CHAPTER THIRTY EIGHT – THE MASK FALLS OFF

One night, as Laura was finishing up her charts, she overheard a heated conversation coming from Dr. Carter's office. "This wasn't supposed to happen," a voice she didn't recognize hissed. "The formula was perfect. How did it get out of control?" "Keep your voice down," Dr. Carter replied, his tone urgent. "We can still contain this. No one can know the truth." Laura's blood ran cold. What truth? What did Dr. Carter know about the outbreak? Before she could process what she'd heard, the office door swung open. Dr. Carter emerged, looking startled to see her there. "Laura," he said, his voice carefully neutral. "What are you doing here so late?" Laura struggled to keep her expression neutral. "Just finishing up some paperwork. Is everything okay? I thought I heard voices..." Dr. Carter's eyes narrowed slightly. "Just a colleague calling for a consult. Nothing to worry about." He paused, studying her face. "You look exhausted. Why don't you head home and get some rest?" Laura nodd