Chapter 1423

lan had just dropped his daughter and Serena off at Goodwin Manor and was on his way to Eleanor’s lab.

When he saw the call from Dr. Smith, he answered it through his car’s system. “Hello, Dr. Smith.”

“Mr. Goodwin, there’s a situation I must report. Ms. Shannon came to the lab to give blood today, but in her sample, we discovered she’s carrying a contagious infection. Her syphilis antibodies tested positive.”

lan’s heart sank slightly, though a part of him had expected it. He was already aware of how chaotic Vanessa’s private life had become recently.

The news didn’t come as a surprise.

“Doctor, cease all experiments using her blood. I am terminating my contract with her and will no longer be using her,” Ian’s voice was low but carried an unquestionable authority.

Dr. Smith replied with professional caution, “Understood. We will immediately conduct a comprehensive biosafety review of the laboratory.”

“Thank you,” lan said, ending the call. He immediately dialed Gavin Young.

Gavin answered, “Hello, Mr. Goodwin.”

“Process a termination for Vanessa’s contract. You can notify her.”

“Mr. Goodwin, is there a particular reason?” Gavin asked.

“Call the doctor. He’ll give you the details,” Ian stated flatly.

“Understood.” Gavin hung up.

Back in Dr. Smith’s office, Vanessa had finished resting and was scrolling through her phone, thinking about hiring an assistant. After ten years, she had grown accustomed to having someone wait on her.

Just then, the door opened, and Dr. Smith’s assistant walked in.

“Is something wrong?” Vanessa asked, sitting up straight.

“Ms. Shannon, please don’t leave just yet. Gavin will be here to see you shortly,” the assistant told her.

Vanessa raised an eyebrow. “Gavin? Why is he looking for me?”

“I’m not sure of the specifics. The doctor asked that you wait a little longer,” the assistant said before leaving.

Vanessa was puzzled, but then a thought occurred to her. Was he here to discuss the gift for her birthday next month?

She settled in to wait, feeling perfectly at ease. About fifteen minutes later, she heard footsteps

outside again he door opened, and Dr. Smith and Gavin walked in together.

Vanessa smoothed her hair and sat up, maintaining her elegant posture. She smiled. “Doctor, Gavin. Is something the matter?”

Dr. Smith looked at her with a hint of pity. “Ms. Shannon, there is something we must inform you of.”

Seeing his grave expression, Vanessa’s heart tightened. “Doctor, what is it?”

Dr. Smith handed her the day’s blood test report. “Ms. Shannon, in today’s blood test, we detected that you are currently infected with syphilis. Your blood can no longer be used for laboratory research.”

Vanessa felt as if she had been struck by lightning. She snatched the report and scanned it. When she saw the word “positive,” she slapped

a hand over her mouth, staring at the results in utter disbelief.

Syphilis? How was that possible? How could she have contracted such a dirty disease?

“Impossible. This is absolutely impossible! You’ve made a mistake, you must have! I would never get a disease like this,” Vanessa denied vehemently, her chest heaving. Her mind was in chaos, unable to believe this was happening to her.