Heartstrings on Fire (Agnes and Jared)
Chapter 902

Ryder broke the silence, his voice revealing an unexpected respect for alternative medicine. "Look, I'm trained in conventional medicine, but sometimes, those herbal medicine can knock out problems we can't even touch. Dr. Hanson, he saved my life once, and his skills... well, they're legendary. If he thinks he can help Nocturne, then that's great

He paused, his expression clouding over. "Truth be told, I'm just feeling beat. After all this time, I still can't crack the formula for an effective treatment."

Agnes rushed to reassure him. "Don't talk like that, Ryder. I'm so grateful for everything you've done. You opened a window of hope for Nocturne's life. Without you, I wouldn't have had the courage to face this disease. Back in Manhattan, your dedication was the light at the end of the tunnel for me. It kept me going, Ryder. Please, don't lose sight of that."

Her words were heartfelt, each one weighted with sincerity.

It took Ryder a long while to respond. "Actually, my dream is to pour investments into Starling City, to build the largest pharmaceutical research institute domestically. I've been acquiring companies, scooping up research facilities... all with the hope that one day, we could find a cure for Nocturne's condition."

Agnes was stunned.

She had no idea that his aggressive takeover of the Harmony Hollow project from the Tim Group and his acquisitions in the pharmaceutical sector had been driven by this single cause.

"You've done all this... for Nocturne?" she asked, barely able to believe it.

"Nocturne was just the catalyst," he admitted. "I've spent years, given my all to studying this sleeping sickness, and I can't reconcile with coming up empty-handed."

With a sigh, Agnes said, "If you're still passionate about research, why not return to the Novy Medical Team? That's where your heart truly lies, isn't it?"

The concern was evident in her voice.

Ryder met her gaze. "I've realized my own limitations. Medical research, like everything else, needs solid financial backing. If I can't do it alone, I'll engage the best minds from around the world. It increases our chances of success."

Agnes looked at him, a complex mix of emotions in her eyes.

"What is it?" Ryder asked.

"Nothing, it's just... For a moment there, I thought I saw Jared Whitfield in you. Ryder, sometimes you really do take after your uncle."

There was a flash of recognition in her eyes - in the way Ryder spoke about capital, his demeanor was strikingly similar to that of a seasoned tycoon.

Agnes thought she might have been mistaken. Maybe Ryder was better suited to the world of business than to a life in medicine.

Ryder's mouth quirked in a wry smile. "Maybe."

During the flight, Agnes hardly spoke to Ryder. She was worn out, body and soul, and took the opportunity to catch up on some sleep.

Upon landing, it was Ryder who gently woke her.

Stepping out of the airport, a sleek car was waiting to whisk Ryder away.

"Where do you need to go? I can drop you off," he offered.

Agnes shook her head. "I'm okay, you go ahead. I'll grab a cab."

Without asking further, Ryder departed.

Hailing a taxi, Agnes headed to the TV station. There was a celebrity interview scheduled for the afternoon, and Judson had tapped her for the job.