Chapter 29: The Night Glow

Seeing Alicia’s excitement, Townsend couldn’t help but feel joy as well. Alicia, overwhelmed with emotion, stepped forward and hugged him tightly. Alicia couldn’t find the right words to express her immense gratitude, so she resorted to the simplest, purest gesture—a heartfelt hug. It was her way of thanking him for all he had done. As Alicia hugged him, Townsend froze in place. He glanced down at the top of her head, battling the urge to gently stroke her hair. Her unique scent filled his senses, and he bit his lip, trying to suppress the overwhelming emotions. He knew that if he didn’t hold himself back, he’d end up hugging her back in return. After a moment, Alicia, having calmed down, let go of Townsend. The news of the miracle drug had left her so ecstatic that she was momentarily at a loss for words. As she pulled away, Townsend felt an emptiness in his chest where her warm presence had just been. A sense of loneliness washed over him. "Oh my God, I don’t even know how to th