Provoking the man was a risk Lily decided to take. She appeared calm, stroking her belly lightly, but her fist clenched subconsciously. She remained alert, wary of poisoning or trickery.

Mike subtly gulped, glancing at the man peripherally, observing every expression. The man smirked and squinted at Lily, then erupted in his signature shrill laughter. "Hahaha!"

Mike remained speechless as Lily turned her head and covered her ears.

"You're right! No one knows what will happen tomorrow, or even the next second!" the man agreed. "Still, I assure you: if you dare to trick me, your family will suffer an accident! Even if I die, I'll take others down with me!"

He roared with laughter again. Lily stared at him, her lips pursed, her fingers digging painfully into her palms. She yearned to choke him or use her kickboxing skills, but rationality prevailed.

Mike had previously informed her of others in the organization—individuals more powerful than this man, possessing dangerous weapons. The consequences of failing to secure those weapons were unimaginable. And Nick was still missing.

Lily gritted her teeth, slowly loosening her fists. Calmly, she said, "I understand, and that's why I'm here."

The man turned to Mike. "You've made things clear to her?"

Mike nodded. "I told her everything, as you ordered."

"Lily, I know you have your own motives," the man said, "but abandon your unrealistic thoughts. Even the Russells are insignificant. When my plan is complete, you'll see the magnificence of this experiment! You'll be proud to have been a part of it!" He threw his arms wide, resembling a fervent devotee.

His pose triggered a memory in Lily, causing her to squint.

"You may not understand now," he continued. "Most people are fools; we must eliminate or control them. We must make everyone look beyond appearances and judge character. Only the truly brilliant deserve to survive!"

His excitement grew, perhaps from the long-deferred explanation of his plans. "Are you the one who sets the standards?"