it?”

Wearing a solemn expression, Joshua cast a brief glance at Gwendolyn before shifting his gaze to Cedrick.

“There’s good news and bad news.”

Bad news…

Gwendolyn clenched her fists. “We are prepared for the worst. Please, go ahead and tell us.”

Joshua exhaled deeply before handing Gwendolyn the two blood test results. This is from .

“The good news is that Zendy’s blood test is impeccable. She is in perfect health and possesses a robust constitution. There is no cause for concern regarding her,” Joshua shared.

Gwendolyn let out a sigh of relief upon hearing the positive news, although a residue of tension still lingered within her.

On the other hand, Cedrick’s expression became even more serious.

It’s good news that Zendaya is fine, but the bad news must mean…

Joshua’s gaze shifted downward as he delivered the news. “As for Benny, the situation is not as optimistic. The S404 virus is still present in his blood. His inherent weakness is a result of the virus. When he was younger, the residual virus went unnoticed. However, as he grows older and his cellular activity increases, his condition will deteriorate. In fact, his life will be at risk.”

Gwendolyn’s hands, clutching the reports, began to tremble uncontrollably. Her heart sank as her eyes fell upon the red markers indicating a concerning result on one of the reports.

Noticing Gwendolyn’s complexion turning pale, Cedrick swiftly approached and gently wrapped his arm around her slender waist, seeking to provide reassurance and support.

Joshua’s expression held a mix of apology and concern as he regarded Gwendolyn. “Gwendolyn, it’s crucial that you take good care of yourself. Maintaining a positive mindset is paramount at this moment. Both you and Cedrick are the pillars of support for the children.”

Gwendolyn nodded.

Cedrick tenderly stroked Gwendolyn’s head, his voice filled with concern as he posed a question to Joshua. “Both Benny and Zendy are twins. How is it possible that Zendy is perfectly healthy while Benny carries the virus in his body?”

“They are fraternal twins, which explains the difference,” Joshua responded. “Such a situation is considered normal. I can only say that Benny is unfortunate… Perhaps, it is a matter of fate.”

Joshua then brought the two of them into the adjacent ward, where he continued to explain, “Fortunately, the antidote for the S404 RNA virus has been developed. This virus no longer poses a significant fatality risk, so there is no immediate cause for alarm. Thankfully, Benny’s viral load is not excessive. With proper treatment, there should be no imminent threat to his life.”

Gwendolyn’s face finally showed some relief as the tension began to ease.

Both Benedict and Zendaya were lying on the beds after getting their blood drawn.

After the blood test, Benedict struggled to maintain his strength and lay weakly on his bed, eventually succumbing to sleep.

Zendaya seemed to understand her brother’s condition as she remained quietly by his side, accompanying him in his sleep.

Gwendolyn walked over and took a seat by the bedside.

As Zendaya caught sight of Gwendolyn, a radiant smile illuminated her face, and she was on the verge of calling out to her mother.

Gwendolyn quickly put a finger to her lips, gesturing for silence as she didn’t want Zendaya to awaken Benedict from his slumber.

Upon witnessing Gwendolyn tending to the children and mindful of not disturbing Benedict, Cedrick and Joshua quietly exited the ward and made their way to Joshua’s office.

Cedrick inquired, “When will Benny be able to receive the antidote?”

Joshua took another look at the lab report and shook his head solemnly.

“Benny is still too young to handle the potency of the antidote. It would be too overwhelming for him at this stage. Based on his current condition, he will have to wait until he reaches the age of eighteen.”

Cedrick’s expression turned into a frown as he voiced his concerns. “The S404 RNA virus is incredibly potent. If we leave Benny untreated until he turns eighteen, there is a possibility that he may not survive until then. Furthermore, additional complications could arise along the way. This virus is truly tormenting for him.”

No one possessed a deeper understanding of this virus than Cedrick.

During his own struggle with the virus, Cedrick experienced excruciating pain, even to the point where his heart ached. It was a daily torment, akin to living in a perpetual hell.

Joshua sighed helplessly. “If we were to administer the antidote forcefully at this stage, Benny’s fragile body may not be able to handle it, and he could succumb before it has a chance to take effect. If he

can hold on until he reaches the age of eighteen, his chances of living a longer life will significantly increase.”

Cedrick then asked, “How about the suppressant? Since we can’t cure him, at least we can relieve him of some discomfort.”

Once again, Joshua shook his head. “No way. Be it the antidote or the suppressant, his body won’t be able to handle it.”

Cedrick narrowed his dark eyes and fell silent.

Joshua proceeded, “For now, our best option is to employ conservative approaches. Let’s administer intravenous drips and medications with minimal side effects to bolster Benny’s immune system and resistance. It would be advisable not to bring Benny back to Harrick Villa for the next few days. He should remain at the laboratory for close monitoring since we have just introduced new medication. We need to observe if the new treatment suits him or not. Additionally, please ensure his diet consists of mild-tasting food to ease any potential discomfort.”

For the entire morning, Gwendolyn and Cedrick did not leave the laboratory.

Salinsburgh was enveloped in a rainy and somber atmosphere on that day as if reflecting the family’s predicament.

Benedict was undergoing his intravenous treatment in the laboratory, with his family keeping a watchful presence by his side.

The intravenous treatment required a long time. By the time it was almost noon, there was still half a bag left.

Due to her increasing hunger, Zendaya reached a point of tears, prompting Cedrick to accompany her home for some milk, while Gwendolyn remained with Benedict.

With the umbrella opened, he cradled Zendaya in one arm while gently encouraging his daughter as they exited the laboratory.

It was a heartwarming sight to behold.

Upon reaching the door, Cedrick halted in his tracks as he noticed someone standing in his way.

Lifting his gaze, he met the intense blue-eyed gaze of a man standing before him, his tightly clenched fists betraying his unease. It seemed as though he was anxiously awaiting someone’s arrival.

The man stood exposed to the rain without an umbrella.

In spite of the light rainfall, his suit was completely drenched, and it bore witness to the fact that he had endured the rain for a considerable period of time.