A sense of relief flooded Horace, his inner turmoil subsiding momentarily. He had been uncertain how to navigate Ariana's relentless inquiries, and now he felt a reprieve.

Casting a glance at the medicine bottle nestled in Ariana's hand, Horace's mind churned with contemplation. Finally, he spoke pensively.

"Nevertheless, Mrs. Anderson, it is fortuitous that you have discovered this truth. I have endeavored to dissuade the boss, but he remains obstinate. Now that you are aware, I implore you to assist. Please keep a vigilant eye on the boss and prevent him from ever taking this medicine again.”

Ariana saw Horace's certainty that Theodore was not meant to have this medicine and she surmised there must be undesirable effects.

"Do you know what this medicine tastes like?” she inquired, studying the unlabeled bottle.

"Slightly acidic, with a bitter aftertaste," Horace responded, remembering Theodore's prior description.

Ariana emptied the contents of the bottle, replacing them with vitamins from the bedside table. She then handed the bottle back to Horace.

“Return this to him. Tell him it was found in the ward. And don't say that I discovered the bottle," she instructed. After a brief pause, she added, “If he finds out, say it was my doing. Otherwise, don't mention it."

“Okay, I'll keep it a secret," Horace promised, accepting the bottle. He admired her cunning plan and felt reassured by its plausibility. Given that Theodore always swallowed his pills without tasting them, he might not notice the change.

However, Horace's gaze fell upon the pills scattered on the table, and he felt a tinge of worry. Instead of making assumptions, he turned to Ariana.

"How should we dispose of these?"

Ariana contemplated the white pills, before wrapping them up and passing them to Horace.

"Dispose of them properly."

Satisfied with this answer, Horace took the wrapped pills and left the room.

Once he was out of sight, Ariana exhaled in relief. Opening her fist, she revealed a single white pill.

She had kept one for herself when handing over the rest to Horace.

After studying the pill for a moment, she reached for her phone and dialed a number.

The call connected quickly.

"Dr. Chadwick, could you make a visit? I need your help to identify a pill.".

Days rolled on without a glimpse of Theodore.