The room was silent. When the doctor entered the elevator, someone blindfolded him. He was led through corridors and hallways to a room. They paused at the door for two minutes before the blindfold was removed, and he was ushered inside.

The room was large and empty. Fred sat on a leather sofa near the window, a smile on his face. He gently caressed a black ring, his finger tracing a dark blue gemstone with meticulous care.

"How was it?" he asked, speaking fluent English.

"I administered the medication as instructed," the doctor replied, nodding.

"What medication?" Fred asked, feigning ignorance.

The doctor shook his head. "I don't know."

"Why did you inject her with it?" Fred pressed.

Again, the doctor shook his head. "I don't know."

"Very good!" Fred smiled, pleased. "Not knowing is for the best! Understand?"

"Understood," the doctor replied, nodding quickly.

Fred regarded him with satisfaction. "Did she put up a fight?"

"She seemed resistant, but offered no real opposition. Perhaps she knew resistance was futile," the doctor answered thoughtfully.

"Good to know. However..." Fred paused. He couldn't believe how easily Lily had been subdued. He wouldn't have invested so much effort if she were so easily handled. Still, it had all been worthwhile. He thought, It'll be quick! Very soon, we will achieve the results we desire.

"Leave! You've done well. You deserve your reward." Fred dismissed him with a wave.

"Thank you, Your Excellency," the doctor bowed.

As he took a step back, he heard a warning: "Remember, your eyes are for seeing patients. Don't look where you shouldn't. Your ears are for hearing medical conditions. Anything else..."

"I won't listen," the doctor replied promptly.

His answer pleased Fred, who chuckled.

The doctor was again blindfolded and led away. He had been to this place three times but still had no idea where it was. Everything had been sudden and forced upon him. He knew only that disobedience would lead to a terrible fate. He thought, Listen and obey, and there will be generous rewards.

As he was led away, he felt a familiar touch on his cufflink—Lily's note.