Rhea hesitated. "That has nothing to do with me," she finally said.

"Liar! You're all liars!" The man's agitation was palpable. "Even you care about someone. How could Lily not care about anything? No, I'm sure she'd regret it!"

His outburst was unlike him. He usually controlled his temper, but now, Rhea saw a raw fury in his expression and voice, something deep-seated and frightening. He had always considered himself powerful, leveraging his intelligence and cunning to reach his position, to manipulate people. But Lily's words had exposed his vulnerability, his dependence on his employer. The revelation stung, forcing him to confront a harsh truth.

"No, that's not true! When I succeed, I will be king of the world! No one will ever look down on me again!"

He didn't notice Rhea's disturbed reaction as he breathed heavily, hands clenched on the desk. His accusation—that she, too, cared—had struck a chord. She clenched her fists. She did care, deeply. Her mother's grief, her desperate attempt to die with her during her faked death, had touched her, despite her denial. Rhea had always felt overshadowed by Anastasia, believing her mother favored her sister. While Maria claimed this was to curry Cameron's favor, Rhea remained resentful. Cameron had never helped her family, and she couldn't understand her parents' fawning devotion to him or their preferential treatment of Anastasia.

It made Rhea feel insignificant, a shadow compared to her sister, who lived a privileged life thanks to her father's position. She resented Anastasia's princess-like existence, her own Cinderella-like obscurity.

"To hell with the princess and her glass slipper! I want to be a queen!"

The man before her had initiated her into the organization years ago. She'd believed herself hardened, immune to emotion. Yet, witnessing her mother's mourning, her desperate attempt at protection, stirred something deep within her. Her emotional defenses crumbled, leaving her with a terrible sense of loss. She had always craved her mother's love, but it seemed too late.

After several deep breaths, she composed herself. "No," she muttered inwardly, "I don't fucking care about anyone! If Lily doesn't, why should I?"

The weight of her ambition settled upon her. This endeavor would change the world, and she would not be derailed by sentiment.