"However," Lily paused, "I have a request."

"Name it." The man didn't blink. He seemed unconcerned.

"I'll produce your desired results in five days and then leave safely," Lily said calmly.

"You can't!" The man immediately rejected her. "How will I know it's not fake? How will I know you've succeeded? You leave once we complete the task."

Lily asked, "Once we complete the task? What task?"

The man's reaction was swift. He realized she was trying to elicit their plan and fell silent. After a few seconds, he chuckled. "I almost fell for it, Lily. Why? Are you trying to get me to reveal our plan?"

"Rest assured, you'll learn what you need to know eventually, but not now. Everyone has their responsibilities. So do I!" The man tapped his chest. "So, stop worrying about what you shouldn't and just do a good job. The organization doesn't mistreat those who contribute!"

"Of course, it doesn't spare those who betray it either!" he added coldly, then climbed onto a chair. He didn't look much taller, but his presence was overwhelming. Unlike Alexander, who possessed a noble presence inspiring faith and involuntary obedience, this man instilled only fear. His very presence—his gaze, his body—felt perverse, unpredictable, and suffocating. Yet Lily ignored this, standing to look down at him. "Don't forget I'm only working with you. I agreed to this not because of your threats, but to challenge myself."

"If you can't make me a promise, I can't guarantee the speed or quality of the experiment."

"That's not your decision." The man laughed. "You still don't know what's happening outside, do you?"

Lily was puzzled. She glanced at Mike, who looked equally clueless. Seeing their mutual confusion, Mike rushed forward, slamming his hands on the desk. "What have you done to my son?!" he demanded, his agitation evident as he leaned close to the man.