Rhea watched Mike's expression, her posture unwavering. After a while, she slowly withdrew her hand, as if already believing him. But Mike remained motionless, leaning against the wall, desolate. "Just kill me," he pleaded. "Kill me, and I'll be relieved!"

"What are you talking about?" Rhea said coldly. "You don't want to save your son anymore? Do you honestly think he's already dead?"

"Whether he's dead or not, what difference does it make? Can you help me save him? Alexander couldn't, so how can you?" Mike turned, noticing the long needle she held – longer than a typical sewing or hospital needle. The thought that this was what Rhea had pressed against him earlier sent a chill down his spine. He broke out in a cold sweat.

Rhea remained nonchalant. "How do you know I can't?" she asked.

"Heh, stop bragging," Mike scoffed. "You don't even know where the organization is. If Alexander couldn't do it, how could you?"

Unfazed, Rhea calmly replied, "Ever heard of 'practice makes perfect'? Besides, not knowing their location doesn't mean I don't know how to save your son. It was the boss's idea to do what he did to your son."

Mike sat up, instantly alert. He had always believed the "boss" was merely an executor, that the organization dictated everything. But Rhea's claim that the kidnapping was solely the boss's idea…

"Weren't you the one who wanted to die? Weren't you just asking me to kill you?" Rhea taunted.

Mike looked at her earnestly. "I don't care if you kill or tear me apart, as long as you can help me save my son!"

"Why would I want to tear you apart? I'm not experimenting," Rhea scoffed, retracting her needle. "Let me tell you something. The situation with your son was the boss's idea. He kidnapped him to pressure you into investing. The organization doesn't lack money, but investment funds are limited. Also..."

"Also, what?!" Mike pressed, eager to hear more.

Rhea smiled. "Also, your son doesn't hold much value to the organization now."

"What do you mean?" Mike's unease grew.

"You should know value is paramount to the organization," Rhea said, turning and smirking. "What purpose do we serve once we lose our value? Do you know the consequences if you and I lose our value?"

Mike furrowed his brow, clenching his fists. "Abandonment. Treated like discarded pawns."

Rhea burst into laughter. "Do you honestly think that's what'll happen? You're so naive! Do you think the organization is that merciful? You and I know too many secrets. If they think we're useless, do you genuinely believe they'd abandon us? Offer us a way out?" She laughed again.

Goosebumps rose on Mike's arms as he tightened his grip. "Are you saying they'll kill us?"