Chapter 848


    Juggling two sizzling hot dogs in one hand and a carton of steaming hot fries in the other, Agnes was


    clearly outmatched.


    The fries, fresh from the fryer, were handed to Ryder. "Here, look after your fries. My hands are full, I


    can''t double as your waitress."


    Cradling the fries, Ryder chuckled. "I saw you eyeing the food truck like it was your long-lost love.


    That''s why I grabbed one for you."


    "Nonsense! Don''t go spreading rumors," Agnes retorted with a yful re.


    They strolled out of the bustling street,ughter trailing behind them.


    Together, they hopped into Agnes'' car.


    Meanwhile, the tinted window of a sleek ck sedan rolled up quietly.


    Reflected in the ss was Jared''s stern profile.


    He had rescheduled his evening ns to join Agnes on a nostalgic trip back to campus.


    Yet, he hadn''t anticipated this scene - her carefreeughter with Ryder, as if they were any typical


    college couple.


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    Jared had to admit, jealousy was gnawing at him. But he also knew that Agnes'' affection for Ryder was


    nothing more than tonic.


    He shouldn''t be upset. His rtionship with Agnes was hard-won, fragile even.


    Jared feared that endless quarrels over Ryder could shake its foundation. But he was well aware of


    Ryder''s intentions, his refusal to back down.


    What was he plotting now? Jared couldn''t be sure. Ryder''s words, however, lingered like thorns, deeply


    embedded in Jared''s heart.


    In the end, he drove off into the night, leaving his thoughts to dissolve in the darkness.


    Once they reached Ryder''s upscale apartment building, Agnes pulled over.


    Ryder leaned in the open window. "Want toe up for a bit?"


    Agnes shook her head. "It''ste. I should get home."


    He didn''t press, simply changing the subject. "How''s the new trial drug from Nocturne Pharmaceuticals


    doing?"


    Though Ryder had left Novy Medical Team, his concern for Nocturne''s progress never waned.


    Agnes knew he pored over Nocturne''s treatment records and often video-conferenced for crucial


    research meetings.


    "The results are promising," Agnes shared. "He''s staying awake longer each day."


    Her voice betrayed a touch of sadness. Nocturne was already five. Most kids his age were in


    kindergarten, but his condition made that impossible.


    Though a prodigy, Nocturne was missing out on the normalcy of childhood—the scarcity of voices and


    vibrancy in his life.


    Agnes'' greatest wish was for him to attend school, to have friends his age to y and grow with.


    Thetest breakthrough from Nocturne Pharmaceuticals had indeed made a difference.


    Each day, Nocturne woke up twice—once in the morning and again in the evening.


    Even if the mornings were brief and groggy, it was a monumental step for him.


    "Thank you, Ryder," Agnes said, her gratitude evident.


    For Nocturne''s sake, she would always hold a deep appreciation for Ryder.