"You're back!" the man said, his back to her. All she could see was the tall executive chair.

Rhea remained where she stood. "Yes, sir."

"How did it go?"

"A tender event is forthcoming," Rhea replied. "The project will fall to Fabian Moore, placing our lab within the vaccine development center. I visited beforehand; the facilities are excellent, well-equipped, and generously funded by the government—a significant boost for us."

"Terrific!" He sounded pleased, though his voice was grating.

Rhea discreetly touched her ear.

"But why the delay? Why can't they simply give the project to Fabian Moore?" He was clearly impatient.

"Protocol, sir," Rhea explained. "Otherwise, suspicion and criticism would follow, harming us."

"Operating in your country is troublesome, isn't it?" He scoffed.

Rhea raised an eyebrow. "I believe you've forgotten that Hyderland is no longer my country. I am a citizen of Roseroot—your fellow citizen."

The man let out a harsh laugh, swiveling his chair around with a cruel grin. "You? Who do you think you are? Do you believe Roseroot citizenship makes you superior? You and your 'inferior race' should be grateful to even stand near me!"

Rhea frowned, remaining silent.

"Rhea, without the data and information I provided, could you have achieved this? When the experiment succeeds, the world will marvel at you. To whom should you be grateful?" He lifted his chin, arrogant.

"You, sir," Rhea replied, lowering her head respectfully.

"I hope you mean it." His fingers drummed against the chair arms. "Now, how is test subject R16?"

"He survived the rejection period and is progressing rapidly," Rhea answered. "It's only been two days; I haven't had time for a thorough assessment."

"Good. Very good!" The man was satisfied. "We've begun testing on R18; Mike's recording the data. However, I don't trust him. You should check on it."

"Okay," Rhea nodded.

"Also..." He hesitated. "Forget it. Just go!"

Rhea was perplexed.

"I said, you're dismissed. Go!" His impatience flared.

"Yes, sir!" Rhea, unwilling to question him further, departed.

Reaching Level 13, she saw Mike as the elevator doors opened. Ignoring him with a dismissive smile, she started to step out when the man grabbed her shoulder, shoving her back inside.

Stunned, Rhea struggled, but his other hand seized her as she was thrown against the elevator door. "What the f*ck are you doing?" She attempted to kick him with her heel, but he quickly restrained her.

Completely restrained, she could no longer fight back. Breathing heavily, she glared at him, offering a chilling smile. "Do you want to kill me?"