Carson bowed lower. “Chief Braydon, even if Charles is rescued, Ms. Zeller cannot save him. The No. 7 Toxin in his body is from the Medical Lab's latest research. Fiona mentioned only Silas possesses the antidote, and Ms. Zeller cannot obtain it. Everyone in Mysonna knows Silas's eccentricity. Why would he provide the antidote to save Charles? His death before Ms. Zeller will only reinforce her inability to escape you, wouldn't you agree?”

Braydon lit a cigar, his eyes flashing coldly. “Yvette chose Charles over you. Do you still resent her?”

Carson’s pupils constricted, fear etched on his face. He dropped to his knees with a painful thud.

“Chief Braydon, I would never dare harbor discontent toward Ms. Zeller. May lightning strike me if I do,” Carson swore, his head bowed under Braydon’s gaze.

After a tense silence, Braydon withdrew his gaze, his dark eyes menacing. “Get up.”

Carson cautiously rose, cold sweat beading on his back. Had he shown the slightest dissatisfaction with Yvette, he would likely be dead. He recalled a servant at the training camp who spoke ill of Yvette; Braydon had him strung up, coated in scents to attract wild animals, leaving only bones. Carson witnessed this gruesome scene, Braydon's smiling face forever etched in his memory. Even after overseeing countless tortures in the Goodman family's punishment hall, that memory remained. Braydon's obsession with Yvette was absolute. One line could not be crossed: Yvette.

Braydon puffed his cigar, a sinister smile playing on his lips. “Fiona was discovered and dismissed from the lab.”

Carson was stunned. Fiona, his recommendation, a Level 2 Pharmacist, dismissed? It meant her provision of the No. 7 Toxin to Braydon had been discovered.

“Chief Braydon, is this related to the No. 7 Toxin in Charles?” Carson asked.

Braydon crushed his cigar, chuckling coldly. “She’s useless. It’s merely No. 7 Toxin; she’s unqualified for core projects. Tomorrow, send her to the pharmaceutical company. She still has potential for next year's International Medical Experiment Competition. A top-three finish could make her a Miracle Doctor apprentice.” He paused, leaving unspoken words Carson was not privy to. His ultimate goal: winning the Miracle Doctor's favor.

Carson felt embarrassed but relieved Braydon hadn't abandoned Fiona. If Fiona secured a place in the competition and gained the Miracle Doctor's favor, the medical lab would pale in comparison.

“I understand, Chief Braydon. I’ll send Fiona to the pharmaceutical company tomorrow. She won’t disappoint you in the competition,” Carson assured him.

Braydon's expression softened slightly. Carson, attuned to his moods, noted a lift in his spirits.

Braydon fell silent, his eyes distant. His voice softened. “Carson, why is Yvette so defiant? Why can't she stay quietly by my side?”

Despite Braydon's seemingly harmless demeanor, Carson remained wary. “Chief Braydon, Ms. Zeller is not a woman who stays home. She is too strong. To keep her, you must clip her wings, crush her spirit… otherwise…” Carson trailed off.

Braydon was lost in thought. Carson discreetly left. His ability to read situations was why he had survived so long. Unlike Charles, he wouldn't defy Braydon regarding Ms. Zeller.

Yvette entered Jeremiah’s villa. Four people played cards: Frankie, excited; Bruce, impassive; Chris, uncertain; and Sienna, slyly smiling. They were engrossed in their game, oblivious to her arrival. Sienna revealed a pair of deuces.

“Sorry, I have a pair of deuces. Anyone beat this? Last card,” Sienna announced.

Chris laid down his cards, defeated. He had lost $150,000.

Bruce calmly placed two cards on the table. “Royal flush.”

Sienna and Frankie stared in disbelief. “Didn't you have a wild card?” they exclaimed, realizing their mistake. They each thought they had one.

They watched as Bruce swept the chips. “One wrong move, game over,” they both thought.

Yvette entered, removing her coat. Frankie quickly gathered the cards, looking guilty. Yvette sat on the couch, impassive. Frankie swiftly poured her water, a subtle act of flattery.

Sienna thought, “Why can't I flatter Ms. Zeller like that? I still have much to learn.”