The brightly lit windows revealed half the building ablaze with late-night activity. Many worked overtime, desperately pursuing their goals. Most were unaware that the vaccine they developed wasn't a vaccine at all, but a psychotropic drug designed for mind control. Its completion would trigger mass injection, transforming everyone into this man's puppets.

"Boss, you needn't pretend. There's no one here. How else would my name be exposed if you hadn't allowed Mike to let Austin escape? This was all part of your plan. I'm merely a pawn."

She lowered her gaze, her voice remarkably calm. She'd known from the outset she was a piece in a larger game. Their plan. The organization was larger than just herself and the boss; he wasn't at the apex. Years of involvement had revealed a higher power, though she'd never discovered its identity. She'd given everything, yet this failed experiment seemed to mark her discard, her stagnation a liability.

After a silent moment, he chuckled. "How did you figure it out?" The rhetorical question neither confirmed nor denied, but Rhea's deduction was clear. He'd deliberately allowed Austin's escape.

"I've been by your side for years. How could I not see how this organization functions? Without your order, Mike couldn't have facilitated Austin's escape so easily. You didn't even search for him afterward, nor punish Mike. Unless this was part of your plan, I can't conceive of any other explanation."

The ease of Austin's escape struck her as odd. This wasn't their first relocation; he'd been drugged, bound, and escorted by specialists. Such an escape implied a lack of control, unless…

"Rhea, you're brilliant! A shame you lack certain… talents," he said, smacking his lips, a gesture of either coffee appreciation or disappointment. He tilted his head, a look of regret on his face. "You're the most hardworking and talented among those I've chosen, but even talent has limits."

"Is that why you're discarding me?" she asked, a glint in her eyes.

"You overthink. The organization hasn't given up on you. If they had, you wouldn't be faking your death; you'd be dead!" His voice sharpened, a harsh edge to the prolonged ending. Rhea's heart sank.

Then he laughed. "Just kidding! A joke! How could I let you die? You've been unfailingly loyal. Lily's finishing the experiment; once that's done, she's gone. If I had to choose, it would be you, without a doubt!"

The final sentence was a placating addition. He turned, gazing into the endless night.