Chapter 1588: Oh, the mind was brilliant, yet so slow in matters of the heart.

"It’s impossible. I tried everything, Professor, but it’s all futile. The only solution is to slow down and lessen its effects, but there’s no antidote for that drug."

People might call Dean a natural genius, born with a gift of vast knowledge that had already brightened his future. Whether in business or the medical field, he could thrive in either or any path he chose.

But Dean never truly considered himself a genius. Smart, perhaps, but never the gifted one others thought him to be.

When he said he had tried everything, he meant every facet of that word.

Dean didn’t just attempt a few solutions to the problem or browse a few books to refresh his memory. Even after leaving the research team, he kept up with the latest medical developments through articles and online conferences. He delved deep into the drug not only to understand its properties but also why it was priced so high.

He managed to access a site that sold the drug and, to his surprise, found it priced ridiculously high. Wondering why, he spent an entire night researching until he discovered the reason behind its exorbitant cost.

There was no antidote.

This drug was lethal, with a 99.9 percent chance of killing anyone who ingested it. The remaining one percent was a slim chance of survival, akin to a miracle.

"I see," Professor Singh nodded in understanding. "You should inform Penny about this."

"No way."

"Dean."

"Professor, like I said, I’m not here to help her. I just used it to distract myself and get away from my overbearing cousin, who thinks her comforting words can console me." He rose slowly and politely faced the professor. "Thank you for the drink. I’m heading off now."

Professor Singh sighed softly, nodding. He watched Dean walk away, still seated on the bench. As Dean disappeared into the distance, Professor Singh tilted his head back, gazing at the sky.

"I’ve always rooted for him, but I fear... unless he finds the courage to confess to Penny, someone else may beat him to it."

He shook his head, sensing Dean might be running out of time to express his feelings to Penny. Given Dean’s personality, the professor wouldn’t be surprised if he never confessed at all.

Professor Singh pondered this for a moment before pushing himself up. He walked back toward the building; he had come here for something specific, but Dean had distracted him. As he was about to leave the lab, he paused.

His eyes fell on the desk where Dean had spent the entire night. Stepping closer, he glanced at the notes, a faint smile curling his lips.

"That boy," he chuckled softly, shaking his head. "He may not have left her a direct note, but in his own way, he’s conveyed his conclusion."

Once more, the professor sighed heavily.

"Dean is likely to remain single for quite some time," he murmured, walking away from the lab. "I only wish Penny were quicker to pick up on his hints."

But she wasn’t.

Oh, the mind was brilliant, yet so slow in matters of the heart.

---

Meanwhile, at the Miller’s Home...

"???" Theo blinked, then blinked again, watching his sister peeking out of the window into the backyard. Frowning, he squinted suspiciously.

Last night, she had spent so much time out there—she even skipped showering before dinner—just idling on the patio. Even after dinner, he had found her in their small lounge on the mezzanine, still gazing out.

Curious about what had captured her interest in the backyard, Theo tiptoed over to her. Coming up beside her, he craned his neck to see what she was looking at.

There was nothing to see except a few maids helping the gardeners tidy up.

"Good grief..." Patricia let out a shallow breath and turned, jumping in surprise when she saw her brother. "Oh, you scared me!"

She patted her chest, her expression momentarily annoyed at Theo. He regarded her with curiosity.

"Patricia, did you bury a body in the backyard?" he asked. "You’ve been staring out there since last night."

She frowned. "Brother Theo, if I were hiding a body, why would I bury it in our backyard? I’m scared of ghosts."

"If not that, then what? Is there something out there that’s worth... monitoring?"

Not something, but someone.

Patricia huffed and studied him. Part of her wanted to confide in her brother about what was bothering her; he often provided clarity. Yet, another part held her back. This was about Penny, and as her assistant, Patricia knew she couldn’t divulge personal matters—even to family.

"It’s nothing," she shrugged, turning her eyes back to the window. "It’s just... there are so many new maids around the house. I’m not used to it."

"We used to have more."

She side-eyed him. "That’s not what I mean. I’m just not accustomed to seeing so many new faces."

"Ahh..." Theo chuckled in understanding, nodding. "I get it. The old staff were with us for years, so we’re all used to them. Mom needed extra help to maintain the house."

He smiled warmly, patting her back gently. "You’ll get used to it soon."

"..." Patricia sighed inwardly. If only she could tell him the real reason.

"Anyway, should I drop you off at work?" he asked, tilting his head slightly. "You might hit traffic if you leave now."

"Huh?" Her brow furrowed. "It’s still too early for traffic—"

Patricia gasped as she checked her watch, realizing she was running late. During this time, she would usually be on her way to Prime Group to avoid the rush hour traffic. She had been late once and remembered the chaos that ensued.

"But it’s just—"

Theo shook his head, chuckling softly. "Come on. I’ll drive you to Prime Group. Don’t dawdle; we might get stuck in traffic."

Patricia clenched her teeth in distress, looking at her brother in panic. Theo just returned that with a light chuckle, walking away after telling her that he would wait for her in the car.

How could I not notice the time?

She mentally grumbled, looking back at the window where the helpers were before she quickly walked away.

Little did she know, as soon as she turned, one of the maids gazed up at the window where Patricia had been standing.