Chereads / Project Lazarus - A Path to a Cure." / Chapter 3 - 3: Vows and Deceptions

Chapter 3 - 3: Vows and Deceptions

The opulent boardroom gleamed under the harsh fluorescent lights, every surface reflecting the opulence and power of the men gathered within. Edgar Vance, now a figure of considerable influence, sat confidently at the head of the table. Flanking him were the greedy board of directors and Dr. Curt, head of his research team.

"Gentlemen," Vance began, a sly smile playing on his lips, "we are on the brink of something monumental."

Dr. Curt cleared his throat. "While the formula we obtained from Dr. Moore was promising, it lacks the potency we anticipated. However, with some adjustments, we've managed to create a version that should suffice for the market."

One of the board members leaned forward, eyes narrowing. "Is it effective enough to warrant mass production?"

Vance's smile widened. "It doesn't have to be perfect. It just needs to be profitable. We've already taken steps to ensure government approval through... certain channels."

The room filled with murmurs of agreement. Corrupt government officials had been bribed, the necessary paperwork forged. The cure for Morterra, though flawed, was set for mass production and distribution. A date for the drug's launch was fixed, and a grand press conference was scheduled to announce their breakthrough to the world.

The day of the press conference arrived. The hall was packed with members of the press and the pharmaceutical community, all eager to hear about the supposed miracle cure. Vance stood at the podium, a picture of excitement and triumph.

"Today marks a new era in medical science," Vance proclaimed, his voice brimming with enthusiasm. "We present to you the cure for Morterra, a beacon of hope for millions!"

Meanwhile, miles away in a modest living room, Ethan sat quietly, his eyes vacant and expression distant. His aunt, a distant relative who had taken him in, turned on the television, curious about the big announcement.

"Ethan, come watch this," she called, not expecting a response. Ethan had been mute ever since that fateful night, a wall of silence protecting him from his trauma.

As the screen flickered to life, Vance's face appeared, larger than life and filled with a false sense of benevolence. Ethan's eyes widened, recognition and terror flooding his features. The memories of his father's murder came rushing back, vivid and unrelenting.

"No!" Ethan screamed, the sound tearing through the silence that had imprisoned him for so long. His aunt jumped in shock, turning to see the boy who had been mute for years finally breaking his silence.

"Ethan, what's wrong?" she asked, but Ethan was beyond words, his eyes fixed on the man who had shattered his world.

In that moment, a fire ignited within him, burning away the years of numbness and despair. He remembered his father's dying wish—to complete the work they had started and not let Vance win. With a newfound sense of purpose, Ethan vowed to fulfill that wish, to honor his father's legacy, and to expose Vance for the monster he truly was.

As Vance basked in the applause of the press conference, unaware of the storm brewing, Ethan's resolve hardened. The path ahead would be treacherous, filled with dangers and challenges. But he was ready. For the first time in years, Ethan Moore found his voice, and he intended to use it to bring down the man who had stolen everything from him.

The journey to redemption and justice was about to begin, and Ethan knew there was no turning back.