Chapter 173: A Grey Problem III

Words : 1128 Updated : Oct 13th, 2025

Chapter 173: A Grey Problem III "Athena, hey, you don’t look okay. What’s the problem?" Aiden’s voice was laced with concern as he approached her, but Athena merely sighed, unsure how to respond. She kept her silence, feeling the weight of her exhaustion pressing down on her. Instead, she opened the car door and slid into the front passenger seat. Aiden, sensing that something was amiss, hurried to the driver’s side, his brow furrowing deeper as he searched her face for answers. "Athena, what’s the problem?" He pressed gently once he got settled. "Just work. I’m just tired," She replied, shaking her head dismissively, as if her weariness was an all-encompassing shroud that she couldn’t quite shake off. Her thoughts immediately drifted to Herbert, who she had confirmed was indeed suffering from the Grey disease after running tests. He had asked her to keep it a secret, the distressed look on his face haunting her. How couldn’t she break the news to Zane? She was lost in that moral dilemma, feeling the weight of responsibility and the crushing need for honesty. Fortunately, they had caught Herbert’s condition in the early stages, and it was treatable, but the stinging reality of the situation still tugged at her heart in unanswered questions. The panic didn’t stop there; it spread like wildfire whenever she thought of the recent influx of returning patients—if not more than ten for today alone—who were all resistant to their medications. Worse, patient 409 teetered on the brink of death; her triple dose treatment hadn’t stopped the tides of his illness, yet it had inflicted severe adverse reactions. Athena’s desperation clawed at her, knowing she needed to find a viable cure immediately. "It’s alright, Athena. Take in a deep breath," Aiden encouraged, his voice soothing her inner turmoil just a little. Guided by his words, she inhaled deeply, then exhaled slowly, allowing the rush of air to help steady her racing heart. She loathed feeling this way, hated the pressures that came with caring for her patients’ lives. The thought of losing another one was almost too heavy to bear. "This is little. We’ve been through worse and come out better. You will rise above these too. Those patients won’t die either. I’m sure you will find a cure," He continued, his unwavering faith trying to lift her spirits. "Why are you so damn sure?" She snapped, her frustration bubbling over, but Aiden remained unfazed. "Me?" He chuckled, putting the car into motion. "Athena, you are the baddest doctor I know, the most dedicated and determined. I believe you’ll do it. I don’t know how, but I know you will find a way. You always do. So, chin up!" Athena took another deep breath, inhaling the lingering scent of leather and the faint echoes of Aiden’s optimism, and felt the tension begin to ease a little. "Thanks, Aiden. You are the best." "You’re welcome, Athena. Anytime. Any day." "But has anything turned up for the disease? Are you people making headway?" She asked, turning her gaze to her friend, hoping for some relief. Aiden shook his head, and disappointment washed over her. "Not really. But I’m hopeful. With Herbert’s connections and Old Mr. Thorne’s resources, we should be able to do something, even without the headquarters’ go-ahead." Athena nodded, furrowing her brows in contemplation. "You know the reason why I listened to you and joined the society, leaving the CIA, was because it was independent of the government, daring, ready to take on responsibilities that mattered and didn’t turn against their own. But this time around, I don’t know what to think. Why aren’t they interested in solving the Grey situation? Are they kneeling to someone else now?" "I don’t know, Athena. I’m just as confused as you are. But answers will come soon. Nothing stays hidden forever," Aiden replied with a perplexed expression. "Well, it should arrive soon, because time is of the essence. Many people are dying in areas where I can’t even get the medicine to. We have to stop this madness, Aiden," She insisted, her voice rising in intensity as raw frustration bubbled to the surface. "I know, Athena. I know. And we will stop it," He reassured her, a weight of unwavering support in his tone. Athena sighed again, this time in resignation, and turned her focus outside the window. "And what about the gang? Any news on them yet?" Aiden shook his head once more. "Not really. Just the usual. Moving boxes from one area to another, but it doesn’t mean we should relax our guards. We both know how tricky Morgan can be." Athena nodded, a sense of foreboding creeping back in. "We have to remain vigilant while we wait for your signal to bust them, because we can’t uncover much without intercepting one of those deliveries. Should we stage a ruse to capture one of their delivery vans?" "No, not yet," She responded, shaking her head with determination. "What about a spy? Maybe Susan?" Aiden suggested, his brows lifted in hope. Athena shook her head vehemently. "That’s not Susan’s field." "How would you know, Athena? You wouldn’t even give the young lady a chance!" He pushed back, an edge creeping into his voice. Athena bit her lip, caught in the crossroads of protecting Susan and the risks they faced. "I can’t. It’s not her field. You just have to trust me on this one, Aiden." Aiden said nothing, the weight of silence falling heavily between them. "Aiden..." "You are overprotective of her. Why? The others in HQ are noticing this, and she can’t pretend or impersonate people forever. What if she loses her identity?" He pressed, his eyes carrying an urgent plea. "She won’t!" Athena exclaimed, a fierce conviction ringing through her voice. "I promised her mother before she passed, and I am bent on keeping that promise." Her voice softened as she continued, "I won’t put her in danger. Not like that." "Still, you have to ask for her opinion. Because Susan would make a good spy," Aiden countered gently. Athena sighed in resignation, knowing Aiden wouldn’t let this go easily. "I’ll ask her then. But I’m not letting her become an operative in the Devil’s Scorpions gang. She isn’t ready for that turf." She returned her gaze outside, confusion brewing within her as she watched a familiar figure weaving through the bustling streets. "Where is Antonio heading to?" She asked, keenly observing him as he hurried away. "Probably to meet Herbert. He works with us now," Aiden replied, glancing over just in time to see Antonio slip into a side alley. Athena’s frown deepened as she turned away from the window and squared her shoulders. "And why am I the last person to know about this?"

Chapter 173: A Grey Problem III

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